These past three internships have been such amazing experiences. Each one of them brought new insight, deeper knowledge, and a more mature love for my future profession. I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for Ogallala Commons, I wouldn’t be where I am now, an upcoming medical student. Throughout this internship, I was able to work more alongside chronic care patients and to learn the difference between paternalistic medicine approaches vs. partnership methods. One heavily relies upon the doctor’s “orders” and suggestions to a patient without much input from the patient rather than just yes or no, while the other is a teamwork approach between the provider and patient. Another aspect that I learned this year was how to thoroughly but quickly, attend to acute care cases. Furthermore, I was able to learn from Dr. Jubay his methods in assessing whether an acute care patient should be admitted or seen for a follow up only.
A different facet from last year was learning the process in the recruitment of other physicians and the adjustment in learning their style and habits. This year we were very fortunate to have a new physician join the ranks of PMC and FHRC, Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith is a former cardiologist who is now practicing family medicine. With his former specialty field, he brings a ton of knowledge we were all able to benefit from. It was wonderful to get to know about him and to see how the process of his recruitment was achieved. I know have more insight into hospital administration as well as more physician to physician interactions.
One of the most important things I was able to do this year that differs from last year’s experiences was that I was able to complete my internship while having the honor of interviewing at various medical schools. I am proud to say that Dr. Jubay and Ogallala Commons were pivotal in my path to this next step in becoming a doctor myself. I am also highly honored to now say that I am one of the 100 students selected to be a part of the class of 2022 for Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas. This new chapter will be one of the toughest but also one of the most rewarding in my life. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Darryl, Dr. Jubay, Suzie Spring, and all the wonderful staff and employees of PMC and FRHC. I will forever be in their debt and will forever be grateful to OC for its love, understanding, and support my goals and dreams. I pray that one day I am able to serve, through OC, for the betterment of young individuals in their pursuit of a higher calling. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, unique opportunities, and for the chance at my pursuit of happiness. I once read that “where your talents meet the needs of the world, that is where God will call you to serve.” Although I fail the Lord daily, I pray to become a more faithful man and to allow Him to use the talents He instilled in me for a purpose greater than myself. My next steps are going to India for a medical mission trip in 8 days and medical school in July! Thank you for all of this OC.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Love,
Esdras Obed Rodriguez
