Adwoa Opoku-Boateng ’05
Endocrine Surgery
Scottsdale, Arizona
Being the funniest in the bunch (at least from my point of view), though the jury may still be out on that one. When I am together with friends and family, we are always laughing and reminiscing.
I would have to say there are two. The first that comes to mind is operating with Leonard L. Bailey ’69. Having the opportunity to observe a pediatric heart case opened my eyes to the possibility and power of surgery. Another favorite memory would have to be taking part in mission trips to Mexico. Setting up the clinics and working with patients was a highlight of my medical school experience. It gave me a glimpse of what practicing medicine in its purest form looks like and helped me visualize what I hoped to do in the future.
I don’t think I could name one particular instance. I find meaning in moments when my patients come to a better understanding of what is happening to them and when they put their trust in me. I also treasure when a medical student or resident is able to not only put into practice but successfully teach someone else a concept or skill that I initially taught them.
If I were to have pursued a different field, I think I would have been a coach. I have always been a huge sports fan, and I think I would enjoy coaching because it combines both my passion for teaching and my love of sports.
I’d like to be better at enjoying the moments as they come. We spend so much time working toward the end goal of practicing medicine that we don’t always enjoy the journey of becoming a physician, or at least pausing in the bright spots of the journey. Take a moment to reflect and celebrate the little moments on the way to the finish line. The patient that gives you a hug or sends you a card; those are moments worth celebrating.
Fall in love with taking care of yourself because self-care is important. It is crucial to take the time to reset and recharge in the same way we encourage our patients and those around us to. It has been said, “Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have.”