DESIREE SOTER-PEARSALL, M.S., M.D., HAS BEEN PRACTICING MEDICINE FOR 23 YEARS, 10 OF WHICH HAVE BEEN WITH ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP, P.C.
Why or how did you get into your field?
I love being a doctor. For me, being a physician is the ultimate opportunity to help others. I pursued a career in medicine because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. My father was a physician, so growing up I saw firsthand the impact that he had on his patients. The idea of being a part of a profession that’s committed to helping others and focused on facilitating people to live healthier lives is truly rewarding—I can’t imagine having a more fulfilling job.
What contributes to your success?
Caring for patients of all ages is truly a remarkable experience, one that has afforded me so much joy in my life. Working the last 23 years as a primary care physician, I consider myself a patient advocate. I’ve had the privilege of taking care of patients, by managing chronic illnesses, diagnosing new issues, evaluating concerning symptoms and interpreting the care they’ve received from other specialists. I believe my commitment to quality patient care and building a healthier community has led me to my newly appointed position serving as Chairman of Mobile County Board of Health. In this role, my goal is to promote, improve and protect the overall health of the residents of Mobile County.
How do you make sure patients get the
best care and results?
To me, medicine is both a science and an art. The science involves the obvious, knowing when someone needs to be admitted to the hospital, when they need antibiotics (or don’t), and treating medical issues. The art involves the ability to create a personalized approach for each patient. Some require “tough love” others need someone with a gentle demeanor. Having the skill set to determine which method to use is invaluable.
