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WHY I BECAME
A DOCTOR

‘Ultimate Altruism’

By Robert R. Ramirez, MD

The answer to “Why I Became a Doctor” is as complex and ing, which is inevitable in the always rapidly changing field of med-
multifactorial as it is individual and personal, but there are some icine; but also to use that knowledge, and any and all skills acquired
common elements. An obsessive interest in the life sciences at an along the way, to heal. Because only a calling, as with many other
early age is a must, of course, in order to plant the seed for further professions of customer, community and public service, can justify
exploration of biology, biochemistry and, ultimately, medicine. the incredibly long hours, unselfish devotion, mental taxation and
personal sacrifice that medicine demands.
Also essential are the competitive drive and endless commit-
ment and dedication needed to rise to the ultimate personal chal- Furthermore, the reward, of course, lies not so much in the
lenge of completing the long and arduous training necessary to remunerative aspect, as in the ability to make a difference in the
earn that all-prestigious medical degree, often overcoming diffi- lives of others by helping to save such lives, stamp out disease,
cult obstacles in the process. (Not to mention the many years of provide palliative care, alleviate suffering, or otherwise aid in
residency and, in many cases, fellowship training, that follow.) healing just by listening.
As the saying goes, “Ad astra per aspera.”
For me personally, being a doctor ranks among the most
But it is the answering of a calling, whether divine or otherwise heroic, noble and selfless undertakings of humankind.
profoundly metaphysical, that, in my opinion, best characterizes
the desire of aspiring physicians to achieve this profession of ulti- Robert R. Ramirez, MD, is an internal medicine
mate altruism in the advancement of healing and in the betterment physician with Gonzaba Medical Group.
of the human condition. It is a calling not only to never stop learn-

18 San Antonio Medicine • May 2015