Importance Of My Journey To Medicine

It is said that you should always follow your heart and intuition because they already know what you truly want. I believe my journey to the medical profession is an embodiment of that sentiment. My resolution to practice medicine developed through years of personal realization that culminated after overcoming medical issues as a college student. Various clinical experiences have solidified my decision with the acknowledgment that serving as a physician would be fulfilling and gratifying in an unsurpassable manner. My attraction to the scientific aspect of medicine was hereditary in a sense. My parents are biologists who love their work and emphasized a scientific minded approach to health in my upbringing. I expanded on this inclination …show more content…
My life long home schooled education had not challenged me to understand my academic capability or good study habits, consequently reflecting in my grades. However, things changed drastically with the onset of what I believed to be a heart condition. After months of chest pain and shortness of breath, no physicians were able to trace my progressing symptoms until a special family doctor discovered a severe case of acid reflux that had wreaked havoc on my esophagus. This physician exuded such genuine empathy and openness that any anxiety obstructing our communication was removed. I instinctively poured out information and consequently, gave her what she needed. This was the first time I fully grasped the significance of a patient 's role in diagnosis and the subsequent potential of a physician with such an ability to connect with patients. Although my circumstances were ideal, the benefits I received were extensive. I developed profound appreciation for professional medical practice that was rooted in the perspective of a patient, and found relevance for the interpersonal strengths I desired to emphasize in a career. Ultimately, this experience inspired me to become a physician and imparted a sustained sense of proactivity and responsibility in my personal …show more content…
Observing the ways in which physicians serve as caretakers, scientists, and mentors was thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational to me. While confirming my desire for similar demands in a career, I witnessed the value of quality patient care through the mentorship of a local cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Allam. He remembered all of his patients as individuals and interacted with them as both a companion and caretaker. All input from patients was taken seriously and received with the utmost empathy, reflecting in an undeniable sense of trusting confidence in him. Even in the most grave circumstances, his patients left feeling more in control and positive. Dr. Allam impressed on me the importance of medicine as not only a physical science, but also a behavioral one. Through volunteer service for hospice patients and a child with muscular dystrophy, I have come to understand this more intimately. In a sensitive environment where circumstances change often and drastically, learning to connect with and understand patients was as much a reflection of myself as it was a practice in bedside manner. I quickly learned that building trusting relationships was determined not by knowing what to say, but being able to listen. As someone who loves to converse, this was an important realization. Being with patients in a stressful environment has also helped me to become far