NEUROLOGY RESIDENCY PERSONAL STATEMENT

You are your neurons. It was a favorite saying of a professor I had in college. You are your neurons. That phrase resonated in my head each time she said it, and four years later I still feel the same excitement and wonder when I repeat the phrase to myself. Millions of cells in chains sending chemical and electrical signals create who we are, what we do, tell us when we are hungry, or tired, or happy, or in love. This phrase best sums up all of the reasons I chose to become a neurologist.

While I had many opportunities to learn about the anatomy, function, and diseases of the brain in classrooms, laboratories, and images, my mind was made up about neurology during a summer experience as a camp counselor at the BrainCamp, a part of the Spina Bifida Association. I spent time with people of all ages who were born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, or cerebral palsy. I was amazed at how in younger children it was hard to tell that they even had a defect, and yet most of the adults were wheelchair bound and needed much assistance in their daily lives. Unsure if this chasm in ability was due to the effects of age, the level of care provided to the adults fifty years ago, or the advances the have been made in the field over the last half century, I wanted to be able to continue the trend. This desire still lives within me today. I would love to be able to treat patients of all ages, from infant to elderly, and help to improve the prognosis of their disease and help them have the best quality of life possible.

All that I learned during that summer left me with the need to share my enthusiasm for neurology with others. When I arrived at medical school, there were dozens of student organizations designed to expose students to careers available in medical specialties, but none involving neurology. With the help of an advisor and the American Academy of Neurology, I was able to establish the University School of Medicine chapter of the Student Interest Group in Neurology. With this group, the students at my school now had the chance to become exposed to neurology before their fourth year rotation. Classmates could now hear lunchtime talks about neurology sub-specialties and neurology topics relevant to all fields of medicine, shadow neurologists in the office and hospital, and be involved in various activities that spread awareness of brain-related issues such as bike helmet safety to fellow students and the community alike. Organizing this student group allowed me to grow as a student leader and afforded me the opportunity to attend a national neurology conference where my interest in the field continued to grow.

Because I have this desire to treat patients of all ages, I am looking for a program that offers the opportunity for electives in pediatrics and that provides a strong adult training. I also am looking for a program that is involved in community outreach, along with the chance to be involved in research but has a definite emphasis on clinical care. I also would like a program that allows me to continue my interest in dance and creative arts, as I enjoy taking dance classes and attending museums and performances when ever possible. I have a great enthusiasm and joy for the study of the brain, and a great enthusiasm in general. I would be very happy to continue this joy at a program that had as much to offer as I feel I do.