Interview Assessment #1

November 1st, 2019

Dr. Gary Duncan

OB/GYN, Board Certified, FACOG
2840 Legacy Drive, Suite 300 Building 3, Frisco, TX 75034
October 30th, 2019
12:15 PM

Before I even walked into the office, I felt nauseous. From the beginning of August, I have
been preparing to meet with a professional and now the time has come. Even after the said month, I
began making calls to clinics with no response in return. I wasn’t until one fateful day I received a
call from Dr. Duncan’s office, informing me he would love to schedule an interview. Seeing as this
was the only doctor to respond to my call, I was excited yet anxious. I had no intentions of leaving a
bad impression on the doctor, and desperately hoped I would present myself as a student who is
honored to have such an opportunity. As I recalled all the advice I gained from friends, I checked in
with the secretary and waited to be called on. After being called on, however, I came to the
realization that I should not panic. Dr. Duncan was very friendly and he was willing to help me with
the interview.
Throughout the interview, I gained valuable knowledge about Dr. Duncan and the field of
Obstetrics and Gynecology. To start off, Dr. Duncan did not begin his education as a pre-med
student. He graduated from SMU, Southern Methodist University, with a Bachelor’s of Science in
Electrical Engineering, later on earning a Masters in Biomedical Engineering. When faced with
either earning a Ph.D. or Medical Degree in engineering, he decided to choose a medical route since
it was not solely based on research. After medical school and residency, he earned his title of an
OB/GYN and began practice during 1985. Seeing that he has gained a vast amount of experience in
the field, I was more than eager to learn about the knowledge he has amounted over the years. This
experience is not hard to see as Dr. Duncan has told me he has delivered the mothers, and
grandmothers, of his current patients.
After learning more about his background, I began asking Dr. Duncan about the research I
have studied since the beginning of ISM. One of these questions included employment rates in the
medical field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for physicians is
estimated to increase by 14%. Dr. Duncan stated that this can be contributed to the changes in
insurance, billing, and mindset of younger medical graduates. When Dr. Duncan first began his
career, it was common for doctors to build their own clinics. In his case, he partnered with another
doctor and began practicing. However, the trend has changed over the years. Newer doctors are
seeking positions in hospital environments for the security they grant the doctor. They don’t have
to worry about billing their patients, what type of insurance they accept, or their salaries since
those factors are determined by the hospital. In fact, hospitals are starting to recognize this trend
and are catering towards newer graduates in order to gain a sense of control. Hearing this from Dr.
Duncan put into perspective the important
 Interview Assessment #2
November 22nd, 2019

Dr. Berry A Fleming

Personalized Women’s Healthcare
3108 Midway Rd Suite 201
Plano, TX 75093
November 13th, 2019
8:45 AM

After multiple calls and declines, I had achieved another interview. With the help of my
instructor, Mr. Pirtle, I was able to gain an interview with Dr. Berry Flemming. With this exciting
news, I prepared for my conversation immediately. As the day arrived, I was nervous as this was my
second interview, and I wanted to do my best. However, as the conversation started, I remembered
to keep a proper posture and asked my first question. I first started asking about Dr. Flemming’s
background. He had attended Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1983.
When questioning his specific reason for attending the university, he stated the location was
beneficial to him. It was close to his hometown, and the tuition was affordable. However, Dr.
Fleming notes that he would have preferred to earn a Bachelor's in Finance rather than Science. His
reason is he believes that it is required to take a science-related degree to apply to medical school.
However, that is not the case since graduates can apply for any degree of their choice. I can
understand why Dr. Fleming chose to major in Science since I too believed the same. However,
taking Dr. Fleming's story, I will be sure to major in a subject that interests me. Furthermore,
finance would help him now because owning a private clinic comes with its bills. To continue, I
questioned Dr. Fleming about his experience in medical school at the University of Texas
Southwestern Medical School. I asked any hardships he faced as a medical student. He responded
his only hardship was the workload. As a medical student, there is little for waste since all must be
utilized for studying. He added that it is wise to spread time wisely so that you are prepared for
your exams and have time to destress. This soon turned the conversation towards Dr. Fleming’s
residency. Dr. Fleming first held an internship in general surgery at Maimonides Medical Center
before completing an OB/GYN residency at Washington University Medical Center. I questioned
what exactly led him to move from general surgery to obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Fleming
responded it was a matter of control and interests. In general surgery, surgeons do not have the
greatest control over their schedules since they are under the authority of the hospital. They also do
not form the strongest relationships with patients since they meet the patient, perform the surgery,
perform a quick check-up, and move on to the next patient. However, OB/GYN’s tasks are different.
OB/GYNs can choose to either work in a hospital or clinical setting, allowing them greater
command over their schedules. They also form the greatest connections with patients compared to
other fields of medicine. Dr. Fleming has delivered for mothers and later their children, continuing
the bond he has formed with the family. This is the same story I heard with Dr. Duncan, and it
intrigued me. Knowing that I could make such connections with my future patients truly motivated
me since I desire to form strong relationships with my patients.

After discussing his background, I turned the conversation towards Dr. Fleming’s career as
an OB/GYN. I first asked why he chose to open a business of his own. Dr. Fleming responded it was
typical of physicians in the past. They completed medical school, attended residency, gained a
license to practice, and opened their clinic. I later asked any advancements in technology he has
witnessed since beginning his career. He responded that the change was unimaginable. Specifically,
the use of ultrasound machines has improved drastically. In the past, the images produced by the
machine were static-like and unclear, making it difficult to discern the wellbeing of babies in the
womb. However, modern technology has allowed OB/GYNs to properly view the babies and
properly diagnosis mothers. He also mentioned the advancements in robotic surgery. In the past,
doctors had to present to perform surgery on their patients. Now surgical equipment can perform
the surgery themselves as doctors operate the mechanics of the equipment. Hearing about Dr.
Fleming’s experience as an OB/GYN, it makes me question the advancements I will see as well. At
the current moment, there are multiple case studies and research projects that allow us a greater
insight into science. However, if our current technology allows robots to perform surgery, could
artificial wombs help premature babies?

Through discussions about advancements, I brought up the subjects I have researched. One
in specific was about my research about artificial wombs. Currently, scientists have found ways to
grow premature lambs in an artificial womb. The womb almost resembles an enormous IV bag with
a clear liquid. A tube is attached to the bag to allow the scientists to give specific hormones and
nutrients to the lamb. If these lambs are born successfully, then there is a possibility of these
experiments being performed with premature human babies. I asked Dr. Fleming how these
experiments may impact the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He stated it would be beneficial, but
it would be limited. Since a majority of the United States population can give birth, with little to no
complications, this would only benefit only a small population of women. Furthermore, the
expenses of such a procedure would limit the population even further. I later decided to ask about
infant mortality in the United States. Statistics show that rural areas are more likely to have higher
infant mortality rates when compared to urban areas. This can be linked to the lack of healthcare in
rural areas. I asked Dr. Fleming for possible solutions to this problem. He responded there should
be an increase in healthcare in rural areas, such as building clinics and hospitals. He also added that
diet can be a variable to this problem. In rural areas, there is also a lack of proper diet, leading to
many cases of diabetes. Dr. Fleming reiterated that, in all aspects of healthcare, diabetes can be
harmful to a patient. In Obstetrics and Gynecology, this could lead to complications when the
mother gives birth or the child inheriting diabetes.

Lastly, I was sure to ask Dr. Fleming my most anticipated question. I asked if he had any
advice for an upcoming OB/GYNs. He was sure to state that they need to be prepared for the
workload. An OB/GYN is a 24/7 commitment with no real breaks. Hearing this again, I understood
the meaning of Dr. Fleming’s words. Being an OB/GYN means dedication, and I will not be lacking in
that skill when I too earn the title of an OB/GYN. With a smile and handshake, I thanked Dr. Fleming
and my way back to school. Looking back at the interview, there is valuable information I learned. I
got the commentary of a professional on my research, and insight on the hardships of becoming an
OB/GYN. For example, seeing as how healthcare is weak in rural areas, I can collaborate with the
hospitals to build small clinics to relieve stress. I hope to carry this acquired knowledge into the
future with me to apply them to future endeavors and leave a lasting impact on Women’s
Healthcare.