Ap English Language Application Essay Examples

When Vilayanur Ramachandran, one of the most prominent neuroscientists of our time, was asked how he came to be interested in the brain, he replied “How can anyone NOT be interested in it? Everything you call 'human nature' and consciousness arises from it”. I could not agree more. After all, the complexity and efficacy of the brain is what differentiates homo-sapiens from other species. It is where war and peace originate, love and hatred exist, religions created and destroyed; the source of our sensations, feelings, memory, action, creativity and communication; it is the epitome of humanity and the keeper of the soul. And what can be more challenging than to specialize in the human brain?

I have always enjoyed learning about the nervous

system. Every neurological case I encountered during my medical training appeared to be a mystery, waiting to be unraveled to teach us something new. Clinical neurology is a true confluence of a physician’s acumen, detailed examination skills and an array of tests. The practice of neurology demands unwavering dedication, insatiable curiosity, a sound knowledge base and a compassionate hand.

After medical school, I spent time as a resident house surgeon.

It was during this period that the importance of primary care dawned on me. I noticed that several of my patients could have averted surgeries had they undergone appropriate and timely screening. Through my interactions with them, I could see how poverty and a scarcity of healthcare resources in the remote areas had been compounded by the residents’ lack of awareness and education.
I decided that I didn’t want to join a big hospital or to immediately continue my higher studies but to utilize what I have learnt till then to serve in a remote area and to give back to the society. I joined the state primary care program as a rural physician, a decision I now cherish. In my three years in this role, I learned how to effectively prioritize and efficiently execute multiple tasks with limited resources – a skill set I believe is very useful for a physician. I am the leader at my clinic and have to continuously keep the team engaged and motivated. I work with ill-informed population and have been exposed to an array of patients dispersed across a variety of socioeconomic strata. Daily interactions with them have taught me the importance of compassion, empathy and effective communication, all of which are just as crucial as medical skills. I learned that being a doctor is not just about treating what is wrong in a biochemical and pathological context, but also the ability to earn a patient’s trust. The goal is to heal a person, not destroy the

disease.

Over the years, there have been positive health outcomes in my community as noted by a decrease in hospitalization and emergency visits. This improvement gives me a sense of personal satisfaction. I consider myself privileged to be able to make a difference in their lives.

Somewhere with all this time my desire to follow my passion in neurology has only grown stronger. In a quest to expand my horizons, I opted to gain clinical experience in the United States. During my rotations here, I witnessed the autonomy enjoyed by residents, the avenues for quality research and the effects cutting-edge technological advancements can have on patient care. The potential of personal growth and development, along with the promise of academic excellence has sparked in me a yearning to pursue my medical training in the United States.

As I embark on this journey in Neurology, I want to master the clinical skills and understand the intricacies of quality patient care while exploring avenues of productive clinical research. With abundant patient diversity, an enviable list of esteemed faculty and exquisite clinical facilities, your residency program provides ample opportunities for training. I am convinced that your program will transform me from a diligent student of neurology into a conscientious physician and an independent thinker. In return, I bring to your program a motivated, friendly and enthusiastic person with integrity, a strong work ethic and a unique perspective on health care derived from three years of rural medical service in a rapidly developing country. I am inherently curious and hardworking. I assure you that I am both emotionally and professionally prepared for the responsibility of being a Neurology resident.

The art and science of neurology is worth a lifetime of study and I believe my journey has just begun.