Radiology has been an exact match for my sensibilities, thought processes, and the way I approach my work since the time I was introduced to it early on in medical school. My clinical preceptor’s passion for his work, and my love of the consistent challenge of determining whether outpatients’ remission status was indeed stable was matched only by my fascination with our frequent radiology department visits, a place where I was drawn to the array of technology available, the constant influx of innovative equipment, and the multitude of imaging techniques. To date, I maintain my passion for mechanics through tuning cars for racing, a pastime that involves and proves my kinesthetic inclinations.
My path from Radiology deviated early on, due mainly to circumstances and more immediate opportunities. While conducting my Internal Medicine residency, I have given all that I am in terms of my energy, passion for my work, and desire to impart compassionate care to patients entrusted to me as well as those of my colleagues. And yet, I have been left feeling that something is missing, a more profound sense that I was meant for something more aligned with my sensibilities and understanding.
Coming to America was a choice born of wanting to immerse myself in medical situations that would increase my exposure to newer, cutting-edge technologies, techniques, and a healthcare system that is arguably the finest in the world. My experiences have far exceeded my expectations, and I am proud to report that I am now a US citizen. In truth, I have seen nothing that underscores the importance of Radiology more than the increasing reliance, necessity, and utility of radiological imagery. Accuracy of diagnosis of the disease is paramount, and imagery increases accuracy. When you increase the accuracy of diagnosis, you increase the quality of medicine and care.
Working alongside on-call neuroradiological team members, I have been consistently envious of their ability to quickly and easily spot abnormal findings, technical skills, and dedication to the integrated neuro-care team. While I had the direct patient contact I have always enjoyed, I found myself craving the critical consultant role, the physician-to-physician peer interaction, and the need for accurate and concise reports. This was a culmination of everything I had ever anticipated and expected from my medical school experience. Discovering this has been like finally seeing my niche, and that niche is Diagnostic Radiology. Moreover, my desire for work that challenges my analytical thinking ability in the pursuit of solving clinical problems will be put to excellent use in my future research, research that will be an integral component of my career as a Radiologist.
Completing my diagnostic radiology residency will enable me to determine more precisely the interventional procedures that I would enjoy specializing in. I anticipate bringing my enthusiasm for the discipline, upon increasing my exposure, to an academic hospital. All of this sounds so clinical compared to my most real ambitions, to be an asset to my patients and colleagues, an integral part of a medical team, and the chance to educate aspiring medical students. In the academic hospital setting, there is greater access to diverse cases, and an atmosphere of discussion that constantly challenges us to articulate our thoughts, challenge others, and come to unexpected conclusions.
In the most practical terms, given the influx of patients from myriad cultural backgrounds into America’s healthcare system, I feel that given my heritage and experiences, my skills are not only medical, but also cross-cultural. Through my international experiences, both in the developed and developing world, I have a solid foundation from which to work from as I serve diverse patients and work with other medical professionals of differing backgrounds. Many medical programs emphasize cultural competency, and yet, they cannot impart in the lecture hall all that it truly means to be able to communicate effectively with people going through the immigrant experience. As an immigrant myself, I feel I have walked more than a mile in their shoes and am more sympathetic to their unique needs.
I eagerly await the opportunity and challenge of a quality Anesthesiology residency assignment. No other field could ever bring me a greater sense of personal or professional satisfaction.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
