Reflections on 25 years in Medicine: A Journey Through Time

As I stood at my 25th medical school reunion this year, I found myself in a unique
position. To my left were the fresh faces of the class of 2025, just beginning their
medical journeys. To my right, the class of 1975 celebrated their 50th anniversary, a testament to their enduring dedication to the field. It was a poignant moment, looking back at where I was 25 years ago and forward to where I hope to be in another 25 years.

When I graduated from medical school in 2000, the world was a different place. We didn't have iPhones, but we did have Blackberries, which felt like the pinnacle of technology at the time. During my residency, I remember the excitement of getting a Palm Pilot. With its stylus and touch screen, it felt like I had the world at my fingertips. In those days, I had to buy songs for my iPod, whereas now I can stream any song I want through my wireless headphones. The evolution of technology has been nothing short of remarkable.

In my Family Medicine residency and sports medicine fellowship, I never imagined that one day I would be using ultrasound to image musculoskeletal problems or to precisely target a location for delivering therapeutics. Today, I can't imagine practicing without it. The ability to use ultrasound to scan my patients and assist with accurate, minimally painful injection-based procedures has become indispensable.

The transition from paper charts to electronic health records was another significant milestone. I remember juggling paper charts while typing everything into the computer as the hospital transitioned to digital records. The idea of having an AI scribe to assist with detailed documentation of patient encounters seemed like science fiction at the time. Yet, here we are, with technology transforming the way we practice medicine.

In 2000, we could only dream of seeing patients remotely. Now, remote and virtual medical consultations are a common practice. In my practice, this has become a valuable tool to help patients avoid spending time and gas money to drive to the office. It works great for reviewing imaging results and providing follow-up care, making healthcare more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

Reflecting on these advancements, I am filled with gratitude for the journey and
excitement for the future. The field of medicine continues to evolve, and I am proud to be a part of it. The innovations we have witnessed over the past 25 years have not only improved patient care but also made our work as healthcare providers more efficient and effective. As I look ahead, I am eager to see what the next 25 years will bring and how we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in medicine.

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If you're experiencing sports-related pain or injury, don't wait to get back to your active lifestyle. Call (503) 747-6376 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. David N. Westerdahl and his team. Let them help you return to the activities you love with personalized, non-surgical care.

For more information or to request an appointment online, visit sportshealthnorthwest.com.

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