Editor’s note: The following is part of a continuing series in which we ask local professionals to describe how their daily lives at work differ from television portrayals.
Next up? Powhatan Family Physicians’ Dr. David Duncan.

Why did you go into medicine?
As a child needing medical care for various problems (minor to major), I saw how the medical profession operated at its best and its worst. I knew I could make a positive impact in the health of people’s lives. The people that I see also give me a great deal of knowledge which is priceless.

Was there anything that surprised you once you were actually practicing in the field?
The biggest surprise to me, and most of my colleagues, is just how much of an impact the insurance companies have. In some ways they almost “tell” doctors how they can or can’t practice medicine. Almost daily, I receive something directed from an insurance company recommending one medication in place of another; what tests they will approve so I can properly diagnose and treat a patient’s illness, etc. It seems the insurance company bases these decisions on their corporate earnings/profits.

What is a typical day like for you?
Personally, I wake up at 6 a.m., get showered, dressed, let the dogs out, feed the cat, watch a bit of the Today Show, have breakfast with my wife and we head over to the office and I start seeing patients about 8 a.m.
In 2003, in response to patients’ requests, we gave up inpatient care, which allows us to be more accessible. I spend an average of 36+ hours a week seeing patients in the office.
This does not include addressing correspondence, following up on laboratory and other test results, or calling patients in follow up or addressing after hours questions and requests.
We see it all at Powhatan Family Physicians, LTD., from chronic (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, COPD, etc) to acute medical problems (infections, sprains, colds, influenza, viruses, heart attacks, etc), minor surgeries (remove lesions, laceration repairs, etc), psychiatric issues, women’s health issues, infant to adolescent care, and health screenings (physicals, laboratory tests, etc).
To sum it up, we offer a “home” for a family’s medical needs.

What would most people be surprised to know about the day-to-day reality of practicing medicine?
In the middle of all this, I address many requests from patients, pharmacists, and colleagues (specialists). A great amount of time is involved in this part of practicing medicine. A TV or movie producer/director would not find this exciting so it is downplayed or ignored. But it is a major part of the job.

If someone made a TV show about your life, who would play you?
My wife would say I look so much like Sting that he should play me. However, if Dick Van Dyke were still alive, I hope he would accept the role.
I grew up watching him on TV and movies and admired his versatility and snow white hair!
My work in this county started as a repayment to the Commonwealth of Virginia for financial assistance in medical school ... it grew into a love of the people and place called Powhatan.