Pursuing My Passion: My Journey to Becoming a Medical Technologist

I witnessed the day-to-day difficulties that my mother underwent living with a rare autoimmune disease during my childhood. Such encounters triggered my interest in pursuing a biomedical sciences career to understand the condition and protect it. As Medical Laboratory Technologist, I will know how the blood sample get analyzed and know how to interpreted the results. In this way, I will appreciate the etiology, advancement, and treatment of a vast range of related medical conditions. This is “why i want to be a medical technologist” essay in which I will try to explain how I decided to work in this sphere. 

While growing up, I developed a great interest in reading articles and materials addressing immunology and Microbiology and its related technological advancements. Accordingly, I also came across people with unusual skin rashes and acne while growing up. In this vein, I developed an innate drive to help people living with autoimmune conditions in my community and positively impact their lives. I have always believed in specializing in a biomedical science field that can provide me with an opportunity to serve humanity and make the world a better place directly. Therefore, a career in immunology and Microbiology will be an appropriate opportunity to improve my community’s quality of life by enhancing their health outcomes.

I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from the University of Tabuk, with a respectable GPA of 3.92 (Out of 4.0) which is considered excellent with first-class honor. As part of the requirements for the award of the degree, I conducted scientific research on “Genetic Identification of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104:H4 by Multiplex PCR Assay.” In played various roles in completing the research project, including (a) isolating E. coli bacteria from multiple types of vegetables, (b) created the broth of samples on distinct kinds of media in order to isolate E. coli, (c) tested E. coli Positive samples by using multiplex PCR (using previously identified primers for Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O104:H4), and (d) conducted gel electrophoresis to identify positive bands.

Further, I enrolled for a master's degree in medical laboratory sciences at the Thomas Jefferson University in the United States – an institution positively acknowledged for research in biomedical sciences. I graduated with a good GPA of 3.65 (Out of 4.0). In my capacity as an intern at the university: I worked in various laboratory section including, microbiology, blood banking, and tissue typing; learned how to use flow cytometry; acquired knowledge on using advanced technologies and novel instruments in contemporary laboratories; handled specimens as per laboratory protocols to enhance precision and accuracy of results; maintained the confidentiality of all patient information to conform to HIPAA, internal and other regulatory standards, and executed corrective actions when test controls were outside specified limits. Consequently, I was recognized as a certified member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Pursuing a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology will improve my understanding of disease pathogenesis and autoimmune conditions’ vaccines and therapies. It will also be an opportunity to acquire transferable skills to succeed in various careers related to biological sciences. Obtaining a Ph.D. degree in immunology from XXXX university prepare me with the essential knowledge and basis of teaching and make me ready to continue my research. I have chosen to apply to the XXXXXX as I am impressed by the diversity of areas that the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and I have found that the it is one of the leading universities in research in Microbiology and Immunology. I'm particularly interested in continuing to explore Microbiology and Immunology, to which this university has contributed immensely in the last few years. Because of that reason, I am looking forward to exploring immunology and Microbiology field and working with some professors like Professor XXX and Professor XXXX to proceed with research in this filed.

As a Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology, I will continue to engage in laboratory research to evaluate, study, and treat medical conditions. In such a way, obtaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology and immunology will enable me to work in laboratories to investigate and handle disease development updates. In this way, I will be able to advance knowledge for society's good and improve the global population’s health outcomes and quality of life. Furthermore, I have benefited from extensive career advice from my professors, department directors, and supervisors concerning the importance of being a Doctor of Microbiology and Immunology as a Medical Technologist. Therefore, my role models and mentors' motivation reinforced my ambition to pursue higher education and obtain a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology.

I have participated in community service by volunteering in different societal capacities, including working extra time to help patients, collaborating with organizations in blood donation programs and environmental conservation initiatives. As a member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification, I have received a Fully covered scholarship from University of Aljuof for my continued scientific excellence efforts to continue my education. However, there is a gap in my resume where I did not conduct a thesis for my masters but instead opted to acquire practical Medical laboratory skills working as an intern at King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF) and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH). The experience I received at KHCF is essential in furthering my studies to become a Doctor of philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology. Since I will be expected to be engaged in laboratory research, the practical experience I acquired working at KHCF laboratories will enhance my capacity to handle and investigate recent development in health conditions like cancer and other diseases. 

Lasy but not the least - the knowledge I gained identifying disease markers and outlining results through clinical reports will play a critical role in my Ph.D. laboratory research. During my study at (TJUH), I also worked as a Medical Laboratory intern. I cultivated my laboratory and research skills to improve my capacity to conduct extensive studies as a Medical laboratory Technologist and become a professional researcher and a faculty member.