Physicians are privileged to see patients at their most vulnerable, to reshape lives and continually revitalize the nation’s health system. In a challenging practice environment, physicians remain driven by the power of healing and the indelible connections they form with patients and families.
The AMA Wire® “When I Knew Medicine Was My Calling” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the lives of the busy women and men navigating new courses in their careers and in American medicine. No matter their age, their specialty or their career stage, they were born to do this and they tell us why.
Share a moment with: Frank A. Clark, MD, a general adult psychiatrist at Greenville Health System/Marshall Pickens Hospital and governing council chair of the AMA Minority Affairs Section.
I was born to: Faithfully sow seeds.
My source of inspiration: My source of inspiration stems from my faith in God, and my mother, who I refer to as my “faithful fan.” Throughout my life, my mom continues to serve as a beacon of hope and motivation in my life. She, along with my faith community, has helped me endure trials and tribulations that have occurred in my life and in my medical career. Faith, prayer and a strong supportive network provide me with the armor that I need to face any battle. They provide a shield that is coated with resilience and endurance.
My hope for the future of medicine: We live in an age where there is only one constant: change. We must choose how we want to approach the ever-evolving field of medicine. Personally, I believe we were made for such a time as this. It is an honor and privilege to practice medicine and serve our communities despite the never-ending battle of developing strategies to achieve health equity. We need more trailblazers and pioneers from diverse backgrounds to have a seat at the table and lay out their visions for health care. My hope is that we will be able to attract these young souls, who are often discouraged from pursuing a career medicine due to a multitude of factors including financial debt.
The hardest moment in medicine and how I got past it: Adversity has a way of releasing a venom called humility that permeates every cell of your body. I was introduced to this venom multiple times throughout my medical school career. I began medical school in 2003 and entered with a full scholarship that would leave me debt free. What more could a person ask for?
Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen psychosocial and academic stressors, which led to development of clinical depression, I lost my scholarship. I failed my first year of medical school, Step 1 of my medical school boards, a biostatistics course and my surgery clerkship. This led to me having to extend my medical school career by an extra three years.
It is easy to start playing those negative thought patterns and engage in catastrophic thinking when events like this occur in one’s life. I am thankful for the supporting cast of my Savior, mother, friends and academic support network, who believed in my abilities to succeed. My mom’s famous words are, “Son, never give up.” In retrospect, I’m thankful for those grueling experiences, because they have made me a better man and physician.
The most challenging aspects of caring for patients: I have found that the most challenging aspects of caring for patients revolve around lack of resources. I see this on a constant basis when caring for our homeless population and individuals who are uninsured. I would also add that, at times, I become frustrated when insurance companies dictate how we care for our patients. We are all consumers and have been patients ourselves. In order to provide better services, we must advocate for the missing ingredients that are needed to ensure better health outcomes.
The most rewarding aspect of caring for patients: I enjoy the therapeutic alliance that physicians form with their patients. I have the opportunity to see my patients during the lows and the highs of their lives. Our patients are willing to share intimate details of life, which is something we often take for granted. I get tickled when my patients develop new insights about themselves and start to replace self-criticism with self-compassion. They have a new narrative, which is powerful and life-changing for them and their families. That in itself brings a smile to my countenance.
The skills every physician should have but won’t be tested for on the board exam: In my opinion, every physician should be equipped with a tool belt. This belt is filled tools that symbolize compassion, empathy, altruism, curiosity, professionalism, integrity, creativity and a strong work ethic. If you possess these skills, you will have a fruitful and prosperous career.
One question students should ask themselves before pursuing medicine: How can I use my background, diverse skill set and experience to help provide patient-centered care and revolutionize the field of medicine?
A quick insight I would give students who are considering medicine: My biggest advice is to seek mentorship. Additionally, do not be discouraged by people who I refer to as “haters.” If you have a passion, then look to those who are willing to invest their time and energy in helping achieve your goals. Keep your eye on the prize. I had a lady once tell me I was not cut out for medical school. If I had listened to her, I would not be responding to these questions.
Mantra or song to describe my life in medicine: The song that best describes by life in medicine is, “His Strength is Perfect” by CeCe Winans. There are some days when my gas tank is on empty, but I’m reassured through songs like this that God can provide restoration and rejuvenation for that faint of heart. And my mantra is, “To whom much is given, much is required,” Luke 12:48.
