As a high school senior weighing the path between accounting and medicine, I wasn’t expecting one conversation to be so influential. But sitting down with Dr. Ferrill Conant of Smith County Family Practice changed the way I see health, and maybe even my future.
Dr. Conant has spent his career taking care of people in our community, not just by treating illness, but by helping patients prevent it. “Prevention is a conversation we all should be having with our doctor,” he told me. And it starts earlier than most of us think.
For example, Dr. Conant recommends that men and women begin colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy at age 45, or earlier if there’s a family history. And at age 50, men should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer screening through a DRE and PSA exam. These screenings might seem intimidating, but they’re lifesaving.
And it’s not just about tests. Dr. Conant emphasizes everyday lifestyle choices—like avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, getting regular exercise, and eating well—as things you can talk to your provider about at any age. These daily habits are building blocks for long-term health, helping to reduce the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even lung cancer.
As I left the conversation, I couldn’t stop thinking: this is what impact looks like. Being a doctor, or any healthcare provider, is more than a job. It’s a calling to serve, to educate, and to walk alongside people in some of the most important moments of their lives.
Whether I end up in a lab coat or crunching numbers, one thing is clear: our health is worth the conversation. Ask your provider about screenings. Make the call. Start the change. It could save your life—or someone you love.
And to Dr. Conant, thank you for being the kind of doctor who inspires the next generation.
– Michael Ferguson, Nex-Generation Intern