Starting with WHY
Kate Martin, MD | February 19, 2022
Shout out to the legendary Simon Sinek; it seemed only fitting to begin this blog with my WHY, or “the purpose, cause or belief that drives every one of us.” I grew up alongside my intellectually and physically disabled brother, Michael. I wrote about that experience and how it shaped my career in academic medicine in this JAMA opinion piece. Although my brother passed away two years ago, he permanently opened the door to a world I would not have otherwise known about.
As a physician, I aim to promote the health and wellbeing of everyone. However, the current US healthcare system was not designed to meet everyone’s (or anyone’s) needs. Sometimes I wonder if patients were a mere afterthought. It can and should do so much better. People living “at the margins” often end up struggling to pay for their medications each month. Many also can’t see a doctor. Physicians don’t accept or limit the number of patients they see who have publicly-funded insurance such as Medicaid and there’s a significant doctor shortage, as exemplified best in my state of Nevada.
The Covid-19 pandemic further exposed the chasms in an already fragmented and inequitable healthcare system. It might seem easy to look away as you try to resume a normal post-omicron existence. Then again, if the Covid experience taught us anything, it’s that we’re all vulnerable. As Martin Luther King, Jr. famously stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
What’s your WHY?
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Hi Kate,
I just wanted to say that I thought that both your post and the linked article were beautifully written. Sounds like you come from a strong family. Thank you for sharing your story.
Al
Thank you, Al. I really appreciate that. – Kate
Kate,
Your story is touching – thank you for sharing the JAMA article as well. Your reason why is so very clearly embedded within who you are and embodies the work that you do.
I feel I have a fuzzy approximation of my why in that I know it exists but it isn’t 100% clear to me yet. Your post definitely has me reflecting more.
Thanks, Myka. I really appreciate your comments. I think that having a fuzzy approximation of your why is a great way to remain flexible and open to new opportunities in life. With that, thanks again. – Kate
Well written. I look forward to following in the future
Thank you, Dean Kahn! Much appreciated. – Kate
Kate, I so love your ‘why’ and I wish you all the best in your mission to overhaul the healthcare system from within!
Thank you so much, Marley! I am looking forward to following your amazing work in instructional design.