Students’ Views

A few weeks ago, there was a meeting held on campus discussing the many steps to take for those that are applying to medical school this year, of which I happen to be in the process of doing. There are many things that I could say to state why I have always wanted to become a doctor, but I figured that the best possible way to exemplify my desire would have to start from the very beginning. My statement below details why, how, and what I hope to be doing within my future career:

Passion. Dedication. Courage. Desire. There are many components that define a true physician, however these are some of the first that come to my mind when pondering about my journey into the medical field. At the age of 5, I was only interested in testing out my plastic stethoscope that I received in my Scholastic medical bag. I examined my father with “routine checkupsâ€? which involved checking his vitals and writing him a prescription before he left my “office.â€? Obviously, at such a young age, a physician’s life was quite intriguing to me. My passion towards medicine grew exponentially as I grew older and confronted circumstances that encouraged my goal towards medicine. Fortunate enough to travel at a young age, I saw extreme poverty first hand in rural areas of Montego Bay, Jamaica. A young boy around 11 years of age was trying desperately to hitchhike to Kingston, which is approximately 80 miles outside of the city, in order to reach the nearest hospital to obtain medicine for his mother. This was not out of the ordinary. We soon discovered that his mother had symptoms of just a common cold, yet many people in the area were dying because of the extreme distance to receive medical aid. Unbeknownst to him, that summer of 1997 left such an indelible mark on both my mind and soul that I would never be able to erase the image of pain, distress, and hope that I saw in this young man’s eyes. This event disturbed me to no end. I couldn’t grasp the concept of such a tremendous task that could be accomplished in just 15 minutes in my neighborhood. My passion began that day. I promised myself that I would return to areas such as Montego Bay, once I became a physician and strive to help other such as the young man’s mother, receive the best medical attention I could offer. With this desired talent that I sought, I knew I could do so much to help others not only in my own country but throughout many areas of the world, especially those in such need as Jamaica.

Poverty continues to be the number one health problem for many poor nations that are not granted enough resources, such as medical care, to meet the growing needs within their population. Utilizing my future abilities for all people is something I look forward to implementing. As one of the many characteristics an individual should have when entering into this field, is continued compassion and willingness to render service with the utmost respect for the dignity of all humanity. Throughout my life, I have seen physicians that embody every aspect of what I have described and are truly dedicated to the care and well-being of all people. Although, there are those that do not live by the principles and purposes of the profession of medicine that I believe are the foundations for success as a doctor. I want to be known as not only someone that cares for her patient’s and shows that within my practice but someone they can completely trust. I have observed within my clinical and personal experiences, that the patient-physician relationship has changed drastically, with many physicians not treating their patients like human beings but just another object of examination. I want to exhibit my passion daily and show others that I have the desire and compassion that they seek from a doctor.

In conclusion, there are many factors that have played a role in my life that have expanded my love for medicine and all that it entails. I am drawn to science for not only what it embodies but also for those that are able to unravel its secrets on a daily basis and help others in the process. I believe that everyone has a talent that they are born with and eventually find in the course of their life. I find myself extremely fortunate to have discovered my dream at such a young age and continued to build upon it for almost 15 years. I believe that I am capable and prepared to make the next step closer to my lifelong goal as a professional of medicine.