After shadowing in the UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine clinic, Worathon “Ikq” Dechanuwong, M.S., felt a calling to help and care for others, leading to a life changing decision to return to school. Dechanuwong spent the past year as a clinic technician at the UAB Hospital-Highlands location, learning alongside providers in the clinic and on the sidelines. Now, Dechanuwong is preparing to take the next step in his journey and begin medical school at the University of South Alabama this fall. This path not only satisfies his passion for science and biology—Dechanuwong has earned a B.S. in chemistry and M.S. in biomedical and health sciences—but will also complete his personal mission to help patients in their healing journey.
“I am excited to learn about the human body and apply my knowledge that I will be accumulating throughout the years to help the patient,” explained Dechanuwong. “My experience in the clinic deepens my understanding of practicing medicine. It makes me understand the role that each of us has in providing complete and thorough care for the patient. Everybody must play their role, so the team can operate like a well-oiled machine … everyone is important to the team.”
What initially drew you to work in a sports medicine clinic?
Dechanuwong: What initially drew me to work as a Clinic Tech in Sport Medicine was the opportunity to interact with the patient in the clinic, while also learning the flow of the healthcare system. I shadowed Dr. Momaya in the previous year, and I enjoyed my time in the clinic. Hence, when I saw that the position was available, I decided to join.
At what point did you decide to pursue a career as a physician, and what factors influenced that decision?
Dechanuwong: I have been taught to be kind to others and to help those around me since I was a kid. I believe that is what led me toward an occupation that could help others. In addition, I have always been fascinated by science and biology. With those factors combined, I have decided to pursue a career as a physician, where I can help people and embark on a journey to learn about the intricacies of the human body. Shadowing other physicians in different departments also solidifies my decision to be a physician.
Can you describe a specific patient interaction that had a lasting impact on you and why?
Dechanuwong: Since I have been in the clinic for almost a year, I have the chance to meet a patient at their initial and follow-up appointment. I have witnessed the improvement in the patient's condition and the challenges that they experienced to improve their conditions, including some patients who postpone their surgery/treatment due to their job and other circumstances. These interactions have made me realize that everybody is different. This realization changes my perspective on how I should discuss the patient about their treatment and weigh the risk and benefit for them and how it affects their lives now and in the future.
What specific skills or qualities did you develop through your hands-on patient care experience?
Dechanuwong: In my experience as a Clinic Tech, I have seen a significant improvement in my interpersonal skills. I learned to adjust myself, how I talk, and the speed that I talk, so the patient feels comfortable and does not feel rushed. I learn to express my empathy, showing the patient that they are seen and heard and are not dismissed by any means. I also learned the correct way to take vital signs and assisted both the physician and the athletic trainer during the clinic.
When you imagine yourself as a physician, what kind of doctor do you hope to be?
Dechanuwong: The kind of physician that I am striving to be is an empathetic and mindful physician. I want to be a safe zone for the patient, so that there will be no judgement involved in our professional relationship.