The first time I took an interest in how medicine worked was when I helped my grandfather during an illness. He required hospital care, and I vividly recall walking through the doors the first time. I liked the organization and fast pace that created an atmosphere of professionalism and was amazed at how many smiling patients we encountered. Although I was still a high school student, I enrolled in basic anatomy courses at my local medical university to explore my interest; I knew right away that this was just the beginning of my studies. The more I learned, the more convinced I became that I wanted to be a physician, and I have followed that path ever since. Now, as I prepare for residency, I am eager to join a cohesive team focused on improving patients’ quality of life.
During medical school I witnessed several automobile accidents. Each time, I stopped to help, providing acute care until the emergency technicians arrived. The sense of gratification and pride I felt during these experiences motivated me to study even harder in school. Jumping into disasters feet first also taught me how to think and act on my knowledge while remaining calm and composed. These traits will serve me well as a resident, as they are closely connected to communication as well, which is a major component of internal medicine. My internal medicine rotation at one of my city’s hospitals was an eye-opening experience. Early in the rotation, I was assigned to a patient with a pulmonary infection and a host of underlying issues. Over the course of the month, I got to know him, and we formed a close bond. Although this occurred organically, I reflected on how the relationship unfolded and realized I’d spent a lot of time asking him questions and listening to his stories. As I did, he began to trust me. This was the first time I felt I felt I’d truly connected with a patient, and I realized I wanted to spend my career in a field that fosters such relationships.
I am eager and well-prepared to begin my internal medicine residency. The ideal program encourages autonomy alongside guided training by skilled attendings. I hope to treat a diverse body of patients with a range of disease presentations to expand my knowledge base and clinical application. My goal is to be a respected internist, well-versed in making differentials with polished clinical skills. After residency, I plan to work as a hospitalist in an underserved community and ultimately open my own practice. Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.