Personal Statement Paragraph Help

My grandfather’s goal in life was to become a physician in the Soviet Union. As an undergraduate, he earned perfect marks and received multiple accolades for his excellent work. Despite these qualifications, he was denied his dream due to the rampant anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union at the time. Just as my grandfather finished school, Stalin accused Jewish doctors of intentionally killing their patients and plotting to assassinate Soviet leaders: The “Doctors’ Plot” conspiracy. Hundreds of Jewish physicians lost their practice. Many more were arrested and thrown into Siberian prisons to die. Becoming a physician as a Jew became impossible and, as a result, my grandfather had no choice other than to concede his dream.

 

Even though my grandfather does enjoy recounting this episode of his life, he made sure to privilege me with this rare glimpse into his struggle, a struggle that sparked my own interest in medicine. His story showed me how precious the opportunity to pursue medicine is and how valuable the skills of a physician are. He explained how important it is to show compassion and respect, regardless of race, sex, or religion, because nobody deserves to be treated unfairly for something he or she cannot control. The stories my grandfather has shared with me have influenced who I have become as a person and motivate me knowing that I, now living in the United States, would have the chance that he never had – to pursue the career of medicine without fear of persecution.

 

While my grandfather ignited my interest in medicine at a young age, I started college with an open mind. Early on, I took courses ranging from geography to sculptures. I appreciated exploring the different fields but kept finding myself drawn back to the sciences, especially after taking my first biology course. From the first lesson, I felt the gears in my brain turning in ways that I had never experienced in any other course. I loved how so many biological processes fit together like a puzzle and the idea that something as tiny as a single mismatched nucleotide can have a massive systemic effect. I found it fascinating that when something goes awry, there are people who can recognize the symptoms and determine the cause, even if it is invisible to the naked eye. These people can then address the root causes of their ailment and ease suffering. This single course caused me to shift my entire frame of mind and I began looking at life through a biological lens. Things that once seemed so simple, like eating, walking or sleeping, became sophisticated microscopic mechanisms required for life. Knowing I had only scratched the surface, I took physiology, biochemistry and dissection courses to further my understanding, but my curiosity only grew. I want to continue in my pursuit of a medical education and further expand my knowledge base of physiology and science.

 

Although the scientific basis of physiological processes was fascinating, it was not until I spent time volunteering in the intensive care unit at St. Joseph Medical Center and experienced the human side of medicine and the impact it had on each patient’s life that I solidified my desire to become a doctor. I found immense satisfaction in making patients feel better, whether from getting them a cup of ice or sitting and chatting with them about their lives. There was no better feeling than putting a smile on a patient’s face. It was obvious that they would rather be home than on a hospital bed, so I did everything I could to improve their state of mind. Seeing someone go from the edge of death one day to joking and being happy a week later was astonishing, and I realized that there is nothing more I want in this world than to be able to facilitate that transition through medicine. I also experienced the boundaries of medicine and saw the harsh reality that even if all the proper steps are taken and every possible option is exhausted, a tragic outcome is sometimes inevitable. In these moments, the doctors’ demeanors taught me compassion and humanity.

 

I know a career in medicine is a long and strenuous journey that requires incredible emotional strength and the ability to think critically. I am confident that I have the skills, temperament, and devotion to become an excellent doctor that can better society. My family escaped a war-torn country so that I could live in a place where I am judged by merit and not religion. I hope to one day exhibit all the values that my grandfather instilled in me to my patients and be the best physician I can possibly be.

 

 

 

 

 

Pediatric Scribe Meaningful Experience:

 

One morning during my first month of scribing, three children came in to be seen for their annual physical exams. All the children quickly became infatuated with Dr. Hashmi’s reflex hammer.

 

“What’s that for?” the 6 years old asked.

 

“To make sure your nerves are healthy,” Dr. Hashmi replied enthusiastically.

 

They eagerly asked if he could hit their knee with the hammer and if they could take a turn on each other. Seeing their natural inquisitiveness take over as Dr. Hashmi guided them the strike correct spot was the highlight of my day. At that moment I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician, so I can have exchanges like this every day of my career.

 

I think about the reasons why I want to become a doctor and it boils down to the intimacy of the doctor-patient relationship and having an impacted in these patients’ lives. Dr. Hashmi has treated kids from the time they were born to when they were ready to graduate from college. A pediatrician is important in a child’s psychosocial development. How can I help a child that is being bullied at school? How can I guide a child who is dealing with stress at home? While treating physical ailment is an essential part of the job, I learned that there are few things more important than the way a child grows and develops into their own sense of self.