Pathology by Kalen

Pathology by Kalen - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

As a prospective Chemistry/biochemistry major, I intend to use the knowledge gained in college to enter medical school with the goal of becoming a pathologist (medical scientist studying diseases and developing treatment options). After completing my medical school and residency commitments, I will make my contribution to research and combat old and new diseases that plague humanity. This is personally important to me because influenza and pneumonia has impacted my life directly. Despite the effort of the medical workers and all their knowledge, my father passed away in less than three weeks from pneumonia in 2013.

My reason for choosing Chemistry/Biochemistry as a major instead of Biology (more common Bachelors degree for medical school applicants) is that I performed much better in my Chemistry classes and enjoyed the experiments and research done in the labs over the rote memorization and less interactive way I experienced Biology in high school. I know that instructors matter, and my experiences in college will provide excellent teaching and lab exercises to groom me for medical school and beyond. Because there are fewer Chemistry majors applying for medical school, I believe my chances of getting into medical school are increased, especially since my career goal is research more than general medical practice.

I attend a medical magnet program at my high school, which provided a semester internship to shadow medical professionals at a hospital. I have worked with a pathologist at the hospital and really enjoyed that experience and find myself drawn to use research to help end suffering and find better solutions to improve the lives of people in my community.