4 minute read
PAFP 2020 Co-Family Physician of the Year: DELANA WARDLAW, MD
PAFP 2020 Co-Family Physician of the Year Delana Wardlaw, MD discusses her career in family medicine, equal access to care, and why representation matters.
Let’s go all the way back to the beginning: when did you realize you wanted to be a doctor?
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Initially I thought I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. However, as I journeyed through school, I realized math and science were my strengths and teaching wasn't quite for me.
When I was 8 years old, my maternal grandmother died at the age of 53 from breast cancer. That is a mere eight years older than I am today. I did not learn of the exact cause of her death until I was in high school. It was at that time I became interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Why did you decide to pursue the specialty of family medicine as a career?
I wanted a specialty that allows me to have a direct impact on my patients and my community. There are many health disparities that exist in medicine and my goal is to decrease such. My grandmother died of breast cancer, a disease that if diagnosed at an early stage, she would have had a higher chance of survival.
Equal access to quality health care allows patients who face social and economic challenges to have better detection and survival rates. As a family physician, I have the unique opportunity to bridge the gaps in health care by directly educating my patients about disease processes, treatment plans, and emphasize preventive medicine as well.
By allowing my patients to have an integral part in their health matters, compliance improves greatly. Patients appreciate when their voices are heard.
What is your favorite part of practicing family medicine?
Treating multiple generations of several families and the variety of medical conditions I am able to diagnose and treat on a regular basis. Also being a part of community events and educating patients outside of the office.
Do you have any role models that have impacted the way you practice medicine?
I have a few. My mother and paternal grandmother were the first to introduce me to the medical field. My mother worked as a phlebotomist at Kensington hospital and she always treated the patients with kindness and respect. She had a calming effect that allowed them to relax and she could draw the blood with ease. It seemed as if she never missed. As a physician, if you allow the patient to feel comfortable and relax, it allows for a more productive encounter.
My grandmother worked as nurse on the labor and delivery unit at Pennsylvania hospital. She worked the overnight shift and sometimes we
would stay up late to drop her off. The mere exposure to such a career at a young age allowed me to realize anything was attainable.
My residency director, the late Dr. William H. Rodgers, III was the epitome of a family physician. He trained the residents to not only treat medical problems, but to also address social situations. He taught us to put the pen down (this was before electronic medical records) and listen to the patient. Advocating for the patient and proper documentation are also skills he shared that I still rely upon today.
cal office, she provided me with tools to navigate the male dominated medical field.
What advice would you give to aspiring family physicians?
Excel in your course work, particularly math and science, volunteer at a local hospital or long-term care facility, identify a mentor that will help you navigate the various educational and medical school processes. Shadow a family physician in the office or hospital. Identify educational opportunities that will increase your exposure to medicine.
As a junior at Temple University, I participated in an internship through the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania. I was exposed to a different medical specialty every week for two months. The experience confirmed my interest in medicine and it allowed me to connect with mentors. Once you are in medical school, be sure to find a good study partner. My twin sister, Dr. Elana McDonald, is a pediatrician, and we did all of our schooling together. Thus, I was fortunate to always have a reliable study partner. We still bounce clinical scenarios off each other today.
What does representing the PAFP as the family physician of the year mean to you?
For me, representation is important. As an African American female, only 2% of the physicians in this country look like me. There are still several times when I am not recognized as the physician in a clinical setting because it’s not common to see African American female physicians. As a recipient of this award, it will encourage aspiring physicians to pursue their dream. Seeing is believing which leads to achieving.
I am grateful for all those who submitted a nomination on my behalf. I am a proud family medicine physician and honored to take care of my patients. It is an amazing feeling to know that others recognize all the hard work and dedication.
I am also highly appreciative of the tremendous support system I have including my husband, Khalif, who has been unwavering in his support of all my dreams and my wonderful children who never complain when Mommy has to work late. My parents, for whom I am forever grateful for instilling in me the value of a good education and for making tremendous sacrifices for me and my three siblings. Thank you all for helping me be the best I can be.
Watch www.pafp.com for information about about next year's PAFP awards contest. Nominations for 2021 award winners will open later this year. 2021 AWARDS NOMINATIONS
