Our Interview With Dr. Jane Michel Orient

Dr. Jane M. Orient is an internist in Tucson, Arizona. She received her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974.

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?

I just always wanted to do it. It was a calling and a survival skill

How much work experience did you gain before applying to medical school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I taught science and math in public school for two and a half years, then worked in a biochemistry lab in a medical school. 

I was accepted for the first class at the University of Arizona College of Medicine despite their very discouraging comments about how much harder it would be for me than college. So, I decided to pursue my other first love, teaching, for a time. U of A rejected my second application, I think because my political views weren’t liberal enough for them. So, I applied elsewhere. I didn’t get advice on the application process, but I just went as I am.

What led you to specialize in Internal Medicine?

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? Internal medicine just seemed to be the best match for me. Learn as much as you can from everyone—surgeons, subspecialists, technicians, nurses, and above all, patients. Take every opportunity to learn a skill—if you won’t be doing it yourself, you can still better advise patients. I did two surgical sub-internships and scrubbed in on open hearts.

If someone wants to start their own practice, what does that path look like after finishing medical school?

I was offered a faculty job at the VA after finishing my residency. I learned a lot but always wanted my own practice. The best advice I got was: “It’s easy; you can do it.” I had a lot of help from my family and was not in debt. I had help from colleagues in the complex where I bought an office, charts, some equipment, and a part-time nurse from a retiring Ob/gyn. 

NO expensive consultants. NO contracts (after reading them, who would sign?). I covered for doctors and served on hospital committees. Most patients paid at the time of service—they filed their own insurance claims, including Medicare, if any. Eventually we stopped sending most bills—just gave them a mailing envelope if they couldn’t pay that day. I made more money working for the VA, but I made as much as I needed.

What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to start their practice today?

This is much harder today. This is not possible if you are having to comply with Medicare/Medicaid/managed care rules. I resigned from Medicare when the law passed to force doctors to file claims.

More doctors are opting out and becoming self-pay—some do a subscription (DPC) practice.

Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Dr. Orient to help future physicians understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into medical school today.