Statement of purpose: describe your educational objectives.
I was initially drawn to medicine because of the science: the delicate chemistry within a cell, the incredible complexity of the neural network, the elegant intricacy of the human hand. During the past several years I have been involved in a variety of research projects, ranging from organometallic chemistry to applied mathematics to diabetes and transplantation research. While I appreciate the beauty of pure science, I now find myself more attracted to the human side of medicine, working directly with patients. During college I became a wilderness first responder, and completed the EMT-basic training and became involved in various community service endeavors around Boston after graduation. After completing medical training, I hope to become involved with global organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), reaching out to those who need the most help.
Besides the opportunity to serve others, medicine also provides a dynamic setting for personal growth. Over the past year, I have learned an incredible amount about the human body, and have realized anew how much more there still is for me to learn. The fast pace of medical advancement means that a physician must constantly update her own understanding of medicine and pass on this expertise to patients, students, residents, and colleagues. During my two-month internship in the emergency department of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the doctors, nurses, and techs welcomed me into this culture, inviting me to watch examinations and procedures, encouraging my questions. At the weekly seminars, the attending physicians and residents took turns presenting unusual cases and new studies, fostering discussions about ways to improve patient care.
My idea of a physician never stops learning, to best help those in need. Of course a doctor cannot save everyone, and there are times when the best course of action is uncertain. Despite that, this is what I want to do.
Why are you interested in participating in a global education experience?
Minutes after the first massive earthquake hit Japan, the world knew of it. Within hours, people around the globe were organizing aid to be delivered there. In an age when even some of the most remote parts of the world are reachable by jet planes and the Internet, we carry a much greater responsibility to our global neighbors than did previous generations. As connections and contacts increase, so does the necessity for understanding and acceptance of differences. Even between similar cultures, there are subtle differences in practices and core beliefs that distinguish one from another, which can potentially create misunderstandings.
I was thrilled to learn about the Australia-US Medical School program, for the opportunity to absorb the customs of new parts of the world while simultaneously receiving medical training at world-class institutions. Exposure to different cultures than I am accustomed to would keep me flexible and challenged, and able to think beyond my limited horizon, which are crucial qualities in a doctor in this global age.
How will your experience in New Orleans enhance your educational goals?
New Orleans has a peculiar charm, quite unlike any other place I have seen. During a short visit several years ago, I fell in love with the city’s vibrant colors, music, and flavors. However, behind its façade of gaiety, New Orleans is a struggling city. Major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill hit the region in rapid succession, leaving its residents reeling. Yet the people in New Orleans continue to rebuild their beloved city and greet visitors with a generosity that they surely cannot afford.
By living and studying there, I hope that I will be able to absorb some of the hospitable mentality and quiet perseverance that represents the South, so that I can help and serve others with the same cheerfulness and strength that I saw in the people of New Orleans.
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