Pursuing Excellence in the Medical Field: My Journey of Passion

Studying medicine was not a decision I made lightly. There was no “revelatory moment” or lifelong desire, but an interest that has been shaped over years. My childhood and teen years had been plagued with countless colds, with periods during which I saw my GP on a weekly basis. Always curious, I wanted to understand what was happening to my body, and every time I asked I was intrigued a little more. Over talks with my doctors and hours in the clinic, I gained an understanding of life as a pediatric GP, and the rewards and challenges that came with it. A few stays in hospital for sports injuries solidified this; I enjoyed speaking to the students on their placements about their experiences with the course, and the atmosphere of hard work in the hospitals fascinated me. A sort of chaos on first sight, but looking deeper a fascinating network of organizational structures. The students’ stories of long hours and hard work did not scare me away, but increased my hunger and motivation.

I could clearly see myself one day walking those halls, committed to helping those in need, as many before had been for me. Growing up in an international environment and challenging school system shaped me. Along with moving over three different countries, the IB has taught me vital values and skills such as communication, open-mindedness, and reflection. From a very early age I strived to be the well-rounded, tolerant and respectful international student the IB Learner Profile describes. In order to prepare thoroughly for Medicine I take both Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level. The Internal Assessments (IA) allowed me to develop independent research skills in writing an individual research paper. Thus, not only do I have the advantage of understanding various topics relating to medicine, but I have also learned to take initiative and work independently.

My Biology IA in particular – aiming to find an interesting, medicine-related topic I chose to explore the effect of Ethyl Acetate on the antimicrobial properties of Rosa damascene essential oil – provided me with the ability to research independently, evaluate experimental findings, and come to conclusions in a topic I am passionate about. Taking part in over 10 years of competitive swimming has allowed me to develop valuable attributes, including determination and commitment to achieve my goals through discipline and regular training, as well as the responsibility to act as a role model to the younger swimmers I regularly coached. A part-time job waiting on tables during events at the local stadium allowed me to gain valuable experiences and basic work ethic, including staying calm in stressful situations. Additionally, a volunteering trip to Tanzania, throughout which I was elected team leader for a group, allowed me to further develop my leadership and communication skills, in the responsibility to keep my peers motivated during strenuous physical work and collaborate with other team leaders. In 2015, I founded an initiative to raise awareness of social media’s influence on teen body image, a topic I am exceptionally passionate about. This included a 20 minute talk in front of around 1, 500 peers, deepening my presentation skills. In my free time I can be found at swim practice, the gym or out jogging.

Sports is an efficient way for me to unwind after stressful days and clear my head. To engage my creative side I play piano and journal. Yet a lot of my free time is occupied by my interest in medicine, as I enjoy watching videos of common surgeries, such as coronary triple bypass surgery, enabling me to appreciate the endurance such long, complex procedures require.

Aspiring to join the Médecins Sans Frontiéres, I look forward to the challenge of studying medicine and the opportunities it will open for my future. Determined and hungry for success, studying a subject that is both interesting and challenging is the perfect path towards my goals of working as a successful international doctor.