Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Kay Durst who is a practicing family medicine physician in South Carolina. As a physician of over 20 years, Dr. Durst reminisces what it’s like to practice medicine before today’s technological advances. Dr. Erkeda also chats with her about her colorful journey to becoming a doctor and her passion for lifestyle and preventive medicine.
- [00:34] Dr. Durst’s Medical Journey and Background
- [06:37] Why Family Medicine?
- [12:53] The Evolution of Medicine
- [19:38] What Dr. Durst Would Change about Healthcare
- [23:36] Wellness and Lifestyle Medicine
- [25:05] Best Advice that Dr. Durst Has Received
Why Family Medicine?
Dr. Durst is a 3rd generation doctor. Initially, she was unsure if her desire to become a physician was because of her family’s background or because of her own interest. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in anthropology and completing her internship, Dr. Durst realized that she still wants to pursue medicine after all.
Dr. Durst liked that family medicine physicians felt close to their patients. Growing up, she saw that her grandfather and father were treated as if they were part of their patients’ families. Being a part of a community and giving back to it felt meaningful. Also, family medicine itself is an interesting field where you can help patients in multiple ways.
The Evolution of Medicine
Back in the day, there were no electronic records so everything had to be written down on paper. There wasn’t even a hospitalist physician, it was unheard of. Dr. Durst would have to wake up at 3AM in order to do her rounds at several hospitals. Keeping up with this lifestyle was challenging. What Dr. Durst misses the most about the early days of her practice was the camaraderie between different doctors.
Comparing then to now, so much has changed. Medical records are now digital, and there are more diagnostic and treatment tools available. Quality measures are available to catch early signs of diseases. Technology helps us focus more on prevention and the continuity of care. As innovations in healthcare continue, so will the advancements in medicine.
Healthcare’s Shift Towards Preventive Medicine
The healthcare system is starting to recognize the importance of wellness and lifestyle medicine. Instead of just diagnosis and treatment, we’re now thinking of ways on how to prevent disease. Hospitals and clinics are slowly focusing on the quality instead of the quantity of care. There are now programs and teams that are meant to look after the well-being of healthcare workers. By ensuring the health and happiness of healthcare professionals, we also improve patient care.
Reach out to Dr. Kay Durst by sending her a message through e-mail or Instagram.
Got questions, feedback, or suggestions? Send a message to Dr. Erkeda DeRouen’s Instagram or MedSchoolCoach’s Instagram.
