My recent experience as a patient cemented my desire to become a physician. I had a skin shave biopsy for a nodular neoplasm of uncertain behavior on my left temple. The biopsy results revealed Basal Cell Carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Three months later, in the middle of my final MCAT preparations, I had Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the carcinoma. My surgeon explained to me that she was infiltrating the cancer site with local anesthesia, and she talked me through every step as she removed the tumor.
I enjoyed being awake for the procedure, and hearing her clinical thought process out loud brought me a sense of comfort. My team of healthcare providers were compassionate and knowledgeable at every stage of my treatment. They were, to put it simply, the kind of doctors that I hope to be. I will strive to provide the same quality of care and thoughtful treatment that made me feel comfortable and informed.
I look forward to utilizing the skills my personal experiences have helped me gain to grow and learn in medical school, and I am confident that those experiences will propel me forward in my career as a future physician and healthcare leader while keeping me grounded in the most important role of any medical provider: caring for our patients.
