Name: Israel Tellez
Years of Experience: 10
Why did you become a doctor?
I became a doctor because I’ve always been driven by a desire to help others and make a real difference in people’s lives. Medicine is such a powerful way to do that. Being able to offer care, comfort, and support—especially during challenging times—is incredibly meaningful to me.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing I’ve had a positive impact on someone’s health and well-being. Emergency medicine allows me to make a direct, meaningful impact every day, which continues to inspire and ground me in this profession.
How do you describe your approach to care?
The best approach in the ER is a balance of swift, accurate medical action with compassionate care, ensuring that patients feel both safe and understood during their most vulnerable moments.
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Name: Kwame Asamoah
Years of Experience: 18
Why did you become a doctor?
I became a doctor due to an intense curiosity in science and a fascination with how the body worked since childhood. I found medicine to be the ideal pursuit to learn about biological sciences and apply this knowledge to help treat disease.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
The most rewarding aspect of being a doctor is understanding the disease process and formulating the best way to treat people with this knowledge.
How do you describe your approach to care?
Careful listening. Despite our advanced technology, this is still the most essential aspect of good medical care.
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Name: Joe Pendon
Years of Experience: 25
Why did you become a doctor?
I became a doctor to serve my country as a flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force. My goal was to support the AF mission by providing care to active duty members and their families.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
I enjoy the one-on-one interaction with patients, getting to know them, and hearing their stories.
How do you describe your approach to care?
It's a bit cliché, but my recommendations to patients are usually guided by what I would do if they were my immediate family. I often find myself saying, "If you were my family member, this is what I would recommend."
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Name: John H. Hamilton
Years of Experience: 9
Why did you become a doctor?
To improve lives. More specifically, I wanted to be involved in helping people get and stay healthy to maximize their overall physical abilities and increase satisfaction in people’s lives.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
Seeing patients improve. Whether prescribing antibiotics or suturing a laceration, I love seeing patients get well. I love encouraging people to get well and stay well and helping to educate them on strategies to live healthy lifestyles.
How do you describe your approach to care?
An encouraging coach.
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Name: Peter Carlson
Years of Experience: 13.5
Why did you become a doctor?
I was exposed to medicine at a young age, accompanying my mother at times during her job as a pediatrician. It taught me early on the value of using one's education to truly help people and make a real difference.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
It is not always possible, but the times when I can quickly relieve pain or diagnose a condition to give answers in a short period of time, I always find it rewarding.
How do you describe your approach to care?
Empathy.
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Name: Daniel De Los Santos
Years of Experience: 11
Why did you become a doctor?
It is a career path that is challenging, impactful, and focused on helping others.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
Making a difference.
How do you describe your approach to care?
Open-minded and efficient.
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Name: Juan Schiavone
Years of Experience: 15
Why did you become a doctor?
I felt much more humanistic than my brothers, who studied engineering at university. When I started my courses in medical school, I felt amazed by the kind of knowledge I was learning. Every day, I confirm I made the right choice.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
Helping people, gaining their trust, and feeling that you collaborate in the well-being of a fellow human being are the most rewarding aspects of being a healthcare provider. When the patient thanks you, it is very rewarding.
How do you describe your approach to care?
Do good.