personal statement
Wonder and curiosity have led me to this point in my life. My father has placed me on this inquisitive path with his passion for knowledge. His version of education requires being open to possibilities just around the corner. Trips to the seashore and seafood dinners inevitably included a lesson on the ocean’s food chain or why daddy was allergic to shellfish. Even a low blood sugar for my diabetic dad presented the opportunity to teach us about the pancreas and why his did not work! In keeping with this spirit of openness, I have placed myself in situations from which I have learned new and exciting things.
For eight years prior to high school, I was sheltered in a private school. Public school seemed foreign and scary; however, on the advice of a favorite teacher, I enrolled in a magnet science program at a public school. On the first day in 1999, I walked into the next thrilling chapter of my life. Four years at this school opened my mind up to more than I could have ever imagined. Two particular interests captivated my attention: science and foreign language. I was exposed to my first hands-on science laboratories and my first language classes. I filled roster with every elective science and Spanish course my mind could devour.
College presented the opportunity to further delve into these choices. The ability to work with new people and be challenged with new problems every day is important to me. Clinical experiences cemented my decision to pursue medicine. With these experiences came an unexpected and welcomed epiphany. I realized the need to incorporate my love of foreign language into a career as a medical doctor. In a predominately Hispanic neighborhood, I shadowed emergency room physicians in level one trauma center. I was exposed to many people who spoke little or no English. I was surprised to see most physicians practicing without knowledge of any basic Spanish. One Spanish-speaking registered nurse was being pulled between rooms as a translator. These patients are entitled to the same quality care as English-speaking patients. This standard of care includes personal communication with their doctor. To further pursue this interest, I enrolled in a medical Spanish course that included a shadowing experience in a Hispanic clinic. The patients at the facility seemed more comfortable with their doctor. The countless patients appreciated that these doctors would go out of the way to serve the Hispanic community. Although only a brief experience, it made a strong impression. Along with two other students in the class, I presented an overview of Hispanic culture and healthcare in LaSalle University’s Annual Language Symposium.
To improve my Spanish skills and increase my understanding of Hispanic cultures, I spent the month of June 2006 in Mexico City. Becoming bilingual would enable me to serve as a conduit to the healthcare needs of a larger community. Language is not the only barrier with Spanish-speaking patients, but culture as well. To fully serve this community, culture must be given serious consideration in addition to language. There are many contributing social and religious facts that can affect dealing with the Hispanic family and patient. I have been interested in science, especially medicine, for as long as I can remember. I am grateful that the early seeds of wonder led me to see the larger picture and the greater need. Primed with an open mind, a full heart and a sense of humor, the "possibilities around the corner" have placed me down the path of science and Spanish. Medicine has led me outside of my comfort zone into a world of endless possibilities.
what do you think?