I have spent most of my life preparing for my intended major, Biochemistry. I plan to go to medical school after completing my degree. I have always been intensely curious about the greatest natural phenomenon of all, the human body. When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in high school, this interest grew. Since I was living in Qatar at the time, I relocated to Belgium in order to have my operation performed by Europe's foremost pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Christian Raftopolous. After recovering, I moved back to Qatar and I made a promise to myself that I would attend Medical School in the hopes of lessening people's suffering. Prior to my medical emergency, I was not serious about school. After undergoing this life-altering ordeal, however,
For as long as I remember, I only had one dream in mind, which was to become a doctor when I grow up. As I grew older, my dream did not change; in fact, it only grew more significant. However, the only aspect of my dream that did change was the type of field that I wanted to pursue. At first, I honestly did not have an inkling of an idea as to what kind of a type of doctor I wished to become. Then, I started to lean towards pediatrics and/or neurology. Now, on the other hand, I decided that I want to study nuclear medicine in medical school. This enlightening revelation came about as I began to volunteer in the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center. My time spent there has had an amazing impact on me because I believe that this was the time that I truly realized my dream. Nuclear medicine is medical specialty that uses radioactive substances, or radiopharmaceuticals, combined with imaging techniqu...
Many years ago there was a small boy who was woken by a loud scream. Terrified, he ran from his room to find his mother unconscious on the floor. His little sister was screaming as he pulled his mom onto her back in desperation. In reality, he didn’t know what to do to save her and his helplessness was due to his lack of knowledge. She passed away that night. That boy was me. Our past defines us no matter how we protest; it can either pull you down into failure or lift you up towards success. From then on, I was drawn to medical sciences and used that helplessness to motivate my education.
As a student that is currently seeking a career in the medical professions, I have had to routinely contemplate my reasons for pursuing such an extensive education program in a field that is constantly demanding excessive time and effort. I know of students—many friends and acquaintances of mine included—that have the most sure-fire, inspirational stories that align with their desire to become doctors, surgeons, physician assistants, etc. They always seemed to have a story that emphasized their desire to “give back” what they have received from the medical community. Because of that, ever since the beginning of high school, I have been trying to find an extraordinary reason, a purpose for my medical pursuits. Perhaps I could justify my passion for
After over 15 years of working as a CNA and Caregiver, I decided that I wanted to continue my education in the medical field. In 2013 I took the first step towards gaining a better future with more experience as a medical professional. I enrolled into a Medical Assistant program at IBMC college of Longmont. It has been a long road and I am almost to the finish line having gained essential skills needed to move further into my career. It has been a grueling and eye opening experience for me being an adult learner returning back to school at 33 years of age. I persevered through these pass two years with courage and determination, never letting my short comings get the best of me. As I approach the end of my journey with IBMC I have realized that I have a passion for helping those persons who
I had known for years that I wanted to work in the health care field, but I always believed it would be as a doctor. I watched for the first few years of my brother’s life as he struggled with different health challenges such as being born premature, having croup and breathing difficulty, and speech impairment. Watching my brother struggle and then being able to overcome these difficulties, as well as seeing other children around him who were not as fortunate, really pushed me even at a young age to make a difference. My family, both immediate and extended, were very supportive, and I felt a real positive push towards working hard to achieve that goal of working in health care. In high school, I was fortunate enough to do a cooperative placement at the Peterborough Regional Health Center’s Intensive Care Unit. Through observing rounds and being in the medical setting, I truly knew this is where I wanted to
Alex Wilson is here tonight to speak about how “You Can Have Your Cake, and Eat It Too,” which he cleverly titled his Keynote speech. I have known Alex for quite some time now, and he has been an integral part of my neurology team at the Jacobson Hospital. He will speak about his journey to success in becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon. His passion and desire for wanting to become a doctor started when he was young. His grandfather suffered from a severe head injury one night after falling out of bed, and his grandpa never woke up. However, while Alex was in the hospital, he noticed neurologists coming in and out, trying to help his grandfather. Yet they were unable to save him from the blood swelling in his brain.
Nearing the end of my high school career, it is imperative to commence thinking about my future career and jobs to withhold for the rest of my life. The possibilities of careers are endless in this generation as new, innovative ideas blossom from old ones. After examining my options, I have concluded that a career in Biology, with a focus on Neonatal Surgery, will provide a successful and fascinating future for me.
My interest in nursing began at age 18 at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut where I was trained as a Certified Care Partner, then as a Phlebotomist, followed by a two year surgical floor assignment and a one year burn unit stint.
Most people do not know what a pediatric neurosurgeon is, but when you explain what it is, and then they realize what it is. Ever Since I first saw the movie “Gifted Hands” about Ben Carson’s journey in his life and how much hard work and dedication it took him to become the successful pediatric neurosurgeon he is. I picked this career to write about because I want to be able to save small the lives of small children with neuro issues. I want to be the reasons that conjoined twins end up living in the end. Ben Carson is my inspiration, I want to be as good of a pediatric neurosurgeon as he is.
People often anticipate their desire to become doctors at a young age. Perhaps this curiosity in the field of medicine is provoked by a natural knack for science or an inclination to help and impact their community. Throughout my life, the wonders of science have always intrigued my inner curious spirit. Although, I never imagined myself in a doctoral position, but after a traumatic head injury I realized that I wanted to help people the way that I was helped and the mind was my ideal focus. With that being said, becoming a physician specializing in neurology is a long, arduous, expensive process that can only be accomplished with great dedication.
My time is split between the Emergency room and the Intensive care unit. Under the direction of the Registered Nurse and the attending on the floors, I make frequent rounds of patients to assess their needs, assist with the loved ones and my personal favorite, accompanying doctors and nurses on morning rounds. I have the opportunity to compare notes from previous rounds and ask questions to better understand their condition. This opportunity has brought to my attention the more rewarding side of medicine and has proved, by far, the most useful work experience I have had in preparing for my journey. I knew for sure that this was what I wanted to do when I realized that even the dullest days wouldn't make me love it any less. Everything was as it should be. I was where I belonged and I've never looked back since. I realize that the journey of becoming a doctor will not be easy. I expect long hours, endless studying, emotional and physical exhaustion. However the passion and motivation with which I approach things will be all I need which are qualities a great doctor should attain, and I am confident in my abilities to complete my journey. With much research, discussions with my admission representatives and attendance at numerous webinars, I determined that AUA is the right institution for me. In the process of choosing the right school, the most important factor for me is an institution where I
I have just finished 19 years of education, but I feel my thirst for learning has escalated even further. After emigrating from Pakistan, in 2007 a real milestone happened in my life because I was one of 100 students (out of thousands of applicants) who were accepted into the Kabul Medical University. While enrolled in the university, my grade point average was more than 80 percent. At the university, besides enduring a heavy load of study in medicine, another challen...
A deep curiosity about the intricate workings of the human body led me to pursue a career in medicine. In the first year of medical school, my interest was instantly piqued as I delved into the subject of anatomy. The meticulous dissection of a human cadaver was the greatest experience I had as a student. In the second year, the curiosity for human structure and function matured into the awareness and appreciation of illness. My first step towards understanding human disease was learning the theory from Basic Pathology texts.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have always been intrigued by the new discoveries constantly being made in order to understand our complex bodies. The beauty of our body's internal biochemistry enables us to continue living every day and it is constantly evolving without being aware of it. By observing our body at a microscopic level, I can see the biological activities and responses being created which is strongly associated with our bodies’ internal chemical reactions. This strong relationship fascinates me since the study of microorganisms intertwines with chemical reactions within our system. As an aspiring medical biochemist, the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign will allow me to immerse my passion through its rigorous biochemistry
The most memorable intellectual interests that I cherish and consider unparalleled would have to be the scientific research I conducted at New York University and Stevens Institute of Technology. The impact of conducting research these past two summers has opened a window of opportunity into the career of biochemistry for me and it was a rewarding experience. I learned about the minutiae of laboratory work and uncovered a passion for the exciting laboratory processes which may lead to unexpected results. Working with undergraduate students at both universities allowed me to realize the potential I have for excelling in the research field when I enter college.