Summary
I’m planning on pursuing a combined MD/Ph.D. program, which combines both medicine and research to train the next generation of physician-scientists. The path to becoming a physician-scientist is daunting and long, which could take up to 15 years. Aside from having both medical and research training, successfully physician-scientist should also be a problem solver, a critical thinker, resilient, a hard worker and good writer. Writing skills are very important in this field because physician-scientists have to write proposals and manuscripts. Upon successful completion of their training, physician-scientists usually work at academic medical centers doing research and applying it to help patients at the bedside. The prime goal of physician-scientists is to use research findings to push the boundaries of medical mysteries.
Introduction
During my sophomore year, when people asked me what field I’m trying to get into after graduation, I tell them “I’m not sure, probably medical.” At that time, I was debating on whether to go to medical school or graduate school. It was then, that I learned about an MD/Ph.D. program, also know as a physician-scientist program, which combines MD and Ph.D. degree for people interested in both medicine and research. Since I learned about a combined MD/Ph.D. degree, I’m planning on pursuing it because it integrates both medicine and research to treat patients. At this point, I’m planning on taking a year or two off and apply to joint
I continued following my medical interest by shadowing the athletic trainers for four years while also taking medical courses through the medical academy my high school offers. Shadowing throughout high school provided hands on experience while also allowing me to see what it would be like to be an athletic trainer. Learning the different types of medical professionals duties that come along with the job allowed me to decide before I got to college that athletic training was not what I wanted to major in. The courses I had taken along with shadowing the trainers were something that assisted and guided me to pursue Exercise Science. The courses that helped guide my understanding of Exercise Science were Exploring the Language of Medicine, Anatomy and Physiology, and Exercise Science. Throughout taking the Exercise Science course I realized that I had a true passion for exercise science. This course provided information on how broad of a field Exercise Science was. I also learned that the exercise science program serves as foundation for advanced study in exercise science and other areas such as exercise physiology, medicine, physical therapy, sports nutrition, sports psychology and more. Throughout this class we looked at different jobs that Exercise Science majors could go on to take after completing your undergraduate degree. The jobs range from a Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant and more. After taking this class it also lead me to decide that I wanted to pursue being a Physician Assistant in the Emergency
At the age of ten, I read a book, “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson, which inspired and begin to motivate my interest in pursuing medicine as a career because I could identify with his discovery of the joy of reading and his fascination with science. When I was 14, I had an epiphany at the doctor’s office. This event occurred a little after I had finished my final exams in school and the next step was to go to senior high school. But, I thought the preliminary chemistry and physics classes of junior high school were daunting and went on to convince myself that a career in medicine might not be right for me.
I have always been interested in the medical field. My father is a physiotherapist and my mother has a bachelorette in Microbiology and is a laboratory technologist. I have grown up having science-themed discussions around the dinner table and books lying around the house. With the experience of my parents at their respected professions, I did not have the feeling that these paths were the correct fit for me. I liked the hands on side of physiotherapy but I wanted something more technology related. I searched the medical field for a career that combined my fascination for both human science and technology in addition to being able to interact with patients. My research on Radiation Therapy instantly established a thought that this is a career
Throughout my high school career, I had a great variety of classes ranging from Civil Engineering and Architecture to Anatomy and Physiology. I was, and still am, interested in just about everything. At the University of North Dakota, I chose to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree with an emphasis in Health Science and a Minor in Biology. This allowed me to tailor my schedule to include courses I needed as well as courses I was interested in. As evident in my transcripts, I took a little bit of everything and I loved every moment of it. Although I wasn’t yet focusing on a certain career path, I was certain that I wanted to ultimately pursue a career in the medical field. Specifically, I have recently found that chiropractic will allow me to enrich the lives of others while exhibiting lifelong learning
As I began college, I decided not to choose a major at first. It was not until the beginning of this semester that I declared Biology as my major. I have always been interested in science, and it has always been one of my best subjects. Since I was little, my dream has been to become a doctor. As I have taken more classes, trying to weed out what I do and do not like, I have discovered that sciences are what interest me the most. Currently I have an emphasis in pre-professional studies which means that my major is leading me to attend a medical school after I graduate from Arkansas State University.
My life is a bit of a rollercoaster. I knew what I wanted to do since a young age; however, different paths and decisions brought me to my goal in a roundabout way. After high school I decided to take time off before going to college because I was fortunate enough to have a successful career in retail management. Around the nine year mark I decided that I wanted to return to my goal of entering the medical field, which I was already in the process of doing by attending Northeastern and working towards my BS in Biological Sciences. My ultimate goal being to achieve an MS as a physician assistant. When moving into health care I started in the Urgent Care Department which was closely related to one of the fields I am interested in when practicing
Currently, I am in the process of earning my Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a pre-medical emphasis from Grand Canyon University. Upon graduation, I hope to attend either a medical or physician assistant school. My specific goal in the medical field is still up in the air, however, I am avidly exploring the fields of pathology, oncology, emergency medicine, and surgery. My interest in the medical field was sparked by my human anatomy and physiology class during my senior year of high school. Put simply, my life in high school was rough, and I was completely lost, as far as my career decisions were concerned. I enrolled in a human anatomy course, to fill a hole in my schedule during my senior
Throughout the majority of my life, I had dreams of becoming an attorney and did not consider medicine as a profession until much later in my academic career. I had previously pictured myself pursuing a career in intellectual property rights and hoped to become a patent attorney, given my interest in the scientific field. My interest in patent law led me to take science courses that piqued my curiosity. I soon found myself involved in undergraduate laboratory research, focused on discovering new drugs to treat chronic pain syndromes while preventing drug tolerance and limiting the side effects of conventionally used narcotic pain medications. During my last year of college, I was accepted into law school, however I ultimately did not feel that I was truly pursuing my passion and decided to withdraw my acceptance. I then found myself with a college degree and an unclear direction in life, unsure of what new career I wanted to pursue. Shortly after graduating, I discovered a medical scribe vacancy in my hometown's Emergency Department (ED). Working as a scribe in the ED was a profound experience that undoubtedly shaped my career path and inspired me to become a physician and apply to medical school.
Exploring various research opportunities on campus and summer internships have allowed me to shape what I want my future to look like. When the time approached to set my personal and professional goals, I made a conscientious decision to enter a field that would allow me to leave a positive impact on mankind, while adding to the current body of research. There is more that can be done by combining research and medicine, and additional steps I can take to enhance scientific advances. These convictions, coupled with my passion for medicine and science, were significant factors in my interest in becoming a physician-scientist, pursuing an MD-PhD. As a scientist, I see how creation and innovation can aid. As a future medical doctor, I see the need to treat, heal, and
Combined BA/MD programs are often singularly focused with an intense pace and rigorous coursework. In my eyes, they are beauteous opportunities, suitable for both my skills and my goals. Being part of a combined medicine program would not only provide me with the motivation to continue challenging myself, but also offer me the freedom to explore my other interests, and in turn receive a more well-rounded foundation for specialist medical training.
When I came to school in August I thought I had my four years here at Harding completely planned out. I wanted to study to become a RN and eventually come back to Harding a few years after graduation and get my M.D. to become a Nurse Practitioner. But, these plans quickly changed. The more I learned about the different programs Harding offers the more interested I became in new career fields. Eventually, I was able to choose my major to be Exercise Science with hopes to apply to the Physician Assistant program after graduation. The biggest part of my reason for wanting to pursue this path is the versatility of the career. Currently, I want to work in pediatrics, but if I were to change my mind I could work in anything from dermatology to geriatrics
When I first came to Mercer I really wanted to become a pediatric oncologist or a general practitioner. I changed my mind a couple times during my pre-college and freshman year on whether or not I wanted to be a different kind of doctor. However, I never really thought I would end up undeclared in my sophomore year. My whole high school life was spent navigating the medical pathway and joining clubs like HOSA (Healthcare Occupation Students of America). I even did well in these classes and clubs, winning honors at the state and national level for EMT and Kaiser Permanente testing. During my sophomore year, things changed because I dropped chemistry after having an uninspiring teacher and after
For years my dream for my future is to go to college. As a junior this year, I begin my journey by trying to select a college and a major. After researching different careers, programs of study, colleges, and financial aid, I have decided the career I’m going to pursue in becoming is a sport’s medicine physician.
During the course of my college years, I have considered alternate career options. I have contemplated becoming a physician’s assistant, a dentist, or a podiatrist. Physician’s assistants and doctors play similar roles in clinics; I would still be able to see patients and enjoy the interpersonal aspect of delivering healthcare. Additionally, I would still be able to play an important role in primary care and do my utmost for the sake of my patients, which is hugely appealing.
Today, in an increasingly complex world, it is time to find a better way to deliver superior health care at a lesser cost. Therefore, we must take discoveries and findings from the research to the patient faster to save lives. My motivation for my education comes from the sincere desire to make a difference. To be a successful physician, one must be caring, dedicated and inquisitive in this field as well as a whole rounded person. I believe these are some of the qualities I possess and I am sure that by studying medicine I can accomplish my dreams and contribute to the