Choosing a career path or a profession is one of the most critical decisions we make in life. Several factors should be considered, since one’s profession is a label of who the person is, what he or she does, and perhaps tells something about his or her personality.
Out of the many available professions I can choose from, I decided to be a physician. Being one is a form of achievement, for it is not easy in the process of becoming, as well as in practice itself.
Several factors pushed me to pursue my chosen career. One is my interest. Being a lover of science, I knew well that the things that I would learn in the school of medicine will always keep my senses upbeat. Moreover, the human body and how it works fascinate me. Then I thought that how to protect and save it would fascinate me even on a higher level.
My motivation comes from within (Association of American Medical Colleges, 1). I chose to pursue a medical degree, not because of peer pressure or the decision of somebody else. I wanted to become a physician because it is my calling.
I received a well-rounded and balanced education in high school and college. In addition, I was able to take up courses that are related to the field of medicine. I have a good background in subjects that could assist me in the study of the human body. Moreover, I believe that I have a good academic record that proves that I can perform well in medical school. I have good recommendations as well, which shows that people believe that I can excel in my chosen field of study (Pascarella and others, 1).
I also have an excellent MCAT score. This shows that I possess the writing and problem-solving skills, as well as the critical thinking required as prerequisites to enter medical school. In addition to this, I excelled in the test which showed that I have above-average knowledge of the principles and scientific concepts needed to study medicine (Association of American Medical Colleges, 1).
My credentials show that I give importance to my studies. I take do not take my academics for granted. This was my attitude even when I was in my younger years as a student. It will still be my attitude, only a lot better, when I aspire to enter medical school.
Another factor that motivated me into becoming a physician is my esteem and respect for those in the profession. As said before, the process that an aspiring physician goes through is not easy. The subjects are hard, wherein medical students get to memorize a lot of technical terms. The analysis part never leaves the course, too. These all sum up to different and high regard to those who went through the hardships. Wearing the laboratory gown and the scrub suits already carries an insignia that the physician or intern is already capable of saving another person’s life. I am very willing and determined to be one of them, too.
Being a physician is a form of service (American College of Physicians, 616-622). This is one reason why I chose to be one. I want to be of service to people, especially to those in need. Seeing somebody get well or feel better because of my professional care is already an accomplishment. Nothing, for me, can replace the wonderful feeling of being of help to others. The smile on my patients’ faces can prove that every hardship I had been through during my years in medical school had been paid. I wanted to serve my patients who trust my abilities; and be part of their lives. I also am willing to do voluntary work for anyone who needs my help.
I wanted to become a physician because I know that I am dedicated to my work. This means that I will never fail anybody who would come to me for help, since for me; there is no room for negligence and irresponsibility. It is the nature of a physician’s job to be called any time of the day, seven days a week. This is especially true in cases of emergency. I believe that dedication is a requirement for a physician to succeed in his studies and career (Brunson, 1).
Another reason is I am willing to sacrifice in order to perform what is expected of me as a physician. I can sacrifice my time, my efforts, and my lifestyle for the sake of my patient’s health and life. This would mean giving up some time for relaxation when I am on call. This could also mean limiting my leisure time for medical cases that would require an extra part of my time and attention.
I also want to save people’s lives. This can not easily be done by those who are not trained and not licensed to do so. And I wanted to be a member of the group composed of people who are willing and are capable of performing the task. I value life.
Among the reasons is I also have the guts to pursue a career. Working overtime in the graveyard shifts at hospitals is not an easy task. I also have the guts in studying specimens that other people find gross or nauseating. I have the guts to study anatomy and physiology using cadavers and dead animals.
I also show evidence of good leadership. I am decisive and I can work well with a group. I can be both independent and a team player. I also set a good example and can be a role model to my colleagues.
I am matured both intellectually and emotionally, which I believe is a necessary trait for anyone who aspires to have a profession as dignified as a physician. These can even be enhanced further once I enter the school of medicine.
My good communication skills can also help me stand out from the rest. This is a particular characteristic that a physician must possess. Communicating not only with patients but with coworkers as well as a chief need to attain order and eventually, success, to any medical endeavor (Association of American Medical Colleges, 1).
My commitment to the course of becoming a physician can likewise give me an edge. I am willing to continue what I would be starting, and never give up even when life in medical school is rough and hard. I know that going through all these does not only reveal my character but aids in its formation as well (Brunson, 1).
I also have a strong sense of empathy, which makes me a concerned person not only to patients or those who are sick but also to other people around me. Once I become a physician; I am responsible not only to my own patients but to all others who I know might need my help (Umich Career Center, 1).
My self-discipline would also help me survive medical school. I act my age and am responsible for my actions. I know what should be done and should not be done to maintain good scholastic records an ace performance in school. This discipline will help me get through not only the process of becoming a physician but being a good licensed one, too.
I also have good socialization skills. I know when I must give more weight to the attachment to or detachment from a person or situation, depending on what would give a better outcome. I know how to deal with difficult people. I am patient and can see the good side of people. I can easily get along with others, for I am friendly and approachable.
I can discuss sensitive matters in a diplomatic and mature way, making it to a point that any matter can be solved without going through inappropriate talks. I am likewise aware of adult socialization, which can enhance my maturity and prepare me for more complex situations in the future (Bloom, 77-87).
I possess good decision-making skills. I know how to weigh the pros and cons of a particular matter. I give consideration to enumerating the advantages and disadvantages of an action. I always think about the possible consequences of a decision, and can as well make plans for improvement when it has already been made. I consider a lot of factors before making a decision but with this, I ensure that each conclusion is a sound judgment.
I am a medical science enthusiast. I know I will never get tired of studying subject matters related to becoming a doctor. My interest would keep me on the path to success in my chosen profession. And I know that when I am already a physician, my interest in the field of medicine will motivate me to do more and accomplish more, for my patients and self-improvement.
Those who know me find me trustworthy, which is a trait needed in any profession. Being a physician requires an honest and trustworthy character. I believe that one should not be given any responsibility without this trait in the first place. I can be trusted in simple matters and can be entrusted to a person’s life.
I view medical school as interesting as a journey full of discoveries (Gross and others, 516-520). Discoveries include those learned from formal teaching, those encountered in daily experiences, those learned from colleagues to those met when more complex situations are faced.
Another reason why I wanted to become a physician is the challenge that comes with it. I am challenged by the hardships in medical school and by the responsibilities that I would need to carry with me. I believe that the challenges, when overcome, can produce an even better me.
Another reason is that I am ready to go through the process of becoming a physician. This readiness implies that I am equipped with the knowledge and proper attitude needed to survive medical school. I am prepared to give the best that I could to be a doctor.
I understand the life of a medical student. This covers not only the study of the contents of the curriculum but also the big adjustment that should be made in order to cope up with the stress of everyday pressure.
I know how to manage my time well. Good time management is an asset because an aspiring physician must be able to devote time to personal matters, studies, classes, and relaxation.
In the sociological aspect, the environment of the school or university plays a big role in the formation of the professionalism of an individual. The influence of one’s learning environment can dictate whether or not a student will be able to act appropriately in circumstances that require professional judgment (Bloom, 77-87). I can easily adapt to my environment and adjust well to it without compromising professionalism, values, and ethics.
I possess good resource-management skills. I know how to balance my life into the academic, personal, spiritual, and professional aspects. This makes me a well-rounded person, flexible to whatever situation comes my way.
Another trait that pushed me to become a physician is that I wanted to pursue the profession not only for the income but for the fulfillment it gives as well. A person’s job completes his or her being just like the other aspects of life. For me, since being a doctor had been my dream and a goal in life, I know that it will complement my present and future self.
Another edge is that I am aware of the technological advances which can contribute a big part to medical practice. I am also willing to be trained in the use of complex medical electronic devices to aid in faster and more efficient procedures in the field (American College of Physicians, 616-622).
I also am willing to continue studying and training once I become a physician. I know that after graduating, more and more advances in the field of medicine will arise. As these are expected, I am very eager to improve my knowledge more to be of help to the concerned.
I am determined to become a physician. I have great dreams for those who are in need of medical help. I strongly believe that I can be an asset to the medical community in my own ways. I am persistent and willing to go through the hardships of medical school, equipped with the knowledge and traits I know can help me achieve my goal.
Works Cited
American College of Physicians. “Future internists.” Annals of Internal Medicine 121.8 (1994): 616-622.
Association of American Medical Colleges. 2006. Preparing for medical school. 2008. Web.
Bloom, Samuel. “The Process of Becoming a Physician.” Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 346 (1963): 77-87.
Brunson, Tammy. How to Become a Physician. 2008. Web.
Gross, Jeffrey and others. “Premedical Education.” Academic Medicine 83.5 (2008): 516-520.
Pascarella, Ernest and others. “Becoming a physician: The influence of the undergraduate experience.” Research in Higher Education 26.2 (1987): 1.
Umich Career Center. “Distinguishing Yourself In Writing: Medical School Application Essays.” 2008. Web.