I have undertaken residencies in General Surgery in India and Family and Community Medicine in the US. However, having had my first child two years ago and the privilege of treating many low-risk obstetrics/gynecology patients during the latter residency, a growing interest in Ob-Gyn was aroused. I now recognize that this is the specialty that I should pursue.
In Indian culture, it is not always easy for a woman to provide confidential information or submit to an intimate examination by a stranger, no matter how professionally qualified. Happily, I could always quickly obtain my patients' confidence in these matters. I feel that this natural affinity to and empathy for female patients has been dramatically increased by my experience of pregnancy and giving birth. I have thrived on the recognition and appreciation I have received from my patients in the US and India.
My goal is to join a residency program in a challenging and supportive environment where I will acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to practice both Ob-Gyn and Family Medicine, in a community health setting. I am also interested in the possibility of pursuing a fellowship in the specialty before returning to practice.
My completed residencies have provided me with knowledge and skills that are transferable to this specialty. Surgery has given me the confidence to make my own decisions, honed my manual dexterity, and allowed me to develop my eye for detail and thoroughness in approach. Family medicine has given me considerable experience in disease prevention, health promotion, primary management of common diseases, and forming and maintaining positive relationships with patients. I discovered my strengths and limitations through my role as an FP-OB provider for my practice. While I can make critical patient care decisions, even in stressful situations, I am always ready to seek guidance when the problem warrants it. Family Medicine has also exposed me to many low-risk obstetrics/gynecology patients, and this exposure has dramatically enhanced my interest in the specialty. I am keen to provide specialist preventative care and continuity care to Ob/Gyn patients.
As an attending physician and formerly clinic director at a Community Health Center, I have acquired and developed skills in prioritization, delegation, and organization both in and out of the operating room. My special interests are family planning, contraception, minimally invasive gynecological surgery, and preventing STDs. I hope to be able to assist in research in one or more of these areas, and I hope to pursue research throughout my professional life. I am a naturally curious person with the patient, determined and organized approach that successful research requires. I am also keen to develop teaching skills as I enjoy sharing knowledge and encouraging others to recognize and achieve their professional potential.
I am aware of the vital importance of cultural and social sensitivity in providing healthcare, and in this specialty, more than any other. My home country is culturally diverse, and I have happily studied alongside, treated, and worked with people from many cultural and social backgrounds both in India and the US. I have provided services to free clinics in both countries. I have always been determined to treat the patients at such clinics with the same respect and professional care I would afford to the most prominent or wealthy patients. I am particularly interested in indigent care, and I hope to apply the additional knowledge and skills acquired in the residency to help such patients with advice and treatment.
I understand there will be many well-qualified applicants for residency vacancies in this specialty. However, I do consider myself to be an exceptional candidate. I have much relevant working experience; I relate exceptionally well with female patients; the rank attained in my bachelor's studies will assure my academic ability and diligence; I am happy working in, or leading, a team to achieve common goals. Most importantly, I offer a deeply felt passion and enthusiasm for the specialty and a determination to excel within it so that I can provide exceptional patient care.
Residency in Ob/Gyn Personal Statement