Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr James Duerkes.
Dr James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a home where my father was a prominent radiation physicist and my mother was a seasoned nurse with hospice, however, neither of them pushed me to pursue similar career paths. Instead, they taught me to be good-natured, a hard worker, and in constant pursuit of personal growth. I excelled at the University of Florida taking courses in mathematics, physics, and biology simply because they challenged me and tapped into my naturally competitive spirit. Despite this, I didn’t have a clear picture of what I wanted to do in life, in fact, I majored in zoology simply due to my love for science, I’m actually not an ‘animal lover’ at all. Three years into college, I began reflecting on experiences that have changed my life. I quickly placed more emphasis on certain principles and values over my pursuit in academia. I ended up temporarily leaving the University of Florida, studying Vietnamese, and moving 3,000 miles to Tacoma, Washington where I served among an underserved Vietnamese community. I completely left behind everything that was familiar and immersed myself in the lives of the people I served. It was one of the most arduous, yet deeply fulfilling experiences of my life. I learned about sacrifice, compassion, empathy, love, loss, and even resilience. As I look back, it is clear the values instilled in me by my parents coupled with those two years in Tacoma, refined my sense of direction and placed me on the path to becoming a doctor.
Has it been a smooth road?
My time in Tacoma was difficult, but the path to becoming a doctor certainly had its own unique set of challenges. The 12 years that followed, completing my undergraduate degree, a degree in medicine and specialty training in Obstetrics & Gynecology came at a price, demanding sacrifice on many levels. Even still, and despite some feelings of isolation as I spent 18 hours straight with my nose in a book or even sleepless nights, it felt right, and I was determined.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with NuWave Women’s Health – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As our healthcare systems are rapidly changing, they are turning to corporate medicine, where patients and staff are seen as numbers. Despite these changes, I have prided myself in restoring the close physician-patient relationship that is often lost in corporate medical care settings. I have been told my approach at the bedside is different than what is commonplace nowadays. I feel that I am simply a product of my life experiences and the people I have met along the way, but I can say, I chose to specialize in women’s health because of the unique relationship you build as you become a part of a very intimate, personal part of the patient’s life. My approach with patients comes from a place of love and compassion. I truly care about my patients and I believe they sense that. I also believe education is an important part of modern medicine. When I take the time to not only share my expert advice but am inclusive and teach, patients become a part of the team and have an active role in their health. I believe outcomes are better this way.
I also strive to remain up-to-date with the advancements in medicine and offering patients modern, less invasive treatment plans. One example of this is robotic surgery. While patient selection for this platform is still important, historically, many patients undergoing surgery for large fibroids or other gynecological conditions came out of the operating room with large scars and long hospital stays. Robotic surgery improves precision and often times decreases blood loss, pain, and recovery time. And so, I believe it is this combination of humanistic, modern medicine that we need more of.
Any predictions for the industry over the next few years?
While corporate medicine, insurance demands, and healthcare reform will all introduce new challenges, I simply plan to continue trying to keep the patient at the center of care.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3000 SW 148th Ave, Suite 215A, Miramar, FL 33027
- Website: www.drjamesduerkes.com
- Phone: 954-516-1058
- Instagram: instagram.com/drjamesduerkes
- Facebook: facebook.com/drjamesduerkes
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