Look for places that are more interested in health care than in the bottom dollar. Dr. Wilson (seated) discusses patient care on a mission trip to Nicaragua. you ever have second thoughts about the much-publicized pitfalls: money (again), burnout, lack of prestige? Dr. Wilson: You have to be a strongminded person. If you know that primary care is going to make you happy, then you have to figure out a way to not burn out. For example, when I was looking for jobs, I told my potential employers, ‘It’s non-negotiable: I’m not going to see 40 patients in a day.’ So you have to look for places that are more interested in health care than in the bottom dollar. They’re hard to find, but I did it. Because my new clinic is an FHQC (Federally Qualified Health Center), they get federal funds so they don’t have to push numbers like more traditional practices. I wouldn’t feel right if I were working in a setting where I had 10 minutes to see
48 Journal for Minority Medical Students
a patient who had five medical conditions. I think that’s the biggest reason primary care docs have burnout: they have to see so many people. If you see 40 patients per day, that’s 200 patients a week, and even if only 50% of those people get labs, then you’re having to look at 100 labs and call 100 people back or write 100 letters and on top of that. What else was “nonnegotiable” for your contract? Dr. Wilson: I also have an interest in global health, I made sure I would be able to have time off to do medical mission trips. I went to Honduras this year, Nicaragua last year, Haiti this year. As long as you know what you want and need ahead of time, there’s such a paucity of primary care doctors that you can negotiate what you want to keep you sane.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Dr. Wilson: As the health care system improves, I think the reimbursement system will improve as well and more academic institutions will start focusing on care for the underserved, which is where my heart is. I used to be a teacher before I went to med school, so an academic position where I could do clinical work as well as teach med students and residents would be ideal for me. What other tips do you have for med students as they start to consider their futures? Dr. Wilson: Definitely learn a language! An additional language is a great bonus if you’re trying to get into a quality residency and a bargaining chip with potential employers.