Medical Physics Personal Statement

I began teaching as a graduate teaching assistant and project assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a teaching assistant, I conducted labs, discussion sessions, and some honor sessions for introductory physics courses in electromagnetism, thermal dynamics, optics, and modern physics. As a project assistant, my responsibilities included grading homework, discussing it with students, and prepare some homework solutions in quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and an introductory physics course. In teaching physics, my main goal is to have my students actively thinking like physicists. I believe that the ability to think like a physicist is valuable to everyone, whether physics graduates, physics majors or non-physics majors.

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.

Biology explains what occurs within all living things. Chemistry explains the reactions between different substances at the molecular level. Physics, however, explains how and why everything occurs in the universe. Through the use of mathematics, physics explains why things must go down and why it is impossible to reach the speed of light. Physics simply mirrors my personality as I am an individual who enjoys an explanation for everything.

My fascination with the intricate workings of the human body began after witnessing a cardiac arrest and subsequent CPR, at MY LOCAL swimming pool, aged 8. From then ONWARDS I began learning first aid, little did I know I would use these skills -deleteand-) numerous times over the following years. Aged 14, I provided lifesaving first aid following a serious incident whilst working at a shooting ground; further affirming that this is the career for me.

Understanding that challenge is necessary to expand skills, I took Advanced Placement Physics as a junior in high school. Determined to excel I pored over books, sought assistance from teachers, and diligently applied myself. I was certain that an A grade was imminent. I was working hard, alas an A grade eluded me. Ironically physics, a subject I actual enjoy, was teaching me a hard lesson, sometimes, no matter how hard you work, success does not come on the first try.

I stood with a look of wonderment as I watched the beehive of physicians, radiologists, nurses, and paramedics collaboratively save a man’s life. The scene initially appeared chaotic with scrubs flying around and doctors swarming all over, but in actuality the team was extremely single-minded—as if driven by instinct. I was amazed by the speed and conviction with which the attending doctor made his decisions; his training and experience was evident with every move. Seeing the tearful wife thank the doctor highlighted the impact of his work—his actions had saved a husband and a father. I left admiring both the competency of emergency physicians and their ability to touch lives in such a dramatic way. While my enjoyment of high school biology sparked my original inclination towards medicine, my first hand experiences in the hospital deepened my motivation and left me steadfast in my decision to become a doctor.

The most important experiences I’ve had in science began when I was a child and have continued through my time as a student researcher at Howard University. My exposure to science in medicine occurred at a young age and on an intimate level. When I was young, I had various health problems asthma, allergies, and eczema; it was as if my body was rejecting the world it was in. My parents immigrated to the United States so their children could have the opportunity to realize our dreams. Every day I think about the hardships they went through and it pushes me, and makes me a better scientist. The challenges I experienced at a young age sparked my initial interest in medicine, but later influenced my decision to pursue MD/PhD. As a child frequently

After beginning medical school, I quickly realized that for every one question we could answer there were about a dozen that could not be answered. I delved even deeper into my studies, determined to learn all I could to help my patients to the best of my ability. Suddenly, two of my close family members died, and with this my determination to find answers increased again. Something else awoke within me during the morning of these loved ones, as well. I truly understood what families were going through while watching their loved ones suffering, and my empathy, compassion, and bedside manner became even stronger.

Growing up in an impoverished area of the Mexican border pushed my parents to send me to the U.S. to obtain a better education. Through self-discipline and persistency I slowly broke through my language barrier, however other obstacles crossed my path that required more than simply persistency. As I become comfortable with my new environment, I developed a deep curiosity about the world around me especially human physiology. My parents' careers involved science and medicine on a daily basis, this sparked my curiosity significantly towards medicine and science, and the principles of my institution helped me discover my vocation. These principles and interests ultimately led me to what I believe

As a child, I was fueled by curiosity to crack open computers and examine each piece to diagnose their individual contributions to the overall system. Driven by the same inquisitive character, I was drawn to the intricacies of the human body which shared many similarities with these complex machines. My thirst for further understanding of the human body and desire to translate my initial interest into an opportunity to improve the lives of those around me began my journey into medicine.

One of the major facets in my pursuit of a career in medicine is that I have not followed a traditional pre-med undergraduate curriculum. Though I initially did not have a significant aptitude for physics, I harbored an inherent curiosity of the subject, and have taken it upon myself to spend my undergraduate education focused on it. The journey ahead was trying, but one that has made me a stronger individual.

I became captivated by the opportunity to apply my knowledge of the biological and chemical sciences in a way that one day may save a life. Though my interest stems from my experiences, my passion to pursue this field lies elsewhere. Growing up in a family of low socioeconomic status in an area with few sources of acceptable health care, I saw my parents struggle as they aged to provide my siblings and I with a proper education. There were times they would ignore their own illness in order to save funds for an emergency for us. Observing this, I knew that no matter how difficult of a path I picked, regardless if it was pharmaceutical sciences or the medical field, my parents had concurred greater difficulties. Growing under such conditions, I began to realize the disparities in quality of treatments my parents received compared to those who of a higher socioeconomic status. This motivated me to pursue a career where I would be given the chance to offer care to individuals through unbiased views. Of course, there are a plethora of careers that can fulfill this but medicine has presented itself as very unique to me. It promises a lifestyle devoted to empathetic patient care, direct patient interaction, and a boundless opportunity to learn and experience something new. As the end of my undergraduate experience is forthcoming, I look forward to taking on the next phase of my life, endeavoring to join the ranks of tomorrow’s

Since I was a child, I’ve always had a strong interest in science. I remember receiving a telescope and microscope kit for my birthday one year, and it was the best gift I’d ever been given. That’s what truly sparked my passion for the field of science and, more specifically, the medical field.

Since early childhood, I have been fascinated by the complexity of the human body. The curiosity for its functioning and potential dysfunction led me to medical school and allowed me to successfully complete my training at the University of Brescia In Italy; far away from my family, fending for myself, learning a different language, living in a different culture and studying without help.

I have been searching for a career that will integrate with my degree in biology. I do not want to be in a situation where I would be constantly working at a desk. What excites me the most in medical technology, is being able to apply my knowledge to more advanced methodologies and instrumentation. During my time working in organic chemistry research, I worked with a few elementary instruments such as rotary evaporators, columns and vacuum distillation glassware. Although this may not give me an encompassing view of what is to be required of me in this program, my appeal with the few instruments sparked my interest. I want to work in a field where I have a hands on approach with my knowledge. After researching the requirements of a medical