My Motive To Continue Academical Studies In Medical Field
Thinking of numbers, shapes, symbols and figures as parts of human body was a real code-cracker of my life experience. The human body was the living, breathing source of the data where all these were combined. Perceiving patterns and instinctively classifying them based on things we've seen before supplies us with the tools to acquire the knowledge. For me, medicine relies on this mode of thinking; Receiving a few pieces of puzzle, and then extrapolating the whole picture. Growing up, I was sort of inundated by medicine on all sides. Being surrounded by people in medical fields as a kid gave me a profound respect for the medical profession, having realistic expectations of what a career in medicine actually offers.
I can only speak to my experience, and say that, for my parents being doctors was more than their jobs. With a front row seat to my parent's medical practices, I witnessed how engaging and challenging the ethical conundrums and struggles to maintain a family life could be. As my academic studies progressed, I was able to find the pieces of puzzle and put those exceptional pieces together to create a masterpiece of medicine. Biology and chemistry refined my understanding of what it means, scientifically, to be human and know the essence and many details of the most fundamental processes.
Additionally, these subjects elucidated living things mysteries from the powerful organizing theme of evolution by which all living organisms on Earth are linked by a common origin to the growth of organisms from a single cell to the majesty. To satisfy my inquisitive mind about the origin of life, my wider reading included "The Compatibility Gene" by Daniel M. Davis. Mathematics played an integral role in shaping my mind to make analysis of the available strategies that are optimal in each situation whereas physics, through its applications in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, enlightened me to discover paradoxes in medical field. Shadowing doctors during my placement in Turkey I observed invasive procedures such as bone marrow biopsy and gathered information about peripheral blood smear. Seeing the distress on families caused by cancer made it clear that a doctor's role is to help their patients deal with difficulties in everyday life and highlighted the concept of holistic care, treating the 'whole' person, not simply symptoms and diseases. Working voluntarily in the orthopedics ward of the state hospital and spending time with elderly patients improved my interpersonal skills, particularly empathy. Having also been an animal shelter aider for two years, I gained experience in careful allocation of resources and civic responsibility. Attending Cambridge Immerse Summer Program I was introduced to academic concepts like pathophysiology of disease, using stethoscope and their practical applications in a university environment. During the program, I have developed research skills and confidence, set targets, and made independent decisions.
As a passionate peacebuilder, I was chosen to take part in a bi-communal leadership program at George Washington University, USA where I became versed in taking initiative, working in a team and meeting deadlines while preparing and submitting presentations. Playing tennis, I participated in many national tournaments and I was given the honor of representing Cyprus in several countries. Long tennis matches which require physical and mental strength, stress handling and strategic thinking prepared me for long hours of working and I managed to become the first student to pass Physical Education at IGCSE level. Although so many virtues are difficult to find in a single human being solely, the medical field is a fruitful ground for finding such compositions. My belief in humanity, respect and empathy makes medicine a course I would highly value and take pride in. Thus, following an intellectually stimulating career path in prestigious UK medical institutions really excites me.
