When beginning my internship, naturally, I was apprehensive. However, I found myself almost immediately helping to handle a dengue fever epidemic. I had no time to be nervous. I was responsible for monitoring and transfusion of platelets for a packed ward. We worked hard for long hours, with normal duty demarcations being ignored because there was so much to do for all of us. This is not the introduction I would have chosen to my working life, but it was an incredibly positive experience. It taught me to apply my initiative, work under pressure, prioritize quickly and effectively, and be a helpful team member.
During my internship, I always sought to ‘go the extra mile,’ arriving early, finishing late, and doing everything promptly and to the best of my ability. My efforts did not go unnoticed. The Residents nominated me as ‘Best Intern.’ On completion of my ENT rotation, my report read ‘Posted to us as an Intern but did the work of a Resident.’
From my earliest years, I wanted to make a difference rather than merely make a living, and medicine was the perfect way to combine these goals. I have never regretted my decision and feel privileged to be a physician. I was taught by some wonderful people who emphasized that patients are not ‘bundles of symptoms’ but unique individuals worthy of respect and consideration and our professional care. I have always sought to put this concept into action.
I worked in a missionary hospital for two years after my internship. The work was highly varied, and I had the autonomy to prioritize time between clinics, wards, and emergencies. At such an early stage in my career, this independence has given me confidence in my decision-making. During this time, I came to love solving diagnostic ‘puzzles’ and believe I have developed excellent skills. I also became very aware of the significance of non-verbal signals when dealing with patients.
Internal Medicine is a beautiful specialty to me because of the variety of the work, the direct interaction with patients of all ages, and the importance of diagnostic skills. I believe that my professional experience to date provides an excellent basis for a residency in internal medicine. I have special interests in cardiology and nephrology and hope to assist in future research in one or both areas.
I am not widely traveled internationally but come from a country that contains people of widely distinct cultures and religions. I am fully aware of the need for cultural sensitivity in a medical environment. I have happily studied, worked, and socialized with people from various cultural and social backgrounds and look forward to doing so in the future. As an observer, I have familiarized myself with the US medical environment and culture since my arrival and am now ready to participate actively.
I know that there will be many well-qualified applicants for residency in this specialty. However, I am an exceptional candidate. I have an excellent academic record demonstrating my diligence, intelligence, and work capacity; I have substantial and successful experience in providing medical care in a hospital setting; I have carefully prepared myself for the program as an ‘observer’ in hospitals since I arrived in the US. However, my main recommendation is my single-minded passion for Internal Medicine which I can hardly wait to demonstrate.
Residency Internal Medicine Personal Statement