“Chad, on ultrasound there are four things that we look for in cancer and you are four for four. To be honest, it looks pretty extensive. As the research radiologist I can’t make any referrals, so please get in to see your primary care doctor as soon as possible.” My pre-clinical years of medical school were a defining moment in my life and career as a future physician. Late into my first year, I volunteered for a campus research project which included a thyroid ultrasound – a serendipitous decision which would forever change the course of my life. Papillary thyroid cancer, while having arguably the best prognosis of all cancers in young adults, requires extensive surgical and medical treatment. The curative treatment of radioactive iodine
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My interest in neurosurgery was developed during undergrad, where I studied engineering with a specific focus on microprocessors. I always knew I was an engineer type by personality – I loved to work with my hands, worked best in a team setting, and revel in the opportunity to solve technical problems while thinking on my feet. However, my experiences in an engineering research laboratory showed me that my interests in engineering were in fact more strongly aligned with medicine. While shadowing various types of surgeons, I conversed with a neurosurgeon who noted that my electrical engineering background would help me understand the physiology of a peripheral nerve. This remark helped me realize that the traits I aligned with engineering were a direct compliment to neurosurgery. From that point forward, I sought to validate my inclination for neurosurgery. During my neurosurgery rotations, I developed a strong appreciation and respect for the incredible breadth and depth of which a neurosurgeon must master. During the rotation, I worked with surgeons who worked comprehensively to reverse Parkinson’s disease symptoms with deep brain stimulators by day, then follow with an emergent craniectomy just hours later. As I was able to observe additional operations, I truly developed a sense of belonging in the operating room and an emboldened attraction to
My interest in neurosurgery was developed during undergrad, where I studied engineering with a specific focus on microprocessors. I always knew I was an engineer type by personality – I loved to work with my hands, worked best in a team setting, and revel in the opportunity to solve technical problems while thinking on my feet. However, my experiences in an engineering research laboratory showed me that my interests in engineering were in fact more strongly aligned with medicine. While shadowing various types of surgeons, I conversed with a neurosurgeon who noted that my electrical engineering background would help me understand the physiology of a peripheral nerve. This remark helped me realize that the traits I aligned with engineering were a direct compliment to neurosurgery. From that point forward, I sought to validate my inclination for neurosurgery. During my neurosurgery rotations, I developed a strong appreciation and respect for the incredible breadth and depth of which a neurosurgeon must master. During the rotation, I worked with surgeons who worked comprehensively to reverse Parkinson’s disease symptoms with deep brain stimulators by day, then follow with an emergent craniectomy just hours later. As I was able to observe additional operations, I truly developed a sense of belonging in the operating room and an emboldened attraction to