When I was a 6-year old and decided that I wanted to be a doctor, my main reason was that I wanted to make people better. My dear grandfather was really ill at that time, and it was impossible for me to understand why the doctors couldn’t cure him. It couldn’t be that difficult, I thought, and it was really frustrating that there was nothing I could do.
Fast forward 25+ years, and I’m training to become a general practitioner (huisarts in opleiding). During my studies, it really started sinking in (and every day more so) how complicated -and incredibly beautiful- the human body is. It's a humbling experience, getting to learn about all these processes; from the formation of an embryo into a newborn, to how illness and death occur.
I learned that 'making people better' is a wonderful thing. However, life is also a mystery in so many ways. There are diseases that can be cured, but for some we have no cure yet. But I also learned that even if you can’t cure someone, you are not entirely powerless. You can still help them, at least a little bit. By making a connection, by listening to their stories and finding out what matters to them. And by trying to support them in taking care of themselves as well as possible under their specific circumstances.
To be honest with you, the job is not an easy one. There are long days, big responsibilities, complex processes that need a constant awareness of every single detail, and always that darn time pressure. Nevertheless, it's also a fulfilling and inspiring calling, and I am thankful that I got the chance to do this with my one and only life.
There is one big thing that I've learned from talking to people who are ill and their families. We tend to think that we’ll live forever. But we are vulnerable beings and the time that we have on this earth is precious. I think that building connections, loving each other and treasuring time is what really matters, not taking any day for granted. And that's why I want to make memories as much as I can.
