As an experienced scuba diver, I am fascinated by the body’s ability to undergo various reactions to remain stable, even under pressure. I attach the same scuba diving experience to my medical background through years of experience. The medical field is full of stress, which leaves a professional satisfied after a successful encounter with a patient and the ability to address a wide range of medical issues. Consequently, my interest in internal medicine is driven by the passion for helping the body overcome and recover from challenging processes it undergoes during medical distress. As a discipline that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse internal illnesses, it is an occupation that defines the professional and the patient, and pushes the limits of the capability of each in challenging situations. Therefore, I am eager to begin my MD residency training in internal medicine in the USA since it is a specialty aligned with my career goals, personality, and abilities, having my first degree in MD.
During one of my routine rounds, I encountered a patient who was prepared for surgery. However, he did not respond well due to depressed blood pressure, low perfusion, and undetectable heartbeat. Both surgeons and other practitioners at the scene panicked since they appeared to have no options left to help the patient. However, an internist entered the scene and helped the team with specific intervention procedures to help the patient to respond. The internist used various treatment algorithms to stabilize the patient to relieve the entire team in the operating unit. The experience was exhilarating and scary as I feared for the patient and his family. Since I have always loved to care for patients and make them comfortable, the internist’s success in the situation inspired me to further my career in internal medicine.
While my nursing and medical background drive my desire to be an internist, my personality also craves success in high-pressure areas. My experience with the patient and the internist’s role created an avenue to understand the meaning of critical care for hospitalized and ambulatory patients. I noted that the physician who intervened in the situation was not apprehensive or indicated any pressure signs. I admired him, and his role reminded me that I should be controlled when in critical care because the patient’s life depends on it. Besides, the basics of the essential concept of care (the ABCs) were flawlessly exuded from the physician’s intervention and procedure, even under immense pressure. The ease, confidence, and the result of the process inspired me to learn more and master other hands-on procedures to help me go a little further when assisting patients in critical care.
In my internal medicine residency, I desire to learn more about comforting moments for patients, even in the most critical situations. I have acquired knowledge in the course and my nursing background, which will make me a better physician. Internal medicine is a demanding specialty whose application determines the patient’s survival and the recovery process through proper diagnosis and treatment. Subsequently, my internal medicine residency will complement and supplement both my nursing and medical backgrounds. Mainly, I believe the program will enable me to use my broad medical and nursing knowledge base, technical skills, and experience to adapt to the fast-paced environment and provide prompt feedback during procedures. As a result, the residency program will help me to develop professionally and personally.
In my learning and experience, I have realized the importance of trust, inspiration, and nurturing as essential tools for physicians. The values help internists develop relationships with patients, in which faith, hope, and kindness are communicated and understood to help them during the treatment period. Thus, patients offer appreciative feedbacks and become confident in doctors and other caregivers, procedures, and facilities. Such moments’ knowledge and experiences demonstrate my suitability for the program at [insert facility name]. I will bring compassion and be part of people who co-create healing environments for patients. Notably, I understand the diverse aspects of an internal medicine resident’s duties, and I hope to incorporate all required standards in the position’s roles and responsibilities. As a result, I believe that the hospital is the place that offers me space and the opportunity to practice internal medicine, applying best practices.
Internal medicine integrates various aspects of biochemistry, pharmacology, and disease pathophysiology to create the best interventions. Consequently, theoretical knowledge is not enough to propel one’s career in the field; thus, there is a need for extensive learning through various means, including practical sessions. Hence, my ideal setting for training is to be independent and supported by multiple stakeholders. I believe autonomy is crucial in internal medicine, as it will provide me with confidence in my ability to offer the necessary care to my patients, especially during critical moments. On the other hand, the support will allow me to practice by providing various resources, such as mentors. As a result, it will be easy for me to approach the practice as an art instead of being a scripted scientific procedure. I plan to integrate my knowledge in diverse medical backgrounds to ensure that my patients respond well to methods while creating a healing environment and being a comforter even to their family members.