Personal Narrative: Dementia

As a young child, I was always drawn towards the field of health care. I remember reading about the many options that are held within it and wondering what path it would lead me on. Neonatal nursing was something that always came into my mind, but it was often pushed to the side by people and teachers who thought I should become a pediatrician instead. This became a real struggle for me, but as I grew up and began researching and exploring the health care field I came to a decision for myself. I came to the realization that everyone was wrong. I didn’t want to be a doctor at all. This sudden burst of independence from what everyone else wanted was the first step to reaching my end goal. Along with this, an accelerated education, volunteer

A medical professional essential role always boils down to serving other people faithfully. For me, I have always found great joy in serving the community in any capacity, but found a special joy in health care. I have found my desire to serve is what continually motivates me to become a Physician Assistant. This drive has help me maintain a 3.80 GPA, while leading my college soccer team as a captain for the past three seasons. All while establishing myself as a chemistry lab assistant and tutor. The balance between the three is great preparation for the future as I prepare to face the challenges ahead. I am aware of the value of education and gaining as much knowledge as possible, however I equally value establishing relationships with people.

I first realized my passion for health promotion and disease prevention the summer following my first year of college. I had the privilege of attending the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), which introduced me to numerous healthcare professionals. During the program, many of the professionals shared their stories about why they choose the profession, and with each story, I began to reflect deeply on my own background and what drew me to medicine. It was not until an emergency medicine physician spoke about his experiences, that allowed me to fully understand connecting my background to my future. The physician mentioned growing up in D.C., which brought to mind my family in D.C. It had been almost a year since my grandmother

My decision to pursue a career as a physician was not a blinding revelation, being the daughter of two immigrant parents the thought of becoming a physician seemed distant. In high school I pursued to obtain what for me was then the highest education I perceived I would be able to achieve which was going to college and obtaining a bachelor’s degree. As the quote by Ralph Ellison highlights, “When I discover who I am, I’ll be free”. This quote resonates with the start of my second year in college, as I have been able to find my passion for medicine. More specifically, I explored my values and how I wanted to shape my future. I reflected upon the encounters and dramatic effects that physicians have had with my own family. The most impactful

It was faded red, and slow: on Volkswagen time. Others rushed impatiently. It said, “Speed limit will do. No hurry.”

I vividly remember that chilly night in March as I walked out of Fifer, the building my father now calls home, for the first time. I had goosebumps, but they were not from the cold I felt hit my skin. Instead, they were from the sickness in my stomach. As I got in the car, I began to cry and had to stop myself from running back inside. My entire world had turned upside-down. How could I go home without my father? How could I leave him in a nursing home, a place where he was too young and mentally fit to be confined? I had to fight the feeling that he didn’t belong. I had to remind myself of why he chose to be there, and I hated it.

When I was starting my sophomore year in high school, I obtained a typical ambition of becoming a physician. However, this aspiration was largely unjustifiable since I was oblivious to what a job in healthcare truly entailed i.e. authentic patient care, the significance of effective verbal communication, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protocols healthcare professionals must abide by or even what the rationale behind using an AED was. However, through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), I have gained more competence in understanding the healthcare field and the importance of service, the amount of hard work and preparation for an event to be successful, and the significance of empathy and selflessness.

Adversity has only improved my tenacity, focus, endurance, and problem solving abilities. Various circumstances have affected my academic performance negatively, but I use that as motivation to continually improve myself. I want to be a part of the solution to the family physician shortage and serve the community in the most effective way. My drive to improve the lives of others will help propel me through the difficulties of medical school and beyond. The personal experience I have with my immersion in the field of primary care gives me unique characteristics that will translate into creating a successful physician that focuses on building meaningful relationships with patients. I continually witness how my grandfather is positively impacting the community through medicine and it is my goal to be granted an opportunity to do the same. My belief in lifelong learning and continual self-improvement consistently drives me towards the study of medicine. Because of my life experiences, I now have the balance, endurance, clarity, and tenacity needed to be a successful medical

It’s upsetting to watch Alzheimer’s take over a person’s mind, especially a loved one. Recently I visited my paper and he was asked if he recognized me. His exact words were, “Well, I think I should.” At that moment, I felt bad that he

In PSYC1002R, we have learned that dementia is simply a blanket term that best explains the gradual decline in multiple areas of function that define human existence. These areas include memory, language, communication, skilled movement, perception, recognition, decision-making, to name a few. In 2011, there were 747,000 Canadians suffering with dementia with 15% of them being 65 years old and older. (Tsuji, 2017) It is estimated that by 2031, that figure will rise to an alarming number of 1.4 million people. (Tsuji, 2017) Dementia is difficult for both the individual diagnosed with the disease and the patient’s family members or caregivers. It is difficult to watch a beloved one become more and more distant and estranged. In this short essay,

“Who are you again?” my great-grandmother asked her daughter, my grandma. Dementia is a horrible diagnosis not only for the people diagnosed with it, but also for everyone around them. Someone you’ve known your whole life slowly starts to forget you. I want to know many things about dementia because I know as I get older there is a larger chance more and more people close to me will suffer with dementia. I have chosen this topic since both my great-grandparents suffered with dementia/Alzheimer’s, so I have been in contact with people who start to forget the most important things and people in their lives.

On January 5, 2009 my father pasted away. He and I did not have the typical father-son relationship; we did not have a relationship at all. I presumed that it would have a little if any affect on me. However, as the semester continued, it seemed to get worse. Besides my father’s passing, several weeks later my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. It was difficult for me to deal with, but it was more difficult for my mother to handle.

I had just finished my junior year of high school and was preparing for a vacation in Europe without my family for three weeks. It was the first time I would be traveling on my own, and the first time I would be away from my parents for an extended period of time. I was making another step closer to adulthood and full independence. Soon I would be on my own traveling, and shortly after that I would be off to college. After years of waiting, I was near full independence and I was ecstatic. However, a letter in this envelope on the floor of my room would alter my excitement with respect to my father’s perspective of the upcoming changes in my life.

My dementia journey began years ago. It was a sharp learning curve. I had to;

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.