Dr Lawrence MacDonald

I remember the day I finally knew I wanted to be a physician. I was working as a pharmacist at the old Grace Hospital on 7 Miles and Myers in Detroit. I was rounding with Dr Kenneth Bergsman, an oncologist (cancer specialist). I knew absolutely nothing about oncology or medicines used in cancer treatment. Patients quickly realized that I was not going to be useful source of information about their illness. Sadly, neither the patients or I had a clue about cancer.

As I watched my oncologist mentor interact with patients, one particular woman left an impression on me. She was in her late 50s and had a low platelet count. Her condition required a consult from a hematologist (expert in blood diseases). After, Dr. Bergsman interviewed her to get more medical history. He took a thorough history and did a physical exam. For 10 minutes, I watched him talk to her and exam her abdomen, palms and eyes. He diagnosed her with a potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that effects blood cells.

I watched him take 15 - 20 minutes with his patient to reach a diagnosis mostly on the basis of his observations and questions. This is the what makes a doctor a good internist. He takes a great history, thinks about it and figures out a plan of action. I decided that is the kind of doctor I wanted to be.