We did everything we could Essay Example

Paul Kalanithin, a neurosurgeon facing his own mortality due to brain cancer. He wrote in his book, When Breath Becomes Air that “You can never reach perfection, but you can believe in an asymptote, toward which you are ceaselessly striving.” Nietzche & Darwin agreed that the defining characteristic of the organism is striving.

“It is paradoxical, yet true, to say, that the more we know, the more ignorant we become in the absolute sense, for it is only through enlightenment that we become conscious of our limitations. Precisely one of the most gratifying results of intellectual evolution is the continuous opening up of new and greater prospects.” - Nikola Tesla. This was a harsh side of medicine I had not seen before which propelled me to wonder whether I fully wanted to study medicine. What had upset me about this moment? Before then, nothing in my personal, academic, or volunteer experiences had shaken my single-minded commitment to medicine. Why was I so unprepared?
My goal of becoming a physician is based on an intrigue of research, and a passion for understanding medicine & holistically treating individuals with the highest level of compassion.

My interest in medicine began with enjoying science. Courses on general biology to advanced cellular biology and behavioral psychology impacted my growing interest in medicine. In particular, the most complex of them all; the human body, has been a delightful journey with new discoveries in each new class. Research with Dr. Gordon at the Oregon National Primate Research Center on behavioral and psychological needs of animals in captivity further stimulated my curiosity.

Equally satisfying is my investigation with Drs. Gautschi and Smith in isolating novel antibiotics from

genetically modified fungi. I love research. Looking at the results of an experiment for the first time and knowing that my data, this newly found piece of information, is furthering our knowledge in a small area of science is an indescribable experience.

I recall an episode when the parents of a twelve-year-old girl brought her to the clinic. They were nervous and frightened. Their daughter had difficulties in breathing because of a sore throat and had not been able to sleep the previous night. I took her vital signs, inquired about her chief complaint, and put her chart in the priority box. After she was seen by the physician, I assured her parents that her illness was not serious — she had the flu, and the sore throat was merely a symptom. The relief in the parents’ faces and the realization that I had made them feel a little bit more comfortable was most fulfilling. During my stay at the clinic, I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with patients and dealing with a different socio-economic group than I found in Dr. Nelson’s office. Despite being aware of their poverty, it was challenging to identify whether they suffered from emotional isolation and neglect.

My work at the Volunteers in Medicine clinic which serves a large poor and often homeless population has given me the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals and learn to interact with them and their families. Also, my work as a phlebotomist has a great milestone in developing the skills for interacting directly with patients.
Anthony J. D’Angelo, a supporter of higher education & founder of Collegiate Empowerment once said, “Develop a passion for learning,

if you do, you will never cease to grow.” I believe what separates the good from the great in history is passion. Passion is what keeps us going when we are tired, strained, and on the verge of giving up.

When asked who has had the most extraordinary influence on my life, the most obvious answer would be my grandfather. Being a paramedic in the oil fields in California, he told inspiring stories that solidified my choice to pursue medicine as a career. He has been my teacher, my friend and a role model for the past twenty years of my life.

The virtues that stand out most poignantly in my grandfather’s character are his dedication and resilience. The strength of his principles is evident in the way in which he cared lovingly for my grandmother when she was going through cancer treatment four years ago. He also supported our family after my brother, aunt & uncle were involved in a fatal car accident during my senior year of high school. During the time, when he was no doubt grieving himself, he spent countless hours listening, talking & helping me & my siblings cope with the insurmountable challenge of life after the loss. His resilience and selflessness during that time have inspired me time and time again and are a standard which I strive to achieve.