Leadership

Ricardo Correa, MD: Gratified by patients’ simple “thank you”

. 2 MIN READ
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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: Ricardo Correa, MD, an endocrinologist who is assistant professor of medicine in the department of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

AMA member since: 2009.

What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: I love to help others and find solutions to problems through health care research. Medicine is the perfect combination of helping, teaching and science.

How I move medicine: I try to collaborate as much as I can with organizations that support patients and physicians. I contribute with patient groups to help them understand their problems and try to make their lives easier.

Career highlights: I volunteer in a free clinic and the most amazing moment is when a patient thanks me for the job I do with them. There is nothing that is more valuable for a physician than the smile and thanks from a patient. No awards can beat that.

Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: You should do it. If you care about others and you want to make a change in this world, medicine is your answer. The work is intense, but it is the most rewarding job that you can find—you will change the life of a person or a community.

Aspect of my work that means the most: Clinical contact with patients and understanding their stories. Also, I enjoy teaching others and teaching the joy of medicine to my fellows, residents and students. Doing research, being a clinical educator and seeing patients are what keep me happy in life.

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.

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