Intern's heritage enhances respect for his patients
by Leigh FylstraPublic Relations
If respect, dependability, and empathy characterize great doctors, then Will Richardson, M.D., recent medical school graduate and intern in the Department of Internal Medicine, will make a fine physician.
Although he is the first in his family to pursue medicine, he attributes much of his philosophy about medicine to his Native American culture.
Dr.
Will Richardson
“Most Native physicians are more interested in the social issues because they have such a bond with their heritage and their ancestry. People have noted that I understand the importance of family and beliefs. I am very interested in the holistic aspect of medicine,” said Richardson.
Choosing internal medicine for its challenges, Richardson feels his inherent respect and concern for his patients adds tremendously to his ability to diagnose their ailments. “In internal medicine, you're constantly asking yourself why. You’re always seeking a better understanding of what's going on with a patient.”
Because much of a diagnosis depends upon what the patient discloses, trust is paramount in a patient/doctor relationship.
“You really need to get to know the patient, and the patient has to open up to you and provide you with their innermost secrets. They have to reveal their deepest concerns without fear. As a Native, I understand when someone opens up at that level. It's like looking into their psyche. It's an honor.”
Another honor has been bestowed on Richardson recently.
“Native America Calling,” a radio program conducted by Joan Kane out of Alaska, has asked him to be a guest speaker in September. On the program, which focuses on Native American health issues, he will discuss diabetes in the Native American community.
“I'm very thankful and honored to have been asked,” said Richardson of the radio program.
Considering the active role he plays in the community, this honor is well deserved.
Part Lumbee and part Cherokee, Richardson takes great pride in his heritage, so he became a spokesperson for Native American medical students. As the national president of the Association of Native American Medical Students, Richardson has spoken to students from Harvard to Alaska trying to recruit them into the medical field.
“It took a lot of introspection before I decided to run for president of the Association of Native American Medical Students. There was an inner urge pulling me to do it, as well as friends urging me to run for president. Others saw my potential as well. I've done so much traveling, speaking and mentoring to students across the United States. It's been an honor to be a spokesperson.”
Not only is he the national president of the Association of Native American Medical Students, Richardson also founded the local chapter while attending East Carolina School of Medicine. Under his leadership and the active involvement of his organization on campus and in recruiting, the Native American enrollment doubled at East Carolina with an increase from two to four students per year.
“We were able to do it by laying out a positive example and saying that Native Americans can succeed in medical school,” said Richardson.
Besides a T-shirt and a certificate of membership, one benefit of joining is a quarterly newsletter created and published by Richardson. However, the greatest advantage is an opportunity to gain support from and share experiences with other medical students.
“You get a more diverse view of what medical school is like across the United States. There are 120 members from different tribes across America. There are 300 Native American medical students, so when you think about it, we have 40 percent of the Native medical students as members.”
The annual meeting this year will be in Tucson, Ariz. The five-day conference is in conjunction with the Association of American Indian Physicians, AAIP. The focus this year is improving the quality of care for American Indian and Alaskan natives.
At the conference last year, the focus was on diabetes in Native communities, which sparked Richardson to form the “2000 by 2000—Changing Lives for the Better” campaign. The goal is to reach 2000 Native American individuals and educate them about diabetes, poor blood sugar control and ways to improve their diet.
While guest speaking across the country, Richardson will complete his three-year residency program right here at MUSC.
As for the future, his mission is clear.
“Ten years from now, I see myself in an academic setting, doing some teaching and interacting with the residents. I really want to teach others the benefits of delivering health care with cultural awareness. I can even see myself doing that in the Lowcountry,” said Richardson.
“Native American Calling” airs every other Friday and can be heard via the website: <http://www.knba.org>. Richardson will speak in September and continue to guest speak in later programs.
Richardson invites any inquiring minds to email him at nativehealer@aol.com.