MED PEDS RESIDENCY PERSONAL STATEMENT

I was ready to drop everything and run for my life if he took a step. I anxiously eyed the black bull as I approached him. I laughed at myself as I quickly passed him. After four months of the same routine, I was still afraid that he was going to give up grazing for the fun of running after me. Going to medical school in a third world Caribbean city was unlike any other experience I have ever had. It was challenging to learn to adjust on so many different levels, yet my experiences in Dominica have brought me closer to fulfilling my potential as a person than any other singular experience. I was excited to go to a Caribbean medical school because it provided the opportunity to study in the type of country I hope to practice in one day I learned much about my own abilities while living alone in a third world country. A new confidence grew in me as did a faith in my ability to accomplish what I wanted. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it taught me much about humility, perseverance, and tested the genuineness of my affection for medicine.

Even before I went to Dominica, primary care appealed to me because of how useful it could be where resources are limited. The key reason I decided to pursue a career in medicine was related to a desire to work where medicine was needed the most. This desire was further encouraged by my coursework in undergraduate and a trip to Guatemala. In clinical rotations, I discovered other reasons why primary care suited my personality and career goals. It was at the end of the day and while I was walking out of the room, when I noticed Mr. R.P. Although I was saddened that his pancreatic cancer brought him back to the hospital, I was happy to see him. Somehow we always managed to cross paths whether I was in internal medicine or surgery or infectious disease. It was a great feeling to sit down next to him and know the course of his last three hospitalizations and the effects it had on him personally. This experience reminded me of the value of long term, consistent interactions. I have found that the continuity of care found in general medicine is fulfilling for both physicians and patients because it fosters a confidential and intimate relationship. Primary care also encompasses two other important elements: preventative medicine and teaching.

An experience with patient R.G. in my pediatric rotation taught me the value of patient education. She was 15 years old and petrified of shots. The pediatrician just informed her that she was also pregnant. She nodded and began to grab her things. After the doctor left, I sat next to her and asked if she had any questions. Although she didn’t, I began to explain to her the life cycle. Her quietness was replaced with questions, awe, and a trace of excitement. She was given resources and referred to organizations that help patients in her situation. Before she left, she thanked me for helping her understand what was going on inside of her body. After she left, I was thankful that I had the opportunity to bring some clarity into a confusing and scary situation. Even in my limited experience, I have seen that patients that understand the process are more likely to be compliant, more likely to be honest, and more likely to face courageously the trials ahead of them. Clinical experiences like this convince me that I would be very happy in primary care.

While several specialties could provide a strong foundation for primary care, I believe Medicine-Pediatrics is the best choice for me. Medicine-Pediatrics encompasses the many goals I have as an aspiring physician: caring for patients of every age, intensive training in both inpatient and outpatient care, and professional freedom. The depth of training provided in Medicine-Pediatrics sets it apart from any other primary care specialty. Medicine-Pediatrics would allow me as a physician to care for both the simple and complex problems in each of my patient’s lives. Medicine-Pediatrics is appealing because it provides the general training for outpatient medicine, and yet involves the complicated disease processes that make medicine stimulating. This kind of intellectual stimulation will provide the drive to maintain a solid knowledge foundation long after formal training is completed. I also believe that the rigorous training in inpatient medicine in both disciplines will develop the inductive reasoning methods that will make a more conscientious outpatient physician. Lastly, I believe that the numerous doors open to me professionally will give the freedom to pursue interest that may develop throughout my career.

Medicine-Pediatrics is exactly what I have hoped for in a medical specialty. I am excited to be in a residency program that prioritizes teaching yet provides the freedom to develop the mind of a physician. Furthermore, I believe I will be an asset to a residency program with my enthusiasm for medicine, my desire to make a difference, and my determination. I look forward to the future, as it is filled with the hope of being a compassionate and powerful advocate for the patients under my care.