Personal Statement:Medicine 46

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Medicine Personal Statement

The quality I find most appealing of the medical profession is the ability to touch the lives of every member in a community by helping those in need and those simply seeking someone to talk to. I am also driven by medicine’s demanding academic program because it allows me to delve deep into the scientific world. The human body is a prime example of why I am interested in science; although we know so much about it, there is still so much more to discover.

Aside from my appreciation for theoretical medicine, I have gained practical experience in the professional environment. I have arranged for a volunteer position in patient interaction and clerical jobs at a local hospital, which I have held for two years. As a volunteer in nutritional services, I appreciate the scope of a hospital and the range of patient needs, with weekly visits to numerous wards and specialized units. I have also learned the importance of natural recovery in combination with artificial support including cardiographs, ventilators and defibrillators. By observing healthcare workers, it is clear that communication, empathy and respect are key factors in establishing good relations with patients and staff. Body language, eye contact, and word choice are vital in creating a comfortable atmosphere. Apart from the obvious necessity of friendliness and articulacy, it is essential to acknowledge the necessity of other staff members, including nutritionists, social workers and nurses.

To further give back to the community, I have volunteered as a victim in the 2006 lifeguarding championships and as a math tutor. As a simulated victim, I have learned first-hand that it is of utmost importance that a caregiver is calm and comforting. The caregiver must also have conviction in handling the patient, as a confident touch immediately establishes trust between the two parties. On a more personal level, tutoring math this past year has allowed me to realize how much I enjoy helping others. When someone I tutor grasps a difficult concept, the feeling of pride that overcomes me is particularly rewarding. I imagine that a doctor would experience similar, if not more gratifying, sentiments by helping patients through debilitating illnesses. I have further explored this interest by dedicating a large part of my time to humanitarianism. My yearlong participation in the Red Cross and A.I.D.E. school clubs, where I am also an executive, has allowed me to gain a broader perspective of the world and develop a genuine desire to help the less fortunate. I have also taken the initiative to participate in several local charity events. However, after realizing that donating money is simply not enough, I have decided that I want to personally incite change in the world and subsequently, the applied nature of medicine is quite appealing.

I engage in several other extracurricular activities, one of which is swimming. I have achieved my Bronze Cross Lifesaving and First Aid certification and the course has given me a taste of healthcare in both theoretical and practical sense as well as developing strong leadership skills. I also find music a great way to escape because of its subjective nature, allowing me to explore a field completely different from science. In addition to achieving my grade ten piano certification and playing guitar casually, I have been a saxophonist in the high school band for three years. There is no other situation that commands the same teamwork and communication dynamics as a band. A distinct bond exists between band members and in order to be successful in medicine, it is necessary to develop similar relationships with others. Through my extracurricular activity, I have been able to pursue various interests while learning a great deal about myself.

I am a science fanatic, a humanitarian and a musician but at the end of the day, I am simply a determined human being. I am motivated by the chance to help others while simultaneously exploring the vastness of the scientific field. For these reasons, I am committed and willing to work hard to excel in the medical field.

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