General Surgery Residency Personal Statement #1
“Strangulated? Are you sure?” The surgeon’s voice rang at the other end of the line. Through the four year-old’s kicks, tears and screams, I had found a right red inguinal mass. A prompt reduction was essential. “How sure are you?” he repeatedFully aware of the weight of my answer, I heard myself say “Very” in a clear, confident voice. Later in the OR, I marveled as we methodically dissected each inflamed layer of tissue. At the first glimpse of the strangulated hernia, exhilaration and a sense of achievement filled me. There it was, the proof that I had made my very first correct surgical decision. That night was life-altering. I realized how much I thrive in cases that put me to the test, challenge my clinical opinion and require unconditional courage and responsibility on behalf of my patients.
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My first encounter with surgery occurred years ago while completing a research project on Langerhans Islets encapsulation, I proceeded to my very first pancreatectomy on an unusual patient: a dead mouse. Although performing over forty “operations” that summer, the task was fascinating as each cut, each suture provided an opportunity to improve my newly acquired operative skills. I soon realized that I could incorporate science, dexterity and my love of arts and crafts in a successful career in surgery.
With every surgical rotation, my commitment to this specialty only strengthened. Each procedure I participated in, from a simple cyst extraction to hepatic transplant, had an instant positive impact on the patient’s well-being. The variety of pathologies encountered constantly called on my analytical skills in forming an accurate diagnosis as one can never know what hides behind an abdominal pain consult. Critically ill and prone to complications, patients offered a perpetual challenge in preventing, detecting and managing complications. Above all, being in the OR provided me with a perpetual sense of exhilaration, responsibility and satisfaction. I became fully aware that my every move has an impact on the patient’s well-being. This became evident during my elective in Trauma at the MGH. Being part of a cohesive, tenacious and result-oriented team enabled me to see how crucial everyone’s role is in fast-paced, critical and unpredictable situations.
Surgery is one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medicine and my goal is to be part of such a dynamic evolution through clinical research. The rigors of fundamental research I encountered while completing projects on Langerhans encapsulation helped me develop critical thinking and the ability to tackle multidimensional concepts. With perseverance and hard-work I successfully completed the projects and made my own modest contribution to science. A surgical career will nurture my scientific curiosity and I look forward to have an impact not only on my patients but on those all around.
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The surgeons I worked with have been role models in showing me the kind of doctor I strive to become. I look forward to the privileged contact with patients only this specialty can provide as surgeons exert a complete role in their complex treatment. It will allow me to put to great use my communication skills and my cultural diversity in providing clearer understanding of their conditions and procedures to my patients. Being an active volunteer in the Romanian community and a dedicated representative of my class have helped hone my leadership and resourcefulness, central assets of a great resident in surgery.
My ideal residency program is one that will train me to become the best surgeon I can possibly be, developing my full potential while greatly contributing to my community. I plan on a career as a general surgeon but an academic career in Oncological or Hepatobiliary Surgery are areas I would enjoy exploring as a fellow. My goals are to excel as a student, a researcher, a team member and a teacher, devoting myself to inspire students and patients just as I was. I bring to the field my passion, optimism and thirst of knowledge. It is my conviction I will succeed in such a challenging, demanding but rewarding specialty.
