Jerry Koleski, MD

12 years in practice

Hospital Vozandes del Oriente

Shell, Ecuador

6 physicians in group

Why did you choose family medicine?

It was the best field to prepare me to be a missionary physician.

What makes your practice distinctive?

It is located where the Amazon Rainforest meets the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

What is the greatest challenge you face in your practice?

How to practice with an extremely limited formulary, equipment that works sometimes, and people who present so late that you can no longer help them.

What is the most important lesson your patients have taught you?

If you treat the patient and family with love and dignity, they will thank you even if the outcome is bad.

What advice would you give to the next generation of physicians?

Being a family doctor is a lot of fun. You can't put a price on waking up and looking forward to going to work. If you are willing to accept less than top dollar, you will still make a lot of money and have tremendous options.

What book are you currently reading?

White Man Walking, about an American businessman who walks through the African bush to really get to know Kenya.

Where would you like to spend your next vacation?

In Europe, on our way to our new mission post in Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa.

Want to be featured?

Email fpmedit@aafp.org and include a personal photo.