My Motivation To Take Up Medicine As A Profession
Medicine as a career option is not something that I took suddenly. With doctors as parents, I have been exposed to the world of medicine in some form or the other for as long as I can remember. This has given me the privileged position of seeing the different career paths that medicine provides and the unique qualities each individual doctor contributes to the profession.
My interest in biological science drew me to participate in discussions and field exposure. I remember keenly observing my gynaecologist mother interacting with patients, primarily females, in the clinics and the wards - from all social strata and across all age-groups. I used to be deeply impressed by the empathy she shared with those in pain and how her counselling and treatment used to help ailing patients recover. From her, I learnt that that career entails both a strong grasp over the subject as well as cultivating a genuine humanitarian approach with those in distress.
My father exposed me to an even broader set of challenges for a medical professional. As a public health specialist in WHO working to eradicate polio in northern India, he used to address issues with a huge variety of people- resistant communities in most underserved areas; demotivated health workers, complaining supervisors, and apprehensive medical and administrative officers! His work extended way beyond routine ‘working hours’ and showed me that there is nothing glamorous about medicine, but with perseverance, confidence and resilience, the rewards are immeasurable.
My IB diploma has taught me good time management, self-motivated study skills, and the ability to cope with stress. My aspiration for a medical career is reflected in my subject choices. Biology and Chemistry have helped me further my interest and develop my analytical skills, and learning Economics would help me later in my career to understand Health Economics which is vital for optimal utilization of limited resources to benefit those who need it the most- the underserved and the underprivileged. Besides, Maths develops my problem-solving skills helping me to work logically. I was also fortunate to learn about the Basics of First Aid as part of my core activity in Grade 11 at my high school.
During my summer break in 2018, I got an opportunity to gain a practical insight into the medical field by joining a student internship program at United Nations Clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe. I acquired a valuable understanding of the workings of all departments of the UN clinic, with opportunities to observe and speak to the doctors regarding a medical career.
The UN Clinic provided me with a comprehensive first-hand exposure to a medical institution. I learnt about the functioning of various departments. I learnt how the registration section maintains records, the observation room conducts general body check-up and conducts routine procedures using a variety of medical equipment. I observed the interaction between doctors and support staff with patients and attended patient counselling services. l got familiar with patient management in the emergency room and laboratory, pharmacy room, sterilization and autoclave procedures and even preparation and maintenance of budgets by finance section. I gained an understanding of generating demands and ensuring supplies by the administration section. I was truly fascinated to see how different branches with diverse expertise work coherently towards a common goal of providing adequate patient care.
Being exposed to this environment growing up, as well as my deep interest in science has brought about a passion in me to take up medicine as a profession and serve fellow human beings. I have been witness to the challenges, hardships, and bewildering situations in this field throughout family life, but the satisfaction, the sense of true achievement and gratification, the social respect and recognition one gets is very rewarding.
