Psychiatry Personal Statement Essay

Personal Statement

I was born in a small town of -----------of underdeveloped country of Bangladesh. I grew up speaking Bengali, wore traditional clothes, created intricate henna designs on women’s hands, and performed classical Bengali music. Since childhood, thought other than becoming a doctor never registered in my mind. My high grades in high school helped me to obtain admission in one of the most desirable place to learn Medicine, Mayemen Medical College.

It was during my clinical rotation in the fourth year of Medical School, which changed my perception about Medicine. I never forget a case during my rotation in Psychiatry, an obese teenager with a big smile. He had a text book case of Prader-Willi syndrome, came in with his Foster

mother, and wanted to take care of his “disease” so he can stay with her without any more violent behavior. It took us a while to explain the fact it’s going to be with him for the rest of his life and we had to come up with coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes. The reaction wasn’t what we expected- they were frustrated yet relieved and excited. I saw a life changed in front of my eyes - from guilt, hopeless, accusation, to the promise of a new life; all because they were informed. We sat down and explained what to expect, how to cope, how to avoid triggers and how going to a trade school would help. And that’s when I knew for sure I wanted to be a Psychiatrist and dedicate myself to helping people with mental illness. Psychiatry not only treats the symptoms that cause pain, it helps to shape how a patient is going to participate in her own life and do so effectively. I believe I have the temperament and skills to be a successful Psychiatrist. I have observed and personally connected with how it is so important to listen to your patients, having acumen at diagnosis and treatment and not to be judgmental, to let them feel their voice is being heard.
The dedication and sense of satisfaction which my teachers enjoyed after sucessfully treating patients, persuaded me to work for the community. I started working as a General physician in my home country. During my practice, I saw many patients who were suffering from psychiatric co-morbidities, which affected their ability to manage their chronic diseases and there weren’t any resources where I would be able direct my patients to turn to and ask for help.
While practicing as a General physician, because of my devotion, rigorous work ethic, and my passion for public health and research, I was awarded the prestigious presidential scholarship from Harvard School of Public Health, where I completed my Masters in Occupational and Environmental health. I spent the next year gaining experience in research at Harvard Medical School.
Later my family immigrated to Canada, and I started doing Observership and Externship, both in the USA and Canada.

In my clinical experiences in Canada and the United States, I managed patients that had co-morbidities that with appropriate psychiatric care, and psychopharmacology, not only were able to improve physiologically, but also were able to have a more meaningful life. Because of my passion for Psychiatry I have consistently been involved with Psychiatry CMEs, attended Psychiatry conferences as well as had hands on clinical rotations in Adult Psychiatry, both inpatient and outpatient. I have started working with a reputable university in Canada as a Program assistant to help improve the professional life of internationally trained Medical Professionals.

I firmly believe that I would be a perfect fit for the Psychiatry residency because of my dedication, experience , passion, knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills. Your residency offers many experiences, which I am looking for in a program including a variety of rotation opportunities, teaching and research experience, and a challenging environment where I can advance my skills as a Psychiatrist. I am confident that my diverse background in medicine coupled with extensive field experience in public health and clinical research will enable me to succeed in the program and excel in my career as a

physician.