The Mission of the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University - Essay Example

Michigan - College of Human Medicine After reviewing the mission of the College of Human Medicine and reflecting on life experiences that have had the most significant impact on your decision to become a physician, please discuss your experiences and your goals in terms of the mission of the College of Human Medicine. 1900 characters (no spaces) or less The mission of the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University is stated as follows: “To educate and develop exemplary physicians, create and disseminate new knowledge, and provide service to the people of the State through education, research, clinical and outreach programs…” This mission is consistent with my own values and goals in pursuing a medical career; I am bent on becoming among the most competent practitioners in my chosen field and to undertake timely and relevant research efforts. My desire to become a physician is traced from several decades back when I was still in the fifth grade, with a teacher relating to us stories about poverty and suffering – these have left an indelible mark, and since then, I had wanted to be instrumental in alleviating the plight of the underprivileged. This is similar to the College’s advocacy for healthcare programs that are “integrated and responsive to communities…” I am also struck by the College’s strong intent to uphold “dignity, diversity, needs and values of individual patients.” I myself am of Mexican heritage, making this thrust close to my heart. In fact, at one point, I have volunteered with the Red Cross and have made my resolve to help minorities. Through my proficiency in the Spanish language, I have effectively helped patients understand instructions from the medical team, and to articulate their individual concerns. I have found the experience truly fulfilling and I treasure it to this day. Moreover, the experience has allowed me to witness first hand the disparities in our healthcare system, and the great divide between the wealthy and poor in terms of healthcare access. Again, this has ignited my passion to help the marginalized. Part of the College’s mission is to be “responsive to the unmet needs of medically underserved populations.” This is exactly what I intend to pursue in my medical practice, focusing on underprivileged communities. My research experience at PTRL West and at Pfizer Laboratory has strengthened my interest in scientific rigor. I have also made it a personal goal as an aspiring physician-researcher to undertake research on diabetes, which is a debilitating disease which afflicts the Latino population. Character Count: 1874 2. Discuss a compassionate or altruistic activity that you have been involved in. 1900 characters (no spaces) or less Among the most memorable experiences of altruism I have been engaged in is my volunteering stint at the Making Changes Freedom School. This non-profit organization aims to make a difference in the lives of youths through education. Through well-designed curricula, I was successful at improving students’ academic performance; more importantly, I made a dent in students’ personal lives by inculcating in them values – this is an especially critical phase in their lives as they are elementary, middle, and high school students who are in their formative years. Apart from helping them become assertive to evade the usual delinquencies of drugs, violence, and alcohol, I also teach them to be achievers – to dream and to aspire. I have also helped those who have succumbed to these vices by making them accept their situation and to be actively involved in their rehabilitation. Once there is acceptance, multi-cultural volunteers like me have the chance to help them cope with these issues. One particular activity is the ‘Challenge Day’; where I facilitate sessions in teaching them how to cope with violence, peer pressure and alienation. At this very impressionable stage, these youths need to have good role models who may edify them through example. This has inspired me to strive to be the best, self-actualized individual I can be, knowing that part of them relies on my example. I have had similar experiences with other institutions, including Tutor Experts and the Center for Science Excellence at Contra Costa College. While these have occurred at different stages of my life, they are similar in goals and essence; that is, helping the youth to reach their full potential through teaching. I have also served as an American Red Cross volunteer in San Francisco. This has given me thorough exposure to individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Through my proficiency in the Spanish language, I have been effective at assisting Latino patients understand physician instructions and to help them better explain their medical concerns. This experience has enhanced my achievement orientation, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. It has also deepened my appreciation of cultural diversity. Word Count: 1863 3. Consider a time that you experienced failure, were disappointed in yourself, or fell short of the expectations of others. How did you respond to this experience? What did you learn from this experience? 1900 characters (no spaces) or less Unfortunately, the financial status of my family has caused disruptions on my education. In particular, just after two years of schooling from the City College of San Francisco, I had to return to full-time work when my family began struggling again. At this time, I worked at the Pfizer Global Research and Development’s Genetics Department whose main thrust is to conduct research for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. This stint at being a laboratory technician has made me more inquisitive and appreciative of experimentation and the scientific process. I gradually progressed from weighing mouse food and general animal husbandry to tissue collection, necropsies, eye bleeds using a capillary tube, and intra-cardiac bleeds. With my involvement in this type of work, I have strengthened my resolve in returning to school to eventually pursue a medical career. Initially, I had thought that this temporary setback was a hindrance to my goal of becoming a medical practitioner. But instead, like a cocoon, this hiatus has served as a metamorphosis. In fact, after being exposed to the laboratory, I have been more resolute at becoming both a physician and a researcher. This experience has compelled me to pursue diabetes research, which is an especially relevant disease for the Latino community from which I trace my valued roots. Despite my family’s financial constraints, I have constantly strived for academic achievement and have not let my failures faze me. Upon return to University of California at Berkeley, I have qualified as a national dean’s list from 2004 until the present. In addition, I am a member of National Scholars Honor Society, the Biology Scholars Program, and the Chicanos Health in Education. Finally, I have been blessed as a recipient of several scholarships, including the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship, the Hispanic College Fund Scholarship, the USA Funds Access to Education Scholarship, Doctors Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship. I feel that I am a living testimony of perseverance – and of the fact that poverty is not a sufficient reason to stop believing and dreaming. Character Count: 1833 Read More