Pursuing Medicine: A Personal Statement Of Purpose

I was first inspired to serve others after a visit to St. Josephs Diner, a local soup kitchen in my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The relief I saw on the faces of those I interacted with encouraged me to become further involved in community service through my church youth group. During high school, I served as a spiritual leader in weekly youth ministry meetings and faith-based summer camps. Striving to have a positive impact on others was deeply fulfilling and became a central role in my personal endeavors.

My inclination towards academia and the biological sciences began at a young age. The son of two professional biologists, my parents fostered within me a deep appreciation for the intricacy of living systems that eventually blossomed

Hayes, a primary care physician who identified a digestive issue that had given me significant discomfort and stress in the preceding months. Her friendly, empathetic approach imparted a sense of ease that I was unfamiliar with in clinical settings and that illustrated a professional example which I identified with. Dr. Hayes personified both the scientific and interpersonal roles I sought to emulate professionally and did so in a manner that revealed the value of my personal strong suits in medicine. Dr. Hayes was the catalyst in my commitment to the medical profession. I subsequently began shadowing Dr. Allam, a friend and Cardiothoracic surgeon who provided abundant opportunities for me to assess my fit in medicine and to interact with patients. Despite the contrasting nuances between surgery and primary care, the fundamental intersection of medical science and humanity which inspired me to become a doctor was the same. Furthermore, witnessing a wealth of medical knowledge and surgical teamwork culminate in saving lives was profoundly inspirational. This experience solidified my commitment to the medical profession with the realization that no other career could more adequately suit my interests, values, and goals in

This challenged preconceived notions of how my social qualities translated to value in medicine. Conversation and connecting with others are some of my greatest personal strengths and are intrinsic factors in my confidence as a potential physician. However, there were occasions where my efforts to connect with hospice patients were fruitless. I am thankful for this because it taught me to not feel helpless when there is no validation of my effort to provide comfort. I have more fully realized that my life experiences and personable qualities are only as valuable as my commitment to approaching every patient with an open mind, open ears, and a full capacity for empathy. Furthermore, spending time in an environment where compassion and empathy are sometimes all there is left to offer has helped me to better realize the importance of those qualities in medicine. Affirming life for others as a hospice volunteer has been energizing and deeply rewarding. I am confident that this experience will aid me during the inevitable difficulties I will encounter as a