Empathy Scholarship Essay

I believe developing empathy as a skill directly stems from experience, and seeing firsthand the value of well-rounded care allows me to connect with patients I have encountered thus far. As a physician, I want to use this skill in order to be the bridge that lets patients understand their care with as little doubts as possible when determining a course of treatment.

My ability to empathize with others developed after a diagnosis: a brain tumor of unknown pathology. This diagnosis left frightening thoughts of malignancy, and my fear led to countless second opinions. However, each visit left me more unnerved as I was rarely included in the conversations about my treatment. Meeting Dr. Steinberg is what finally abated my fears. He answered each of my questions

I learned the importance of the patient’s opinions and feelings after experiencing how daunting medicine can be if you are left in the dark while deciding on a plan of care. As a physician, I aspire to bridge the gap between patients and determining their course of treatment in order to provide comprehensive care.

My desire to bridge the gap is also fueled by the patients I encounter while volunteering at the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic (IDCC). Aside from taking vitals, I educate uninsured patients on how to manage chronic conditions. Patients like Lily who suffered from headaches and nausea for almost a year after unknowingly developing hypertension. Once the doctor diagnosed her, I helped explain the cause of her symptoms and answered her questions about her future lifestyle to the best of my ability. As she began to understand her health, Lily’s relief was tangible. By answering each of her inquiries with patience, I reassured Lily and helped restore some autonomy within her health. This experience taught me the importance of communication in patient care from the perspective of someone contributing to that necessary