The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Noel N. Deep, MD, an internist in Antigo, Wisconsin.
AMA member since: 2000.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: I credit my parents. Both were in the medical field and I spent a considerable amount of my childhood watching them help or family and friends with their health care needs. I was also inspired by watching the doctors at the hospital where my mother worked in India providing care to patients.
How I move medicine: By working with our AMA to advocate for my patients and my profession; by helping to improve my patients’ health; by working to improve the health care environment for our patients and our profession. And I move medicine by encouraging my fellow physicians to join the AMA in improving health care for America.
Career highlights: Over the past decade, I have had the immense pleasure and privilege of working with some of the foremost leaders in medicine with the Wisconsin Medical Society, the American College of Physicians and the AMA. Serving as the president of the Wisconsin Medical Society and as the current governor of the Wisconsin chapter of the American College of Physicians and a member of the AMA’s Council on Science and Public Health have been great honors for me.
Being a member of organized medicine and participating in the state and national advocacy efforts always makes me proud of the physician that I am and the organizations that I represent. Teaching medical students through the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin provides me with an opportunity to work with the next generation of physicians and helps me pay it forward.
My wife and I have supported the efforts of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation through their many programs that assist medical students as they train to become future leaders of health care. Serving on the hospital board of trustees gives me an opportunity to advocate for the physicians and the patients, while being a member of the Wisconsin Council for Immunization Practices helps me contribute toward improving the immunizations in Wisconsin.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Young people should pursue a career in health care as it is a very rewarding experience. You are in a unique position of caring for people at their most vulnerable situations in life—as they face health problems—and your empathy and comforting care makes a big difference to them. The current developments and the many hassles that we face today might look challenging, but I would not give up this profession for anything else.
Aspect of my work that means the most: The day-to-day patient care and interactions trump everything else. The satisfaction that you gain from knowing that you have made a difference in your patient's life, and the gratitude that they express makes it worth all the hard work and effort that you put in every day.
Learn more about AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
