We talked with Dr. Marianna Hegyi, our Medical Director, General Practitioner, and Internist, about her motivations for becoming a doctor, her choice of specialty, and the positive and negative aspects of her profession. Read on to learn more about what she thinks sets FirstMed apart from other medical facilities and what she enjoys most about working here. Additionally, Dr. Hegyi offers her insights on choosing a doctor for yourself or your family members and recommends maintaining good health.
How did you become a doctor?
It would be nice to say that I became a doctor because of my childhood, but it wouldn’t be true. None of my family members were doctors—I never had a personal experience. I remember that I always wanted to save sick, injured, or abandoned animals’ lives, and I took them home to take care of them. Because my physique would have made it difficult for me to be a veterinarian, I decided to try (human) medical school. From that moment, I knew I’d never give up. Although I wasn’t admitted at once, I kept going. I worked in London and started physical therapy studies until, finally, I was admitted to Semmelweis University. It was difficult, but I never felt like choosing a different profession.
Why did you choose your specialty?
As a woman, I wasn’t interested in becoming a surgeon. Instead, I chose a specialty that would provide a solid foundation for my future, allowing me the option to further specialize in medicine later on. That’s why I opted for internal medicine. I worked in an internal medicine and cardiology department for several years. Eventually, I decided to specialize in family practice, which I believe is an excellent choice for women who want to balance their careers with family time. At FirstMed, I can combine internal medicine and family practice, as my work often involves elements of each. Sometimes, it leans more toward family practice, while at other times, it aligns more with internal medicine.
What are the good and bad parts of being a doctor?
The good part is that you can help people quickly—often just by listening to and calming them down. When you can provide assistance in ways you know they need, sometimes you can save their lives. You can give real solutions. When you have a general knowledge of medicine, you know when to worry if you notice a sign or a symptom. It gives you confidence. You know where to start with the treatment plan. It is always wonderful when you can help – in any way, shape, or form.
The bad ones are when you can’t help. When you see that your patient is suffering physically or mentally. When you can’t find a way to ease their pain. When you see them crying. When children are suffering. Or when you see someone die. When you see families losing their loved ones. When you can’t give hope because there is no cure.
What makes FirstMed different from other places where you have practiced medicine?
FirstMed is like a small island in Budapest where foreigners can find English-speaking doctors, professional care, stability, various specialties, and commitment. Sometimes, it is more than “just” a medical facility – they need general help and guidance on how to find the best solution for their medical and non-medical problems. Usually, you know the whole family, you can accompany them from birth, and you may know tiny pieces of their private lives, which sometimes differ from mine. You may get close to different cultures and see the colors of the world.
What do you like the most about practicing medicine at FirstMed?
The diversity, stability, and the possibilities of how we can help. Because we have so many specialties and partner companies, we can avoid using the public healthcare system in most cases, which would be scary for foreigners due to the language barrier and accommodation. We are always here by our on-call system, so our regular patients can find a solution on any day of the year and at any time of the day. We can see rare diseases as our patients usually travel a lot, and we have to try to solve problems using different methods regarding their cultural, religious, and social diversity. I love seeing their kids as they grow and knowing them more than ‘just” a doctor. It is also nice to help them with general questions and concerns.
What do you consider when looking for a doctor for yourself or a family member?
Personality is really important to me. Whether they are good listeners, can understand the problem and try to find the root of the problem, and they have to be very thorough in their examination. Sometimes general perspectives and views are more important than detailed specifications. Of course, medical practice, and experiences are also important, but simple knowledge without the capability of giving mental and psychical relief is not enough. Trust and availability are also very important. The patient shouldn’t feel alone with their problems, fears, and difficulties.
Besides specific medical advice that you give to individual patients is there anything that you would recommend for people to stay as healthy as possible?
As long as you have plans, goals, and loved ones, you should never give up. Friends and family, and a hobby, can keep you active and give you a drive to live and fight even if you have medical problems.
Thank you Dr. Hegyi for the interview. To make an appointment please call +36 1 224 9090.
Published on: April 13, 2021