East Virginia secondary
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Baylor University *
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Course
2401
Subject
Medicine
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by MajorWater16798
1. Briefly describe your exposure to medicine (2000 char)
As I reflect on my experiences and aspirations, one of the first things to define my exposure to medicine was witnessing the challenges faced by rural populations in Malaysia regarding healthcare access. Growing up in such an environment, I realized the critical importance of community clinics in providing vital services, especially in areas where major hospitals were distant. As a child battling bronchitis, I vividly remember the late-night hour-long drives my mother would undertake to reach the nearest hospital. With the lack of hospitals and doctor’s offices in rural Malaysia, parents of ailing children must travel great distances to receive proper health care. I became aware of the critical need for primary care and preventive medicine from an early age, catalyzing my desire to ensure that individuals in underserved areas receive the comprehensive and equitable healthcare they deserve.
My first formal exposure to medicine transpired during my research internship at Vanderbilt University through the Aspirnaut program. This opportunity allowed me to meet providers across
various specialties, visit clinics, and observe the everyday functioning of clinical environments. I
was delighted to witness skilled physicians employing scientific expertise in clinical contexts and
fostering collaborative atmospheres. To further grasp the realities of a medical career, I engaged in physician shadowing, volunteered at a PICU, and worked as a scribe. As an orthopedic scribe, I have had an enriching professional experience that exposed me to vital clinical experiences and provided valuable insights into patient-physician interactions. I relieved physicians of note-taking tasks, enabling them to focus entirely on delivering exceptional medical care and preventing burnout. These endeavors not only expanded my medical experience but also solidified my aspiration to become a physician.
2.What do you think you will like best about being a physician? (2000 char)
What draws me most to the prospect of becoming a physician is the richly varied nature of medicine. Firstly, the constant intellectual stimulation and lifelong learning within the medical field resonate deeply with my innate curiosity and desire for continuous growth. The ever-
evolving landscape of medicine guarantees that each day introduces fresh challenges, demanding
my adaptability, learning, and innovation. This dynamic aspect excites me, providing a foundation for sustained mental engagement and growth.
Equally compelling is the profound significance of interpersonal interactions within medicine. The privilege of forging connections with patients and offering comfort during their most vulnerable moments echoes my personal experiences. In the PICU, I committed myself to providing a source of distraction for children facing significant health struggles. I formed bonds
with patients and fostered an environment that brought smiles even during adversity. The fulfillment of being able to provide some solace for patients solidified my commitment to becoming a physician who prioritizes patient-centered care.
Moreover, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to society's well-being by diagnosing
illnesses, alleviating suffering, and restoring health. As a scribe, I witnessed Dr. Kinder's ability to deduce and investigate patients' symptoms and create viable diagnoses. The ability to apply my passion for science in such a practical and impactful manner highlights the tangible difference that physicians can make in people's lives. This sense of purpose and impact drives my pursuit of a medical career.
The amalgamation of intellectual growth, interpersonal connections, and scientific application promises a well-rounded and profoundly fulfilling journey that I am enthusiastic to embrace.
3. What do you think you will like least about being a physician? (2000 char)
One aspect that stands out to me is the emotional toll associated with witnessing patients' suffering and being responsible for making critical decisions that directly impact their lives. This
emotional weight may sometimes be challenging, as the empathetic connection with patients can lead to personal emotional responses. However, I recognize that this very empathy is what makes
physicians so effective in providing care. Developing coping mechanisms and seeking support from colleagues will help me mitigate the emotional toll and ensure the well-being of patients and myself.
As a scribe, I have noticed that administrative burdens and evolving healthcare regulations can also be potential concerns. The bureaucratic demands of modern healthcare can sometimes divert
attention away from direct patient care. Nonetheless, these challenges can be managed effectively by fostering efficient organizational skills and perhaps collaborating closely with administrative staff. Recognizing that administrative tasks are a part of the broader healthcare landscape allows for a proactive approach to minimize their impact.
While these concerns do exist, it is essential to emphasize that they are minor in the grand scheme of pursuing a medical career. I believe that maintaining a well-rounded perspective is crucial in addressing these concerns. While the emotional challenges and administrative tasks are
present, they do not overshadow the overall fulfillment that comes from positively impacting patients' lives.
4. Describe yourself and your medical career as you see it ten years from now. (2000 char)
Envisioning my future, I see myself as a primary care provider, with a choice between serving in a family medicine clinic or a hospital. I intend to contribute my skills in a teaching hospital or primary care clinic, fostering enduring relationships with patients over the long term. This commitment stems from the genuine connections I established with several patients at the PICU. These experiences significantly reinforced my desire to engage with patients longitudinally, providing consistent support throughout their journeys. My volunteer and teaching assistant roles established the foundation for this aspiration. These engagements have honed my interpersonal aptitude, deepened my empathy, and nurtured my dedication to patient-centered care. I intend to build upon these skills, leveraging them to form lasting bonds and offer unwavering guidance.
The prospect of working within a teaching hospital or primary care environment resonates with my ambitions. These settings will allow me to engage with patients longitudinally, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being. Moreover, the environment of continuous learning in teaching hospitals would enable me to remain at the forefront of medical advancements, fostering collaboration with fellow professionals to improve patient care continuously.
While I hold an affinity for rural environments, I also embrace the idea of practicing in urban hospitals or clinics. I believe that quality healthcare should be accessible to all communities, regardless of their geographical location. My vision encompasses a future as a primary care provider driven by the desire to establish enduring connections, offer ongoing support, and adapt to the needs of diverse patient populations.
5. Please indicate your reasons for applying to EVMS. (2000 char)
Volunteering at the PICU taught me the value of connecting with individuals like "Jen," a resilient young asthma patient. Despite her medical challenges, Jen's unwavering spirit and talent
for painting inspired me. Through her artwork, she found solace and expressed herself. By the end of my time at the PICU, I had formed a genuine connection with Jen and several other patients. This was a reminder that humanistic medicine encompasses not just clinical care but also the ability to foster real connections and recognize the holistic needs of patients. With EVMS' CareForward Curriculum, I will be attending an institution that places a similar level of importance on a compassionate and patient-centered approach to medicine.
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Beyond patient interaction, EVMS' strong emphasis on student research also resonates with my desire to integrate research into my medical education. Having worked in laboratories at Vanderbilt and the University of Kentucky, I am eager to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. Presenting at the KUH Undergraduate Research Symposium further sparked my excitement to delve deeper into scientific inquiry and explore cutting-edge concepts. The Summer Scholars Program at EVMS provides an excellent opportunity for me to continue exploring and engaging in benchside pursuits during medical school.
I look forward to serving others by participating in EVMS' student-run HOPES Clinic and employing the lessons I learned at the PICU to help the Hampton Roads community. I am also interested in the Medical Spanish Program to build on my Spanish conversational skills. These practical opportunities, intertwined with traditional classroom learning, embody the holistic education that I seek. I am confident that EVMS will provide me with the experiential learning and service opportunities to become the kind of physician I aspire to be – one who makes a positive and lasting impact on patients' lives and contributes meaningfully to medicine.
6. EVMS is dedicated to inclusivity and supporting patients and students from diverse backgrounds. Feel free to share your personal experience or ties to communities from diverse backgrounds. Please explain in detail if you wish to respond. Some examples include but are not limited to race/ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ+, differently-abled/disabled, etc. (2000 char)
Initially raised by a single mother and later relocating to the United States at the age of 16 to live with my father, I experienced a profound sense of alienation. Despite my fluency in English, I felt like an outsider in a school where nobody sounded like me. Overwhelmed by the fear of being ridiculed, I withdrew from social interactions. Fortunately, a compassionate classmate named "Bruce" extended a kind gesture that sparked a friendship and inspired me to persevere and step out of my comfort zone. I intentionally placed myself in uncomfortable situations to overcome my fear of social interactions. I realized that personal growth and a sense of belonging would only come from embracing the challenges head-on and stepping out of my comfort zone. Gradually, I started forming new friendships and engaging in social activities. Over time, I not only adapted to my new life in the US but thrived in it. My immigrant journey taught me the power of small acts of kindness and friendship and their impact on someone struggling in an unfamiliar environment. Navigating the challenges of being "the other" in a foreign land, I learned to embrace my uniqueness and grow from it. I also learned
the importance of reaching out for support, embracing vulnerability, and staying true to myself
amidst the pressures to conform. I am grateful for the obstacles I faced because they pushed me to grow and become a stronger individual. Today, I am more resilient, adaptable, and open-
minded, thanks to the challenges I overcame and the friendships I formed while adapting to a new life in the United States.
Through this experience, I discovered the strength of genuine compassion and the importance of reaching out to those who might feel excluded or alone. This experience illuminated the beauty of diversity and the richness that emerges when we come together despite our differences.
7. If you would like to discuss how race has personally affected your life, through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise, feel free to share your experiences, obstacles overcome, and how this impacted your education and road to applying to medical school. (2000 char)
Growing up in rural Malaysia, I experienced the harsh realities of racism and colorism, shaping my perspective and instilling a strong commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity throughout my life and medical career. As a child, I vividly remember being excluded from the school soccer team due to ethnic quotas and enduring discrimination based on my skin tone. I recall the sheer disappointment that washed over me as I realized that my notable achievements as a student and athlete were negated by an arbitrary system that placed restrictions based on ethnicity. To fit in, I resorted to using skin whitening products, subjecting my skin to harmful chemicals.
These experiences ingrained in me a deep understanding of the injustices and biases that persist in society. Drawing from my experiences with colorism, I am committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals and pushing for increased diversity in leadership roles and resources. As I pursue a medical career, I understand the role I can play in fostering change for patients and communities. My experiences have given me a unique perspective that I am eager to share with the student body of EVMS. I can enrich discussions and foster a greater understanding of different perspectives, contributing to a more inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, the adversities
I have faced along the way have fueled my desire to cultivate an inclusive and compassionate healthcare system, one that addresses the unique struggles faced by individuals from marginalized backgrounds, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their needs are met.