Interview with Sport Professional assignment (1)
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University of Kentucky *
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473
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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9
Uploaded by stevensonaaliyah9
Interview With Sport Professional
Abstract
In this assignment, I had the opportunity to engage in an insightful interview with Dr. John
Olsofka, a highly accomplished surgeon renowned for his success in numerous bariatric
surgeries, including my own. Our discussion provided valuable insights into the path to
becoming a surgeon, shedding light on aspects such as medical school rotations and the
residency experience. Despite my distinct career aspirations, not aligned with bariatric surgery,
the conversation with Dr. Olsofka proved to be both enlightening and motivating, significantly
contributing to my journey toward a career in surgery.
I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. John Olsofka, a seasoned general surgeon
specializing in various surgical areas, including bariatrics, general surgery, hernia repair, and
colon and rectal procedures in Louisville, KY. With over 28 years of medical practice, he
graduated from the University of Louisville in 1994, having completed medical school,
residency, and a medical internship, all within the same institution. Conducted via Zoom, the
interview provided me with valuable insights into the life of a surgeon. My choice to interview
Dr. Olsofka was influenced by both personal and professional factors; he serves as one of my
physicians, shares an alma mater with the medical school I aspire to attend, and is affiliated with
the University of Louisville Hospitals, where I envision initiating my surgical career.
Furthermore, Dr. Olsofka stands out as the sole surgeon within my network of contacts, aligning
with my dream of pursuing a career in surgery.
Throughout my undergraduate journey, my unwavering aspiration to become a doctor has
been a constant. However, I frequently oscillated between various medical specialties. Despite
the lingering uncertainty regarding a specific specialization, I am unequivocal about not settling
for a conventional physician role; instead, I am resolute about pursuing a career as a surgeon.
The significance of becoming a doctor is deeply rooted in my personal history, as I have
encountered numerous individuals discouraging me from pursuing this dream. Some have
attempted to narrow my ambitions, suggesting paths like nursing or medical assisting. While I
hold immense respect for those professions, they do not align with my aspirations. My
determination lies in achieving what some perceive as impossible. I am determined to break
generational curses within my family, serving as the first college graduate and doctor. In doing
so, I aim to establish myself as a role model for future generations in my family.
At one point, I contemplated the path of a Physician Assistant (PA) due to misguided
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opinions suggesting that medical school would be too challenging for me. Temporarily swayed, I
allowed these perspectives to influence my decisions. Fortunately, I regained clarity and
realigned myself with my ultimate goal. I envision myself exclusively as a surgeon, with specific
interests in orthopedic surgery, emergency surgery, sports medicine, and obstetrics. This steadfast
commitment reflects my resolute pursuit of a challenging yet fulfilling career in medicine.
This profession is currently experiencing a notable demand for increased representation,
particularly among individuals of color and women. Shockingly, women constitute just 12.98%
of practicing surgeons in the United States, with Black women making up a mere 0.074% of this
already limited percentage (Bryant MSc et al., 2021).The scarcity of physicians from diverse
backgrounds, particularly women and people of color, has given rise to a concerning bias within
the medical field. Individuals from these groups frequently find themselves overlooked when
presenting their symptoms to certain physicians.
I have dedicated my life to the pursuit of a surgical career with the intention of addressing
the bias gap and effecting positive change in the nuanced areas of the medical field. Specifically,
I have chosen four distinct specialties for meaningful reasons. Orthopedic surgery stands out to
me because I would defy expectations as a candidate and embrace the challenge of one of the
most demanding roles in the field. Additionally, I aspire to blend orthopedic surgery with
emergency surgery, aiming to create a dynamic and multifaceted career.
This aspiration is rooted in a poignant childhood memory where, at the tender age of
three, I tragically witnessed a life being taken in a drive-by incident. Although I, as a toddler,
couldn't fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, the urgency to help that I expressed has
remained etched in my memory. It seems to me that this early experience was a divine signal, a
calling guiding me toward a career in surgery.
As for sports medicine and obstetrics, these are my more lighthearted choices—avenues
where I envision enjoying my work to the fullest, but also being able to be a face of
representation of my community. They represent areas where I believe I can bring enthusiasm
and make a positive impact.
I interviewed Dr. Olsofka because he's the sole surgeon in my network. Our conversation
provided valuable insights into the academic journey and daily life of a surgeon. Dr. Olsofka's
candid perspective, highlighting the increasing challenges in the journey, offered a reality check
that adjusted my attitude amid senioritis. His honesty was refreshing, breaking the misconception
that life becomes easier after obtaining a degree.
I appreciated his emphasis on the idea that a grade doesn't define a person. While
acknowledging the importance of grades, he stressed that they don't encapsulate one's identity.
This reassurance was particularly impactful, especially considering that my dream medical
school, the University of Louisville, operates on a pass or fail scale. It affirmed that my
personality and the demonstration of my intelligence matter more than a mere grade letter on a
transcript. His insights into the life of a surgeon not only filled me with excitement for my own
journey but also served as a wake-up call. Dr. Olsofka's words inspired me to regain focus,
redouble my efforts, and finish my undergraduate degree with strength and determination.
References
References
Bryant MSc, J.-P., Nwokoye MS, D. I., Cox, M. F., & Mbabuike MD, N. S. (2021,
March).
The progression of diversity: Black women in neurosurgery
. JNS.
https://thejns.org/configurable/content/journals$002fneurosurg-
focus$002f50$002f3$002farticle-pE9.xml?t:ac=journals%24002fneurosurg-focus
%24002f50%24002f3%24002farticle-pE9.xml&t:ac=journals%24002fneurosurg-focus
%24002f50%24002f3%24002farticle-pE9.xml
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Interview Transcript
1. What inspired you to become a surgeon, and how did you navigate the decision-
making process to choose this career path?
I became a surgeon because I'm passionate about medicine, fascinated by surgery, and
wanted to make a positive impact on patients. My choice was influenced by engaging in
surgical experiences during my education, witnessing positive outcomes, and receiving
guidance from experienced mentors.
2. Could you share some insights into your academic journey, including medical school,
residency, and any key experiences that shaped your development as a surgeon?
My academic journey involved progressing through medical school and residency, where I
gained crucial experiences shaping my development as a surgeon. Immersing myself in
clinical rotations and encountering diverse cases played a pivotal role in honing my skills
and understanding. Mentorship and hands-on learning during residency further
contributed to my growth, providing a solid foundation for my career in surgery.
3. As a premed student aspiring to become a surgeon, what advice do you have for
effectively balancing academic demands, clinical experiences, and personal well-being
during the challenging stages of medical education?
For premed students aspiring to become surgeons, my advice is to prioritize balance.
Striking a healthy equilibrium between academic demands, gaining clinical experiences,
and maintaining personal well-being is crucial. Develop effective time management skills,
set realistic goals, and seek support when needed. Actively engage in clinical opportunities
to solidify your passion and build practical skills. Don't underestimate the importance of
self-care; prioritize mental and physical health to navigate the challenges of medical
education successfully. Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, so be adaptable
and kind to yourself.
4. How has the field of surgery evolved since you began your career, and are there
emerging trends or advancements that you find particularly noteworthy for aspiring
surgeons?
Over the course of my career, I've witnessed significant evolution in the field of surgery.
Technological advancements have played a pivotal role, enhancing precision and
minimizing invasiveness in procedures. Minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, and
advancements in imaging have become noteworthy trends. Additionally, there's a growing
emphasis on personalized and patient-centric care. Aspiring surgeons should stay abreast
of these technological and procedural advancements, cultivating a mindset of continuous
learning to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of surgical practice.
5. Can you give me a motivational piece of advice to keep me inspired ?
As you progress in your journey, challenges may intensify, but remember, with each level,
you're honing your skills and resilience. Life's difficulties often align with personal growth.
While grades matter in the premed journey, it's crucial to recognize they don't define your
worth. At the University of Louisville, we operate on a pass or fail system, emphasizing that
your transcript doesn't encapsulate who you are as an individual. Focus on your personal
and intellectual growth, and remember that the difficulties you face today are stepping
stones toward a brighter and more fulfilling tomorrow.
6. In your daily practice, how do you maintain a work-life balance, and what strategies do
you find effective for managing stress and burnout in a demanding profession like
surgery?
Maintaining a work-life balance in surgery is essential for personal well-being. I prioritize
time management by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Regular
exercise and mindfulness activities help alleviate stress. Seeking support from colleagues
and having open communication with my team fosters a supportive work environment.
Embracing a proactive approach to stress management, such as taking breaks and
ensuring adequate rest, is crucial. Ultimately, finding activities outside of work that bring
joy and relaxation contributes significantly to preventing burnout in the demanding field of
surgery.
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