The Motivation behind my Pursuit of Medicine. by Kyrollos

The Motivation behind my Pursuit of Medicine. by Kyrollos - November 2023 Scholarship Essay

Although I had engaged in a variety of volunteer activities, a singular experience influenced my determination to pursue a career in the medical field. I had the opportunity to volunteer at New Bridge Medical Center’s long-term care nursing units, operating room pre- and post-op, and the concierge.
One day, I met a 73-year-old man named Alfred, who was a resident at the care unit due to his chronic health conditions. He was battling diabetes and hypertension, and his struggles with managing his physical and mental conditions were evident.

Over the course of several chickenfoot domino games, I began connecting with Alfred on a personal level. I listened to his concerns, his stories, and his history of health issues. Yet, what struck me the most about Alfred’s situation were the numerous medical and social factors affecting his health. I would begin to notice his lack of health literacy, lack of financial resources, as well as a lack of a stable nervous system. With every domino game, I gained more knowledge in the wide scheme of medical aspects.

Witnessing his health deteriorate at a fairly young age, I felt a sense of guilt. I searched for methods to ease myself into the medical field. Surrounded by hospitals, I began volunteering to learn the environment. Assisting in the Operating Room and providing companionship to residents gave me insight into the medical, mental, and spiritual aspects of residents’ lives. Volunteering at hospitals in lower-income communities exposed me to various cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I began understanding the comforting relationship a patient has with their doctor. A physician, available for any patient’s needs, displays one of the numerous qualifications a doctor must have.

This experience with Alfred profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a medical career. The encounter was eye-opening and made me aware of the urgent need for healthcare professionals who not only possess clinical experience but also personal experience on the aspect of social health.

Through Alfred, I realized the simple fact that many individuals at this age could have received proper treatment as young adults to prevent the long-term deterioration of their health. I became passionate about making a difference as soon as physically possible.

Within the constantly changing field of healthcare, diversity, and personal experiences play a huge role in shaping the future of medicine. My career in medicine is surrounded by a mixture of identities and life experiences that I can use in my career in medicine. This mixture of identities, backgrounds, and experiences allows for a more inclusive and diverse healthcare experience. This will not only help me understand and relate to patients but also help me in improving the medical field based off of my positive and negative experiences. As a straight, religious, Middle Eastern male who is surrounded by underserved communities, I have gained the unique perspectives that will undoubtedly enhance my career in medicine.

Growing up in and around impoverished communities has made me aware of the healthcare disparities that exist. I have personally witnessed the limitations in accessing quality healthcare that many individuals in these impoverished communities were required to face. This has fueled my passion for becoming an advocate for improved healthcare policies as well as initiatives aimed at addressing these inequalities. I can imagine myself working tirelessly to improve access to healthcare, reduce injustice, and ensure that no singular individual is left behind during the advancements of healthcare. Coming from impoverished communities, I understand the challenges faced by these populations. My roots and connections in these communities will enable me to connect with patients on a deeper level, simply demonstrating empathy and understanding. Not only that but building strong relationships with my patients is crucial in providing them with the best possible care and fostering a sense of trust and comfort.

While yes, I may not be a first-generation student, I can offer mentorship and guidance to students who, like me, are aiming to pursue a career in medicine. Through many hours spent understanding and going through the differing medical aspects, I believe I can offer mentorship to those who may be thinking of pursuing a career in the medical field. Not only that, however, but being the first generation to attend undergraduate and graduate college in my family in the United States, the experience is completely new to my family and me. This allows me to understand and explore not only the various parts of the medical field but also the steps and journeys that follow. My insights into the application process and preparation for the application starting from freshman year of high school will be invaluable in helping others navigate this journey.

That being said, my diverse set of identities and experiences will undoubtedly assist my career in medicine. Through promoting cultural competence and advocating for underserved communities, I can begin introducing a greater sense of inclusion in the medical field. Not only that but becoming a role model and offering unique perspectives allows me to positively impact the field of healthcare, not only by introducing and motivating students of differing backgrounds to apply but also by reducing the uninclusive stereotype many associate with healthcare. By introducing these varying factors into my medical career, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse healthcare system, a system where every individual receives the care that they deserve, regardless of their background or their circumstances.