Internal Medicine Residency Personal Statement #2
I decided to become an internist weeks before starting medical school when a life-changing event took place in my life. My grandfather developed severe dyspnea and was rushed to W Hospital where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. I was amazed at how fast the doctors responded. [ad#bannermain-plain]They calmly and vigilantly diagnosed and started treating him. I was especially astonished by the important role the internists played. Not only were they treating his pneumonia, but made sure of his overall well being by managing his other medical conditions during his hospital stay. Watching these physicians work around the clock to ensure my grandfather’s health helped me realize that I wanted to be part of something so important.
Working through basic science, my inquisitiveness toward Internal Medicine grew. I tried my best to comprehend the pathophysiology of all the diseases I came across during my studies and also tried to understand the rationale behind the treatment of choice. The immensity yet the underlying simplicity of the subject captivated me. Hence, I could not wait for the 3rd year medicine ward to begin.
From the day I began Internal Medicine, I was fascinated by its’ complex and challenging world. I completely immersed myself in the disease processes, diagnoses and treatment regimens of my patients. I still remember Mrs. Coleman who was admitted multiple times for recurring abdominal pain and diarrhea. Always worried and scared, she knew I would listen to her every day and talk to her, which helped her to be more cooperative. From her, I learned not only the pathology of disease, but also the special bond that develops between a physician and a patient. I followed her carefully, and one day she developed mild weakness in her lower extremities and she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Appropriate treatment was given which cured her completely. I was astonished at how small changes in clinical signs can lead to a completely different diagnosis. Prior to leaving, Mrs. Coleman looked at me with satisfaction and said, “Thank you Joe. You will make a great doctor one day.” Mrs. Coleman’s comment gave me a sense of pleasure that only comes from making a positive change in someone’s life. It is at that point I realized the importance of empathizing with patients. From then on, I’ve made a promise to myself to not only strive towards perfection as a clinician, but also to strive toward empathy for my patients.
Upon completion of most of my rotations, I feel closest to Internal Medicine. I find this field to be most rewarding at the end of the day. It gives me the adrenaline rush I enjoy, when working up challenging cases. Furthermore, Internal Medicine has much to offer such as the variety of medical conditions and the excitement of providing long-term comprehensive medical care. This is the ideal field for me and my critical thinking and problem solving skills would make me a perfect candidate for it. As a decisive thinker, I plan to use my analytical skill and deductive reasoning to arrive at a diagnosis and provide optimal care to my patients. I also possess good work ethics, hardworking skills and leadership that are required to become a great physician. Moreover, the privilege of treating wide array of challenging diseases gives me gratification and I find that to be rewarding.
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As I stand at the verge of a post graduate medical career, I am confident that my past experiences and sincere devotion to manage medical conditions will allow me to succeed in Internal Medicine. For the next three years, I picture myself in a program that will give me the chance to face new challenges, work as a team player and allow me to grow both as a person and as a physician in the quest for more knowledge. Afterwards, I plan to continue this quest by pursuing a fellowship in nephrology or endocrinology since I’m greatly intrigued by these fields. I eagerly look forward to bringing my dedication, commitment and enthusiasm to an engaging residency program.
