Do not allow anyone to distract you from that dream. They may not know you and don't understand that unknown factor, which is your will, your perseverance. Dr. Guillory knows the drill well, having been cautioned many times against entering the field of medicine. The person who wants to go into medicine must have a burning desire to become a physician. It's important they do not allow negativity to enter the picture.
Compassion tops the list.
I tell medical students to have compassion, but be knowledgeable. Dr. Guillory feels particularly fortunate that neonatalogy presents an ideal opportunity to know the patient and the family. I've had the parents of patients who have died call me back and ask me to take care of their next child. For a doctor who wears multiple hats, it comes as no surprise that job satisfaction is three-fold. The third aspect is being able to do what I originally started, to be a part of programs and healthcare policy that will ensure everybody has equal access to health care.