My name is .. I am applying for the (program name) at your esteemed medical institution. I am writing this personal statement as a part of my application and hope that, by the end of this essay, I will have conveyed a better understanding of myself as a person as well as a student. As a student who has previously studied international business, and would now like to pursue a career in the field of medicine, I believe an explanation of my choices and motivators is in order. Hence, in addition to providing an overview of my background, I also seek to explain why I would like to become a medical professional.
Being a member of a family of Latin entrepreneurs, I had come to assume that the field of business was the naturally chosen career path for me. Having a close knit family I, quite frankly, simply did not consider that I may be better suited for a field other than business. As such, I chose to pursue my education in business and management. I attained a Bachelor’s Degree Course in International Business, graduating cum laude. Having an outstanding academic performance and a family business to attend to, I never expected the major shift that my life would take both, on a personal as well as educational level.
I used to play basketball in my high school team. In the year of 2006, my sophomore year, I was the starting point guard of the JV basketball team. I was a great player and was performing quite well. In an unfortunate turn of events, however, I tore my Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL and this effectively ended my session. I visited the doctor with unbearable pain with the hope of a quick recovery. However, I was shocked when the doctor informed me that the entire recovery process would take nearly 9 months. Further, I would need to have a surgery performed immediately to prevent more damage. I was prescribed a rigorous physiotherapy routine by my physician and I worked tremendously hard to follow it to the hilt.
My day began at 5am when I would wake up and start training. I continued to attend school as I could not allow my academic performance to suffer. After I returned from school in the afternoon, I would resume my training with basketball drill and weights. I was very passionate about playing basketball for the varsity team and willed myself to recover my strength and skill as quickly and effectively as possible. As a result of my dedication, discipline and perseverance, I was able to become the starting power forward for the JV team the following year. Undoubtedly, this was a highly testing time in my life that I faced head-on and emerged victorious.
However, this was not the last time that the limited of my endurance and resilience would be tested. While playing a Varsity match in the year 2008, I tore my other ACL, and then again in the year 2010 while playing for my college team. I must admit, I was a little shaken after the third injury and felt a sense of disappointment at having to undergo the same trauma and struggle so frequently. However, I soon realized that these challenges, or any other that I may have faced thus far in my life, have only made me grow as a person, allowing me to build a strong character. Today, I can proudly say that, during the most challenging and tense phases of life, I do not merely survive – I thrive.
Another major positive that I can draw from my experiences and injuries as a basketball player is that it first drew my attention towards the field of medicine. In the year 2006, while I was undergoing treatment for my first ligament tear, I was captivated to see the arthroscopic techniques implemented for the healing of my ACL. I was also astounded by the advances that medical science had made as I witnessed science heal my knee by simple creating three tiny punctures on it. After my surgery in 2008, I was shown surgery pictures that allowed me greater insight into how the procedure was conducted it. I found it to be awe-inspiring. These images ignited my curiosity to such an extent, that I began to pursue biology and chemistry classes along with my business studies for my graduation course.
Although I had, by now, become seriously interested in the field of medicine, I did not abandon my majors in international business as I am averse to not completing the tasks that I undertake. In the year of 2011, my grandfather suffered an acute heart attack and this event left me shattered. Watching my grandfather suffer, I felt a great sense of helplessness. However, I can safely say that, this was the life event that sealed my decision to become a physician. I believe that, by being a good doctor, I will be able to help others who may find themselves in similar helpless situation, and will be able to make a tangible contribution to the quality of life that people live today. It is at this point in life that began my pursuing practical experience and knowledge in the field of medicine.
I took my first step by registering myself as a volunteer at a prosthetic clinic. Here, I was able to deal directly with amputees, gaining invaluable knowledge about the lives they lead, their emotional, psychological and physical needs. It was an honor to be able to encourage these patients through empathy. I also followed the work of two physicians very closely. From one of them I observed Meniscus Repair Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery, Knee Replacement and C-Section surgery, while from the other I was able to gain insights into daily treatment processes and how one should interact with patients.
I am a self-motivated, dedicated, enthusiastic and non- traditional student. I truly believe that I have the necessary character traits, intellectual ability and intent that are a best fit for the (Name of Program) at your esteemed institution. I realize that studying in a medical school involves a lot of devotion, proper management of time and strict discipline in life, I am prepared to accept all the challenges and necessary tasks that are needed to pursue a study program in your medical school and be an active part of it.
I am extremely passionate about advancing my career in the field of medicine. I have great faith in myself and believe, given the opportunity to be a part of (NAME OF COLLEGE), I will be able to hone my skills and knowledge to a great extent and empower myself to adopt a holistic approach towards medicine, treatment and patients.
