Studying for a final. Researching in a lab. Getting my EMT certification. Volunteering. Getting heart disease. I know what you’re thinking. How are these things all related to each other and wanting to go to medical school? Admittedly, it took me some time to figure that out myself. As I started each of the things above I didn’t necessarily begin with the thought that this experience would some how better prepare me for life as a medical student and physician. Even though being a doctor has always been my dream, I began each (albeit one of them with no choice) for a unique reason. I studied because I wanted to learn. I did research because I wanted to further my studies by using them in a practical capacity. I got an EMT certification because I wanted to put what I learned to use in the real world. I volunteered because I wanted to do something good for other people. I got heart disease because so that I might be able to understand how it feels to be a patient. As I sit here thinking how these things were related to each other and my desire to go into medicine, it dawns on me. My unique experiences as a student, researcher, person, and patient have given me a basis for understanding what a Physician must have. A Physician must have the technical knowledge to make a diagnosis as well as the kindness and empathy needed to deliver compassionate patient care.
What would later lead to a publication in the Journal of Physiology as well as an EMT certification all began in my first physiology class. Learning about how the heart works, how your kidneys function, how you get oxygen was like a catalyst; it sparked my interest in science and medicine. It was all so exciting, so interesting, and so theoretical. Wh...
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...ething similar. The confusion, fear, doubt, anger. I finally felt like I had the capacity to show empathy and understanding to patients and that medical school would help me to advance this ability
From my utter ignorance on the first day of University, to the dark cloud of despair that hovered above me, and finally through to my diagnosis and new understanding, the desire to be a physician has always been with me. Studying for a final. Researching in a lab. Getting my EMT certification. Volunteering. These experiences helped clear up that ignorance and showed me the importance of knowledge (and the excitement of seeing that knowledge in action); while getting heart disease helped push me past that moment of despair and gave me a new understanding of how disease affects people. I’m now ready to brace myself, take a deep breath, and get on that bike.
I began my college career unsure of the path ahead of me. I knew I had a passion for medicine, however, I did not know which direction I would take. With the expansive amount of options offered within the fields of science and medicine, it was difficult to narrow down exactly what direction I wanted to take. I gained some clarity the summer of my sophomore year when I stayed at a close friend’s home, whose father, a practicing Medical Physician, became somewhat of a mentor to me. The passionate way in which he discussed the practice of medicine led me to develop an interest in pursuing a career as a physician. He explained that a career in the medical field was about responsibility, the responsibility to work with all members of the healthcare team for the well-being of the patient as well as their family
... tutoring, advising, and volunteer opportunities, I have developed a strong sense of leadership, confidence, and responsibility. A career in medicine will not only strengthen such attributes, but provide me with an ongoing opportunity to learn, not just from books, but also from patients; and to educate and serve those individuals as well. Though my journey began under dismal circumstances, I believe those experiences will specifically enable me to better understand quality of life issues in the under-served populations of my geographic region.
Becoming a physician means so much more than the academics and extracurricular activities, the arduous studying and relentless applications. Passion is a key factor, but what does it mean to be passionate beyond the dictionary definition? As aspiring healthcare providers, we should strive to bring aid to those in need, whether they 're in their final hours or at the beginning of their lifespan. To be devoted in medicine is to aid a community that we resonate with beyond mere words. Personally, I want to become a pediatrician because I want to give back to my community. I was born prematurely by about three months and monitored for weeks. The amount of time and care placed into my survival still shocks me to this day. I
My affinity for biology comes from my childhood days that I spent watching dissection of rats and looking at the cellular structure under microscope. My mother, being a professor of biology regularly used to take me with her to a Biology lab and that is where my journey towards medical career began. Early on in my life, my family went through a long agony of my father's illness and death. This became a solitary stimulus for me to take up this profession and a driving force to strive for excellence. Going through that turmoil of recurrent hospital visits gave me a firsthand experience of an anguishing family.
Medicine has proven to be an elusive, tempestuous creature. It has appeared to me in visions nightmarish and calm, despairing and joyous. My pursuit has been an odyssey, taking me farther into my heart than I ever dreamed possible. However, before I could even begin to approach the emotional, physical and Intellectual demands of a physician's life, I had to gain a better understanding of myself, my identity and beliefs. Only with this stronger sense of self have I felt the confidence to give my best and my all, and to make my contribution to society.
Most people that are striving to enter into any part of the medical field do so for the love and compassion for others. Wanting to help others, especially in a time of need and also being able to work with others who share the same interests and goals. In general, being able to have a career in doing what they love and believe in, but for me there is so much more than that. At first glance I probably seem quite similar to any of the other applicants that are probably well deserving in their own rights; although I have a unique background all my own that tells a story of why I am here, seeking opportunity.
As a student that is currently seeking a career in the medical professions, I have had to routinely contemplate my reasons for pursuing such an extensive education program in a field that is constantly demanding excessive time and effort. I know of students—many friends and acquaintances of mine included—that have the most sure-fire, inspirational stories that align with their desire to become doctors, surgeons, physician assistants, etc. They always seemed to have a story that emphasized their desire to “give back” what they have received from the medical community. Because of that, ever since the beginning of high school, I have been trying to find an extraordinary reason, a purpose for my medical pursuits. Perhaps I could justify my passion for
...forming bench research at Barry University and Weill Cornell Medical College in the Traveler’s Research Fellowship, I have been exposed to the side of medicine where scientists work every day to find cures for diseases and save lives. Experiencing different aspects of medicine has made me a more competent individual to thrive in this field and has deepened my interest and passion to pursue medicine as a career.I believe that those who fight with so little against so much truly need others to help them in their struggle. Being a physician is not only becoming a successful professional. I will work hard to bring about necessary changes to end social disparities, so that more groups in society receive the best healthcare. By making a difference in their lives, I will receive rewarding experiences that are worth all the hard work and sacrifice my chosen career requires.
My perseverance has prepared me for a career in medicine. The path towards becoming a physician can be long and challenging, necessitating the ability to endure. My ability to bounce back from setbacks and mistakes has solidified throughout my journey. One of the cornerstone experiences of my personal development occurred during high school. My determination led to me my graduating as valedictorian of my class, while balancing three varsity sports and several extracurricular activities. In addition, I worked on weekends to help support my family financially. This persistence resulted in scholarship awards that made higher education a possibility.
I had known for years that I wanted to work in the health care field, but I always believed it would be as a doctor. I watched for the first few years of my brother’s life as he struggled with different health challenges such as being born premature, having croup and breathing difficulty, and speech impairment. Watching my brother struggle and then being able to overcome these difficulties, as well as seeing other children around him who were not as fortunate, really pushed me even at a young age to make a difference. My family, both immediate and extended, were very supportive, and I felt a real positive push towards working hard to achieve that goal of working in health care. In high school, I was fortunate enough to do a cooperative placement at the Peterborough Regional Health Center’s Intensive Care Unit. Through observing rounds and being in the medical setting, I truly knew this is where I wanted to
“It always seems impossible until it’s done”. This quote from Nelson Mandela comes to mind when describing why I aspire to become a Physician Assistant. It has always been a great motivation and inspired me not to get discouraged with failure; rather look forward for your goals. Frequently, it takes many trials and lack of success as well as achievements, for one to truthfully discover him/herself. I instinctively progressed through the motions of life. Many options were available and choosing a career as I grew up kept altering, until one day when I saw how helping other people is my sole purpose of life. Getting to know more of physician assistant drove me into the thoughts of pursuing it as a career.
At that point in my life, training to be an EMT seemed to be the best way to get my foot in the door for a career in the healthcare field. However, the work was very tedious and I did not like being on the front lines of the medical field. One memory has stuck in my head throughout the past years, a call to transport an elderly woman to her dialysis appointment. Upon arrival, it was apparent that the woman was not fully coherent and was very frightened as unknown people surrounded her asking what seemed to be invasive questions. Seeing the flash of terror in her eyes as her frail hands trembled made my heart break, wishing I could take the fear and pain away from her. I knew in that moment that I did not want to have a career that contributed to someone fearing for their lives in some situations. One of the benefits of the EMT work was being in and out of the hospital, bringing patients in I was able to talk to many of the physician assistants (PA) and nurses. At that point in life, I was convinced that I wanted to go to college to be a Biology major undergrad and then move onto PA school. Although this experience definitely had its ups and downs, it reaffirmed my passion for wanting to help or save someone's life with every
Although I have great goals to help people, my grand wish cannot be granted without a great amount of effort on my part. I decided to take part in activities that would help me reach my goals and to ready myself for that field of work. My extracurricular activities and my electives showed proof of my interest in the medical field over time. I made an extra effort to look for activities and classes that could help me on the way to becoming a doctor. My first step was
Throughout my life, I have worked towards one goal which is to become a doctor. Medicine offers the opportunity for me to integrate different scopes of science while trying to improve human life. Medicine has intrigued me throughout all my life because it??s a never ending mystery and every answer has questions, and vice versa. Upon entering my career, I had assumed that professional and financial success would surely bring personal fulfillment. This realization triggered a process of self-searching that led me to medicine. The commitment to provide others with healthcare is a serious decision for anyone. As I examined my interests and goals, however, I underwent a process of personal growth that has propelled me towards a career as a physician. A career in medicine will allow me to integrate thoroughly my passion for science into a public-service framework. Since childhood, I have loved acquiring scientific knowledge, particularly involving biological processes. During my undergraduate studies, I displayed my ability to juggle competing demands while still maintaining my academic focus; I have succeeded at school while volunteering part time, spending time with family and friends, and working part-time. To better serve my expected patient population, I worked over my English and Korean language skills. I have come to discover that a job and even a good income, without another significant purpose, will not bring satisfaction. I planed to utilize my assets, namely my problem- solving affinity, strong work ethic, and interpersonal commitment, to craft a stimulating, personally rewarding career in medicine. I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences, and goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career in health care. The process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it all, I have never lost confidence - the confidence that I will actively absorb all available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and emerge from my training as a skilful and caring physician.
I realize my lifetime goal is a little farfetched, seeing as how competitive the medical field is. I’m aware many people have failed in this endeavor, and it is very rarely achieved; however, based on the community service hours and extracurricular activities I have involved myself in, I feel my chances at succeeding are just as good as any. Becoming a doctor will be stressful and time taking (after all, it is a lifetime goal), but the reward at the end will be gratifying.