Family Medicine Example Personal Statement 1

Fascinated by molecular biology, especially cancer biology, I pursued a residency in medical oncology in Israel after medical school. My training allowed me to combine my passion of patient-oriented medicine with the basic sciences. I enjoyed treating patients, both with highly curable diseases and terminally-ill patients in comfort care settings. During my training in oncology, I was mostly taught how to treat disease, but never how to detect it. More and more, I felt that it was much more challenging to diagnose or prevent a disease than to rely on someone else’s ability to do it for you. I felt that early detection of preventable cancers was especially important. I knew I would feel more fulfilled “catching” early cervical cancer or early forms of melanoma or breast cancer than trying to treat them in a metastatic condition.
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This feeling grew stronger after meeting a family physician rotating in my oncology department. We talked in depth about his specialty and his philosophy of illness and treatment. He convinced me that the best treatment results not only from the understanding of mechanisms of disease but even more so from dealing with the personal and social aspects of the ailment. Thus, I began implementing this world view in my practice and became interested in complementary medicine and psychology. I have become even more interested in the bio-psycho-social approach to patients. These left me feeling unsatisfied with working solely with cancer patients. Only family medicine would meet my expectations of a holistic approach to patient care. Moreover, I’m fascinated by the wide spectrum of ailments in patients of all ages and by the continuity of care one can provide in the family practice.
As a part of my training in medical oncology I have acquired strong knowledge in medical imaging, infectious diseases, psychiatry and gynecology. After a one year transitional period, another year in the internal medicine department and one year in the inpatient oncology department, I spent another three years in the outpatient oncology clinics. During this period I treated patients with different malignancies, cared for complications of chemo- and radiotherapy and was actively engaged in the palliative care and follow up of cancer survivors. Additionally, I took part in the extensive clinical research activity of our department and participated in national and international conferences. I am convinced that those five years in medical oncology helped me to acquire essential clinical skills and abilities that will be an asset for my upcoming career in family medicine, such as strong interpersonal communication skills, the ability to work with complicated patients, and knowledge in compassionate care and palliative medicine.
To strengthen my training I spent four months in the Division of Radiation Oncology at Major University. This enabled me to become familiar with the advanced medical care in the United States and to enhance my understanding and exposure to American medicine. During this period, I enjoyed studying in my new environment and working in the organization with multiple inpatient units and services. I also enjoyed the support of the faculty and the residents.
Based on my experience at Washington University, I expect to receive the best possible training in Family Medicine in the United States. I expect my program will help me master new skills and sharpen my clinical judgment, teach me quality patient care and to provide firm clinical and basic knowledge. I look forward to becoming a well-educated, independent family practitioner who is strongly involved in my community after residency.