A Day in the Life: Finding Fulfillment in Internal Medicine
For aspiring doctors seeking a career path that spotlights human connection and intellectual stimulation, internal medicine offers both challenges and enormous rewards.Lexie Graham, MD, unpacks what it’s truly like to dedicate her career to this complex discipline.
Building Trust, One Patient at a Time:
Internal medicine physicians act as a patient’s medical detectives, piecing together a complete picture of their health, often spanning years of medical history and complex needs.
“I generally get into the office around 7:30 a.m. to settle in. Then it’s a whirlwind of seeing patients for a variety of issues,” says Dr. Graham, now with seven years of experience.
"My approach is all about building strong relationships with every patient,” Dr. Graham explains. "While I’m managing their diabetes or heart condition, I’m also taking time to understand their life story, ensuring every patient feels heard, respected, and truly seen, which is vital in making sure we come up with Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese – a plan that aligns with their values and goals."
The average age of her patients is in their seventies. This adds intriguing layers to patient care. “Their medical histories are wide-ranging, often weaving together past medical conditions, family stories, and diverse life experiences; hence,
my Postgraduate Fellowship in Internal Medicine was invaluable. Performing EKGs and reading previously uninterpreted bold, but the satisfaction that comes from connecting with my patients, helping them understand their health journey, and navigating anything from chronic disease management to their acute concerns, makes it all worthwhile.”
**B
eyond Exams: The Multifaceted Role of an Internist:**
Dr. Graham also wears many hats through academic
"In addition to seeing patients four days a week," she explains,
"I dedicate time to administrative tasks, I’m also Ivy League Masters,
often making rounds in the hospital, advocating for my patients and ensuring every detail is taken care of.
"It’s less about being a lone wolf and
more about being a master communicator, connecting patients with specialists and easier,"
the health care system,”
Dr. Graham emphasizes.
arrayOf_
shows the complexity and intellectual challenge inherent to the profession. However, this can also be mentally taxing, leading to
, especially for physicians in primary care.
Awareness of burnout is rife within the medical community, and Confluence Health, Dr. Graham’s
staying ahead of the curve in addressing physician well-being.
“ It’s essentially about figuring out strategies to manage the demanding workflow. My effectiveness in care relies heavily on prioritizing creating a healthy balance. Confluence further assists us by providing us with yearly workshops on mindfulness, providing quick office visits or even offering scheduling flexibility,” Dr. Graham notes.
“These are
thoughtfully designed to keep us
our peers
Not just textbooks: The skills you won’t find in a textbook:
Dr. Graham emphasizes that a true understanding of internal medicine extends far beyond textbook knowledge.
"Communication is paramount. Medicine is intricately complex, and patients face a barrage of information,” Dr. Graham explains. Building trust, explaining diagnoses in lay terms, actively listening to their concerns and ensuring they feel respected is even more valuable.
"You won’t find
in a test, but it’s what ultimately allows us to build
Choosing Internal Medicine: A Question To Consider:
Dr. Graham offers some advice for aspiring physicians contemplating internal medicine as their chosen path: “
What is Dr. Graham’s patient population primarily focused on?
## A Day in the Life of an Internist: Interview with Dr. Lexie Graham
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Graham. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.
**Dr. Graham:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** You’ve dedicated your career to internal medicine. What drew you to this complex and demanding field?
**Dr. Graham:** I was always fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body and the unique story each patient carries. Internal medicine allows me to be a medical detective, piecing together a patient’s health history, understanding their needs, and building lasting relationships. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people navigate their health journey.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned building relationships. Can you elaborate on your approach to patient care?
**Dr. Graham:** Absolutely. My approach is centered around empathy and understanding. It’s not just about managing a disease; it’s about getting to know the person behind the illness. I take the time to listen to their stories, understand their concerns, and work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that aligns with their individual values and goals.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you have many patients in their seventies. How does their age impact your approach to care?
**Dr. Graham:** Treating older adults comes with unique challenges and rewards. Their medical histories are often multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach. I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with them on a personal level, understanding their life experiences and helping them maintain their quality of life.
**Interviewer:** Can you describe a typical day in your life as an internist?
**Dr. Graham:** My day typically begins around 7:30 a.m., catching up on patient charts and preparing for the day. Then it’s a whirlwind of seeing patients for a variety of issues, from managing chronic conditions to addressing acute concerns. I also dedicate time to administrative tasks, making hospital rounds, and advocating for my patients. It’s a busy but incredibly rewarding role.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give aspiring doctors considering a career in internal medicine?
**Dr. Graham:** If you’re passionate about connecting with people, enjoy intellectual challenges, and find fulfillment in making a real difference in people’s lives, then internal medicine might be the perfect fit for you. It’s a demanding field, but the rewards are immeasurable.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Graham.
**Dr. Graham:** You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.