Helping Humanity

Working as a medical assistant in an OB/GYN office I’ve had the opportunity in bringing a patient into a room and getting her chart set up for the doctor. I ask pertinent information concerning her reason for the office visit, current medications and allergies as well as history that included past diagnosis, pregnancies and STDs if any, menstruation cycling and family health. I came across a patient who was young and pregnant (this of course is the general description for most OB/GYN patients). However, she was different. 

I started off taking her blood pressure the same as I do for any patient. She said she was fine, she had no concerns just a normal OB checkup. She came in several times again as she progressed through her gestational stages, allowing me to get to know her very well.  During her thirty sixth week gestational office visit I called her back to get weighed. I noticed her clothing was too small, the same outfit she donned the last two appointments seemed to suffocate her now. Her emotional state was worn out.

She complained in the room during her visit that she had no support by her family. The baby’s father was gone, wanting nothing to do with her or the baby. She couldn’t bend over very well and so her cleaning job was being affected, getting less hours and making less money. She expressed how uncomfortable she felt because she had no maternity clothing. I quickly pooled resources for free clothing, car seats, and help with food for her. She was very thankful and she took advantage of the resources. One thing I’ve learned time and time again is I can’t help humanity unless humanity wants to be helped. I believe the best way to help humanity is to be human. 

Knowing and seeing their concerns and being able to connect with them on their level is essential communication that can and will set the stage for treatment and success in the medical field. I came from a small town in southern California, a town called Yucca Valley, we lived in the shadows of places like Los Angela’s, Beverly Hills, San Diego, and Palm Springs. The general population is on drugs, teen pregnancies are the norm, suicide prevalent, and success is virtually unseen. 

My high school graduating class was thirty. Graduating with my high school diploma people treated me like I had just gotten my PhD. I honestly felt like I had been that successful. I don’t claim to be a genius, however I understand people. I know how to connect and get them the help they need in their health care journey.

Progress in healing is delayed when a patient isn’t understood, success of treatment can be challenging with pre-scorned patients who have their guard up constantly. The bruised and broken are where I find my true calling, helping those who have a medical need is my passion. If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything; no chance to better the future or accomplish those things that can bring a life of quality. I believe that in healthcare we see it all, the broken bodies and the broken souls.