We have some really interesting physicians as members of iMedExchange, and since those of you that aren't members don't get to hear from them, we'll continue to profile some of them in our blog. Today I'd like to introduce you to Carolyn McDougald, MD. Dr. McDougald is a family physician who lives in Texas and is currently starting her own clinic just south of Houston.
Growing up, did you plan to be a doctor? I'm not the average doc, I'm a late bloomer - I have always loved medicine and science, but my family was all blue collar who felt women married, had children, and could work, but not have a career. Neither of my parents finished high school, although my mom did go back later and get her GED when I was about 10. I was the oldest and wanted to go to college, but I did not know enough how to make it happen at the time so I worked at various jobs from retail to waitressing, until I stumbled across Law Enforcement. I became a Deputy Sheriff at the ripe old age of 21! I learned a lot in seven years about life and myself before I realized I needed more, so as a 27 year old single mom of a two year boy, I took my retirement money out, quit the Sheriff's Department and started on a long journey. I went to the University of Houston and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Ft Worth, where I also did my residency in Family Medicine at the now demolished Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas. I finished residency in 2001.
So on the theme of not being the average doc, have you done anything out of the ordinary recently? Actually, I initially found your site while I was researching Alaska - I was trying to decide about doing a Locums position there in Nome, Kotzebue or Bethel. I came across the Alaska Docs group at your site and joined up. I just got back from spending an incredible 5 months with my sons in Nome practicing Bush medicine - what a great refresher course on Family Medicine! Actually, I did things there I would never been able to do in the lower-forty eight because we had no choice - you do it or patients do without! I plan on going back next summer.
Wow, that's great! How did you choose family medicine? I chose Family Medicine after I realized I loved almost every rotation during training, and most importantly, because I bore easily. Family Medicine covers just about every facet of medicine and is definitely not boring. You never know what is going to walk through that door! Even when the patient says they are there for a sore throat - they may have another agenda, or it may be something more serious than just a sore throat.
What do you like most about family medicine? There are so many things one can do with Family Medicine - I have worked in an Urgent Care, then did Concierge Medicine for a while. I had a mobile clinic for the uninsured, and then a mobile geriatric practice where I went to nursing homes, and made house calls for home bound patients. Now, after my adventure in the Alaskan Bush, I am about to start my first Clinic (not mobile!) in a small town south of Houston, Texas. Family Medicine has allowed me to have a grand experience in medicine - I can't wait to see how it all plays out!
So we've learned a lot about your clinical background, what do you do when you're off the clock? I have three wonderful boys - 22yrs, 14 yrs and 4 yrs - also an incredible granddaughter who is 9 months. I am an avid reader of many different genres, also an avid knitter. I usually spend my time away from work with my family while trying to fit in as much reading and knitting as possible! We like to do all sorts of things together from video games, cards and board games to outside stuff. We love to fish and explore new places. We all love sports - especially baseball - Go Astros! My boys have all played baseball - I have coached and assistant coached for 15 years and have plenty of years left for the four year old!
