The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Andre X. Bourg, a third-year medical student at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He is an AMA outreach leader for his school.
AMA member since: 2017.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Growing up in the upstate of South Carolina, I saw a need to address health care inequalities. As the son of two practicing chiropractors, I grew up with a passion to ease others’ ailments.
How I move medicine: One day at a time. Every time I walk into a patient’s room, I realize the amazing opportunity I have to impact their lives in a positive way. I carry this mindset throughout my day and interact with my colleagues and patients in a genuine, personable manner. This enables me to connect with others on a deeper level and provide the best care possible.
Career highlights: At the Medical University of South Carolina, I am fortunate to hold several positions some, including Faculty Excellence Awards chairman, AMA outreach leader, and College of Medicine Team leader.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: Health care is a field that will challenge you. Some days it will make you doubt yourself, and other days you will ride a rush of adrenaline that makes you reassured you’re on the right path. I think it’s important to get involved in this field if you have a passion for it. Do it for the right reasons.
How I give back to the community: I’m fortunate enough to have been an AMA ambassador, which allows me to have the platform and opportunity to collaborate with physicians and patients to come up with solutions to current health care issues. I look forward to attaining future leadership roles at the hospital I end up practicing in, as well as other roles within the AMA.
Aspect of my work that means the most: I believe that health is the most important thing. To have the opportunity to address or resolve someone’s health problems and add years, or improve another’s quality of life, is the greatest privilege one can have.
My hope for the future of medicine: That it can continue to come up with solutions to fix people’s everyday problems so that everyone can live their life to the fullest. That advances in medicine continue to address the most prominent disease burdens nationwide. I’m fortunate to be in the next generation of physicians tasked with these challenges.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
