Drew/Ucla Medical Education Program - Assignment Example

DREW/UCLA MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM-ESSAYS If you have experienced an uneven performance in grades and academic achievement, explain what you havedone about. 175 words or less Word Count: 163 words Yes, there were several times in the past that my academic performance was affected because of very strong work-school conflicts. I take pride in my Hispanic-American heritage, with both parents being immigrants; while we are poor, both of them had lofty ambitions for their children. There was a very critical point when I had to leave school altogether to lend full support to my family’s financial needs. While most people would think of this as an unfortunate ordeal, I even consider this as a blessing in disguise. Working as an animal care technician at PTRL and Pfizer at these establishments has strengthened my resolve of becoming a doctor because of the exposure to scientific inquiry and rigor. I then decided to become a doctor and to concentrate on medical research. Moreover, I have learned to value my education more, and this premium is reflected in the numerous academic accolades and scholarships that I have received during the last four years of my education. 2) Describe the role you play in your immediate family. 80 words or less Word Count: 80 My parents are Mexican immigrants; while poor, they have lofty ambitions for their children. Because of our financial constraints, I have learned to live up to the responsibility of supporting them financially. I am able to provide my family with strength and inspiration because of my doggedness in obtaining a medical degree despite our poverty. They have also been edified by my example of struggling to learn the English language, and they too have taken courage to learn the language. 3) How would you describe the community and socioeconomic environment in which you spent your childhood? 175 words or less Word Count: 80 I grew up in a neighborhood that was distinguished by poverty, with predominantly blue-collar workers. Because majority of residents were minimum wage earners, the neighborhood was characterized by crime and violence. I have been exposed to communities that lived in dire poverty, and I have witnessed their need for decent healthcare. This is also one of my motivators in pursuing a medical degree. This has developed in me compassion for the poor, and an authentic desire to help. My ethnic heritage has not hindered my social growth as a whole, but it had in the past affected my ambition to further my education financially. But my family’s difficult financial circumstances and my chance to witness poverty in the immediate community has given me all the more reason to work hard towards obtaining a medical degree. Perhaps, through my example, my family and my neighborhood will realize that poverty is not a reason for ignorance and for not going after your dreams. While it may be ironic, I have taken inspiration from all these difficult circumstances that I grew up in. 4) To what extent have your past experiences and/or accomplishments demonstrated your understanding of and commitment to underserved communities? 175 words or less Word Count: 166 My inclination towards helping underserved communities is reflected in my extracurricular activities that mainly consist of volunteer work for such communities. I have had very memorable community service experiences, particularly with Making Changes Freedom School, where I served as tutor-mentor to youths. This has entailed preparing activities that would help them deal with critical juvenile issues such as drugs, peer pressure and violence. I realized that my role of teaching a child has developed grave responsibility and maturity in me. My volunteer experience with the American Red Cross Bloodmobile has allowed me to interact with a multicultural community, and to use my proficiency in the Spanish language in helping patients comprehend instructions or clarify their issues. These have made me strengthen my resolve to continue teaching, but this time focusing more on medicine; simultaneously, I also want to pursue medical research. These experiences have convinced me all the more to pursue a medical degree because service to others has given me an immense sense of self-fulfillment. 5) What role will you play as a physician in the changing health care system over the next ten years? 175 words or less Word Count: 180 I am strongly inclined towards pursuing medical research and to teach. Both these preferences may be addressed by perhaps, specializing in either pediatrics or internal medicine. I am also particularly inclined in carrying out medical research in diabetes or organ transplantation. On a personal note, most of my relatives are inflicted with this debilitating disease (i.e. diabetes), and I have seen the suffering and the misery that it has caused my loved ones. In working hard to finding medical solutions for diabetes, I will be able to concretely alleviate the suffering of those who have the disease. I believe that the best means for me to help change the health care system over the next ten years is to first begin with myself. That is, I should first establish expertise in my chosen field, and be able to share such expertise to the underprivileged. I also plan to delve into teaching medical research; this way, I can impart both technical knowledge and values to my students. More importantly, inspire them to make a difference in people’s lives through the profession. 6) What is the most important health care issue confronting underserved communities? How would you address it? 80 words or less Word Count: 74 Perhaps the most important healthcare issue the elimination of healthcare disparities. There is an apparent need to reconcile the discrepancies in healthcare access between the rich and poor. These should be addressed by enhancing support for clinicians, offering access to information critical to clinical practice with underserved communities; and promoting research to enhancing understanding of underprivileged practice. Moreover, the opportunities for training relevant to providing healthcare to underserved groups must also be focused on. 7) What are your career plans if you are not accepted to medical school? 80 words or less Word Count: 79 If I will not be accepted to medical school, I intend to apply again next year. I will persist with my employment with Tutor Experts, and my volunteer work at the Making Changes Freedom School. This would permit me to create new programs for the school, allowing more children to profit from my creativity and community service as a mentor-teacher. As far as my education goes, I intend to expand my undergraduate degree into a Masters in Public Health. 8) How did you first learn about Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science? 80 words or less Word Count: 70 I was researching about medical schools, and I sought a curriculum whose vision and mission statements were consistent with mine. My primary thrusts include being able to combine my research background with medicine to address health disparities that plague underserved communities, mainly the Latino community. I think that the curriculum at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science best suits these needs and desires in pursuing a medical degree. 9) Provide any additional information, which will give the admissions committee greater insight about you as an applicant. 175 words or less Word Count: 175 I consider my minority status as a strength, with both parents being Mexican immigrants. I grew up in a Spanish speaking home, and initially I was embarrassed with not being able to speak in English proficiently. This outlook has changed as I have gained more opportunities to help others, such as when I volunteered for the California Pacific Medical Center and at the American Red Cross Mobile, when I was able to use Spanish to help minority patients clarify their concerns. Our financial difficulties have affected my education several times, compelling me to seek full-time work. But these experiences at working professionally as laboratory technician have helped me develop love for scientific inquiry and the rigor of the research. These opportunities have taught me personal mastery and strength, fortitude and maturity – factors, which are indispensable for pursuing a career in medicine, and helping promote respect for diversity in any learning environment. I feel that my ethnicity, my exposure to underserved communities, and my passion for the profession, are critical drivers of success in medical school. Read More