Medical school has been a time of profound personal, emotional, and intellectual growth. My journey has been molded by the passing of my grandparents, the gratefulness of patients I have encountered, and the example of inspiring attending physicians. After having the opportunity to rotate through many specialties as a student, I believe what has been said by many: “Internists are who people think of when they think of a doctor.” Through my experiences, internal medicine embodies what I envision a physician to be: compassionate, respected, and knowledgeable. I am looking forward to a career in internal medicine for the intellectual stimulation that will challenge me, and the opportunity to provide continuous care for my patients and be an advocate for both patients and fellow physicians.
My grandmother passed away just as I began medical school, and my grandfather passed away early during my second year. During the end stages of their lives, I found myself traveling back and forth between school in the Midwest and home in Arizona as many as three times a month to help with their care. I observed hospital care from the point of view of the patient and the patient’s family, including the day-to-day concerns for the quality of life. Being there during my grandparents’ final weeks of life and being able to let them know how important they were to me was a valuable experience. Soon, I will be caring for someone’s grandmother, grandfather, uncle, or sister. And I will remember my experience with my grandparents.
During my junior therapy clerkship, I found a niche where I could play an important role. With fewer responsibilities, I could spend more time explaining treatments and diagnostics in more detail to my patients. One of my patients who had been admitted for recurring chest pain told me that my calming influence moved him and his wife throughout his time in the ED and upon admission to the telemetry floor. Encouraged by these experiences, I was inspired to learn about my patient’s condition for my intellectual stimulation and my patient's education. Internists are well-respected for their knowledge and ability to manage complex cases. I enjoy solving complex problems systemically and methodically. I believe that armed with the understanding that an internal medical residency could equip me, I could treat the whole person: their emotional and medical needs. I would have the opportunity to continue to care for my patients, work with them to prevent future symptoms, and develop lasting friendships.
Despite managed care time restraints, I especially admire those physicians who took the time to explain and give comfort to their patients. These were the kind of doctors that I would like to become: doctors who are knowledgeable and skilled, thorough and efficient, and compassionate allies in a place where there is pressure to discharge patients as quickly as possible. In my career, I plan to be a strong advocate for my patients while also being an advocate for physicians in the increasingly complex and challenging world of medicine. Before medical school, during my study of public health and my experience as a Congressional Intern, I was interested in the future of health care with its concerns with cost, accessibility, and physician liability. Physicians have a unique role in society as they are trusted by patients and respected by policymakers, allowing us to be strong advocates for our patients and our community.
I have been inspired to continue my education in internal medicine in a solid academic residency program. I would also like to complete a fellowship after a residency with plans to practice in an urban or suburban environment. I look forward to a career in internal medicine with the hope of providing compassionate care, receiving intellectual stimulation, and building life-long friendships with patients and colleagues.
