It all began when I was six years old and had asked my uncle what he was. He, an orthopedic surgeon, had replied that he was a “bone doctor.” My immediate response to him was that I would become a “brain doctor.” While my career goal has now taken a broader view, my desire to pursue medicine has never wavered. My numerous experiences related to health care have strengthened my resolve in becoming a physician and have made me confident that I will succeed.

I had never realized that there were so many options associated with a medical career until I attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine during the summer of 2003, an opportunity I was nominated for by my Biology Honors teacher. One particularly influential experience was my shadowing a psychiatrist at a California hospital. Up until that point, I had stuck with my desire to strictly pursue neurosurgery. After meeting some patients I realistically saw psychiatry as a possibility. Through other such site visits to hospitals and medical schools and through guest speakers representing numerous health professions, I discovered how interesting other fields are, expanding my knowledge and options. As much as I had wanted to be a “brain doctor” when I was younger, I can now see myself pursuing other types of surgery, dermatology, public health, or psychiatry. Of course, I realize that I still have a long time to make that specific of a decision.

The fact that my mother had leukemia between my eighth grade and sophomore years reinforced my interest in becoming a doctor. Frankly, the whole experience of witnessing the effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant first-hand over this period made me realize, amongst other things, that I probably have the endurance necessary to succeed in this career path.

Because of my interest, I have wholeheartedly engaged in activities that expose me to medicine. Since the beginning of my junior year, I have volunteered at the NICU and the newborn nursery at Good Samaritan Hospital. I have also volunteered as a bingo-caller at Sunrise Assisted Living. These experiences have allowed me to witness medicine at the two extremes of life. For two summers, I have worked as a receptionist for an orthopedic surgeon, which has allowed me yet another opportunity for patient contact. My volunteer and work experiences related to the medical field have released me from romanticized views of medicine as seen through television’s medical dramas, for example. In spite of that, my desire remains strong.

During my junior year, I, as vice-president, helped resurrect the practically defunct Future Health Professionals of America Club at my high school. Our board turned the club around by boosting membership and by offering numerous activities such as service opportunities and a field trip to a hospital. Currently I am co-president. Over my two years on the board, I have helped other teenagers gain exposure to medicine by providing volunteer information and by setting up guest speakers. Through this experience I have learned valuable leadership skills which I know will help me succeed later in life.

Because of my variety of experiences related to medicine and the knowledge I have gained from all of them, I am convinced that I will succeed as a physician.