As the College celebrates the historic milestone of its 125th anniversary, PCOM assistant professor in the department of internal medicine Erik Polan, DO ‘07, FACOI, considers his favorite aspects of being a physician, reflects on ways that medicine has changed over the years, and shares his hopes for the future of medicine.
The “before” photo above flashes back to 1988 and shows Richard S. Koch, DO ‘38, examining an x-ray image from a conventional radiography machine. This year, Dr. Polan is seen with imaging from a digital radiography machine. Out of frame also lies a high-fidelity simulation manikin used for clinical skills training. Dr. Polan says that one of the most overt ways that medicine has changed over the years is the constant evolution of technology.
“I can remember being a resident preparing x-rays for presentation morning report. This required a visit to the radiology department, and having hardcopy x-ray images printed out and later presented on a light board to your colleagues, hoping that the picture was a ’good film,’” said Dr. Polan. Current technology allows software to manipulate the image, enhancing the ability to view and educate students and residents.
Despite the many technological advances of the last few decades, Dr. Polan says that the basic approach to medicine remains the same. “Listening to the patient, obtaining a great history and physical to help narrow down your differential diagnosis, and moving forward with the most appropriate testing to solidify your diagnosis, or redirect you to another one” is still of utmost importance, he said.
Dr. Polan’s favorite part about being a physician is having the ability to directly impact our patients’ lives in a positive manner. “It remains an honor to get to know our patients, and assist them in living the healthiest physical and mental lives possible,” he said. “I love to listen to my patients tell their life stories, and the various perspectives they may have. I hope to teach them healthy lifestyles, but I love to learn from them as well.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Polan’s hopes for the future of medicine include prioritizing access to health care and medications for patients, and mitigating physician burnout.
“Physicians are often stuck repeating the same tendencies or administrative issues,” he said. “A healthy physical and mental physician workforce would have a trickle down effect.”
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