Why I Am A Physician

My interest in medicine first stemmed from my freshman Biology class and my Nutrition class. I was intrigued by our studies of cells, genetics, and disease. Both courses incited a sense of awe and curiosity within me. Dissecting a frog, was the stepping-stone for my interest in medicine. Seeing the frog's heart made me wonder how the human heart worked. My research into the human heart inspired me to learn more about the medical field. I sought out volunteer opportunities that would give me insight into a doctor’s typical day. During my volunteer experience, I learned that as a doctor you experience many obstacles, including patient compliance and insurance approval issues. In my journey to pursue medicine, I learned that becoming a doctor means more than helping people, it means being the team leader, being compassionate, and most importantly being committed to the patient’s well being.

The Greek word philotimo caught me by surprise. My initial expectations were just a single definition word with a solid meaning behind it. Little did I know this word has no definition, and it applies to hundreds of different things. Philotimo is awe inspiring to the Greeks. It provided them with a drive, a certain guideline on how to approach life. It helped the Greeks establish many of the modern inventions that we use today such as modern medicine, mathematics, biology, and many more. By showing pride in family, community, and oneself, philotimo made all of these things possible. Philotimo is a word that drives one to be great and do the right thing.

Anything could have gone wrong. A Japanese soldier murdering my grandmother as they marched into her small village during the Rape of Nanking. The Communist forces dropping an aerial bomb on my mother’s home before the Fall of Saigon. My father’s old fishing boat capsizing in the South China Sea while escaping Vietnam before his miraculous landing in the Philippines. From time to time, I reflect upon my family’s fortuitous circumstances in the darkest periods of war and their tumultuous journey to America. Being the eldest child of second-generation war refugees has significantly impacted my life decisions and aspirations. Neither of my parents finished their education due the Vietnam War, so I have the privilege of being the first in the

For many years in my college career, I depended upon another person to be my confidant and support system. I could not foresee my future without our future, and I planned my path to becoming a physician always with another person in mind. Before graduation, this relationship was severed. I had never experienced such a loss of direction as my time as an undergraduate ended. I had already accepted my position as a medical assistant and began training in an uncertain mental state. I felt as if I was experiencing a loss unlike any that I had before. What I did not realize at the time was that taking on my position at Vanguard during such a fragile time in my personal life would build a new independence and reaffirm my desire to pursue medicine.

After I concluded my basic steps, I became a nurse with the objective to continue on to medical school. It was at a very young age that I had the opportunity to work with patients in a hospital setting and also in the community. I felt that I was just in my world. At this time not just been satisfied with caring for the patients, I also wanted to be able to diagnose and treat their illnesses so I enrolled in medical school. I started medical school with an inquisitive mind hungry for knowledge, I was impressed with semiology, it was so interesting to be able to diagnose only by asking about their symptoms and listening with my old stethoscope. We had difficulty even obtaining a cbc or an x-ray because our resources were very limited. I worked very hard and learned how to establish an open and

My career goal is to enter the medical field and push myself to form relationships with the individuals I encounter. I was inspired to pursue a career in medicine while completing my senior internship, where I was introduced to the real-world medical issues that can occur. Through my career, I hope to form relationships, push myself, and help others.

The first reason why I would like to pursue a healthcare career is that I want to contribute to the greater good of the community by helping those in need. It is a noble profession that really matters. I learned early on that helping others just a little bit could make a big difference.

Please submit an essay (450 words or less) that explains your interest and commitment to Community Medicine.

Throughout my life, there have been several important experiences which have influenced my desire to pursue medicine. These include having a potentially cancerous mole on my ankle at the age of three, my love for science and academics beginning in elementary school, the desire to help people, giving back to the community, and to be a role model for others in the pursuit of their own dreams. Although not one of these experiences in itself led to my pursuit of medicine, I believe they all have influenced me in a way that compelled me to obtain a greater desire for the study of medicine. Had one of these memories not existed, I may not be in the same position as I am today with applying to medical schools. Nonetheless, I have known since a young age that medicine was going to be the right choice for me, whether through my love of it or through intuition, but there were several memories along the way that helped solidify this passion. Medicine has always been my plan A and plan B because it has always intrigued me. Although other professions may seem exciting at times, my love for science and helping others has made medicine be the right choice for me always.

When I was about 11 years old, I developed a cyst that attached to my spleen. I felt this cyst for about 4 days, and the whole time I was in a lot of pain and I could barely breathe and my abdomen had swelled up so much I looked like I could be having a baby. Then I went into the operating room, and a surgeon cut me open and chopped out the cyst. Recovery was painful, but I could have died if I hadn’t had the cyst removed. Ever since then, I’ve looked up to the entire surgical profession.

I realized that the inspirations that I have for taking care of the needs of others were not limited on only a career as a physician. When asked what my goals in life are, I only have the simplest but most meaningful answer, I want to help. In my heart no amount of money or prestige can comfort or take the desire that is embedded in me to help meet the needs of others.

My decision to study medicine received more attention when I was in the tenth grade, and I realized the incessant lack of medical doctors in rural communities in Nigeria which has resulted in high mortality even from preventable diseases. In fact, some of my relatives were victims of this. This experience ignited a passion and desire within me to become an agent of positive change. As a result of this, I decided to become a physician so that I can help people with their health needs. A few years later, I secured admission into College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria to study medicine.

As Albert Einstein famously quoted “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” my decision to pursue medicine was driven by such an inspiration. But that was not the only force driving me. Not only the continuous intellectual challenge and personal satisfaction of helping someone, but also the respect that is generally associated with this profession have always been key factors motivating me.

My desire to become a doctor originated during elementary school. As role-models, I had three older brothers who diligently worked through college, medical school, and now residency and fellowship. They frequently shared stories about their experiences at the hospital that ranged from patient interactions, to making diagnoses of rare pathologies, to life valuable lessons. Later, I had the privilege of shadowing

Try to picture a Parent who is losing their child on the operating table, and the doctor does not know what he is doing and accidentally severs something vital and loses the child. Do we think that this career would best suit me? First, I believe that being a doctor would best suit me because I like to help people for the following reasons: I want to help people get better, I would care about my patients, and I could diagnose what is wrong with them.