I will soon be applying to physician assistant programs and am just looking for some feedback on my statement. I believe it to be nearly complete, but am just looking for the opinion of a few people. Strangers provide the best insight, because their personal feelings for the writer do not stand in the way of their criticisms. Any comments/ feedback are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
My laboratory results were in. Anxiously waiting, I was hopeful my doctor would have answers to explain the symptoms I had experienced since I was a child. Entering the exam room, Dr. Parson* wasted no time in stating, "Paul, we have determined a diagnosis for you." His words came as a relief to me. The results revealed I had Graves' disease. My doctor continued, "I must inform you that this disease is incurable; however, it is treatable." Sensing my concern, Dr. Parson assured me everything would be okay, and together, we developed an effective treatment plan. My diagnosis instilled in me a growing interest for how the body works. As a result, I believed earning a Ph.D. would be the best way to assist others suffering from disease. However, my medical encounters and undergraduate education would convince me that physician assisting is my true calling.
Actually, growing up I had always imagined working in medicine, but I lost sight of this goal as I progressed through the biology program at UW-River Falls. Accepted into the McNair Scholars Program at the beginning of my junior year, my mentor would always say, "Imagine yourself developing treatments for Graves' disease as Dr. Casper." Within the program I worked alongside experts to develop pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular disease, assisted in the characterization of a mouse lymphoma model, and unexpectedly gained co-authorship. Imagining how my work in research may benefit others who suffer from disease, I sought to join researchers in progressing toward improved treatments. Captivated by the outcome of my research, I embarked on a path away from my original goal of becoming a medical professional.
Today, as an alumnus of the university, the prospective contribution of biological research continues to intrigue me. Research has proven to be an invaluable tool within medicine and it promises to transform the way we detect and treat disease. Still, the more I researched, the more I began to recognize a need for more personal interaction in my work. Although rewarding, my time spent conducting experiments revealed to me that I would never be wholly satisfied in research. Having shadowed physician assistants, visited with residents at the American Heritage nursing facility and mentored freshman students at the university, I now recognize that the human element in such relationships is irreplaceable. While science and technology may continue to evolve the medical field, only humanity is capable of touching individual lives.
My clinical experiences confirmed my growing sense for the inadequacies of a career in biomedical research. I have learned that without proper education, improved health care accessibility and more importantly, strong relationships amongst health professionals and their patients, advances in medical knowledge and techniques are useless. The treatments I imagined myself developing as "Dr. Casper" may have contributed to the health of patients; however, without the ability to witness the progress in patients firsthand, I would not gain the same level of satisfaction that I stand to achieve as a care provider. My ability to enjoy a fulfilling life amid my diagnosis can be attributed to the dedication of medical professionals and researchers. Yet, exposed to both the research and clinical aspects of medicine, my enthusiasm for patient care is evident in my dedication, as well as, aptitude to empathize and recognize the needs of others.
With no regret about the path which led me to my current goals, I enthusiastically return to my original plan of becoming a medical professional. This spring, I began work as a Clinical Research Coordinator for a neurology clinic. With guidance from Dr. Cudd* and others, I work with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Epilepsy patients to carry-out clinical trials. By collecting physician diagnostics and patient responses to questionnaires, it is our goal to determine the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals awaiting FDA approval. Reward for my work continuously evolves as I witness the progress made by our patients. Since beginning work for Dr. Cudd, it has allowed me to affirm that I would like to follow his example in my own career, combining clinical practice and research.
Imagining a life spent on similar pursuits, my work as a clinical research coordinator allows me an excellent opportunity to fulfill this dual role. Yet, I will never forget that my current aspirations arose not in a lab or classroom, but as an inquisitive young boy in his doctor's office, determined to seek meaning for the words he spoke. In my career as a physician assistant, I will strive to inform my patients, not only as a healer, but as a friend. Supporting them in their toughest moments, my role as a care giver and mentor will allow my patients to lead healthy lifestyles. While biotechnology and research may contribute to how we diagnose and treat patients, they will never replace the compassion I hold for the individuals I will treat as a physician assistant.
*Pseudonym's used to protect identities.
My laboratory results were in. Anxiously waiting, I was hopeful my doctor would have answers to explain the symptoms I had experienced since I was a child. Entering the exam room, Dr. Parson* wasted no time in stating, "Paul, we have determined a diagnosis for you." His words came as a relief to me. The results revealed I had Graves' disease. My doctor continued, "I must inform you that this disease is incurable; however, it is treatable." Sensing my concern, Dr. Parson assured me everything would be okay, and together, we developed an effective treatment plan. My diagnosis instilled in me a growing interest for how the body works. As a result, I believed earning a Ph.D. would be the best way to assist others suffering from disease. However, my medical encounters and undergraduate education would convince me that physician assisting is my true calling.
Actually, growing up I had always imagined working in medicine, but I lost sight of this goal as I progressed through the biology program at UW-River Falls. Accepted into the McNair Scholars Program at the beginning of my junior year, my mentor would always say, "Imagine yourself developing treatments for Graves' disease as Dr. Casper." Within the program I worked alongside experts to develop pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular disease, assisted in the characterization of a mouse lymphoma model, and unexpectedly gained co-authorship. Imagining how my work in research may benefit others who suffer from disease, I sought to join researchers in progressing toward improved treatments. Captivated by the outcome of my research, I embarked on a path away from my original goal of becoming a medical professional.
Today, as an alumnus of the university, the prospective contribution of biological research continues to intrigue me. Research has proven to be an invaluable tool within medicine and it promises to transform the way we detect and treat disease. Still, the more I researched, the more I began to recognize a need for more personal interaction in my work. Although rewarding, my time spent conducting experiments revealed to me that I would never be wholly satisfied in research. Having shadowed physician assistants, visited with residents at the American Heritage nursing facility and mentored freshman students at the university, I now recognize that the human element in such relationships is irreplaceable. While science and technology may continue to evolve the medical field, only humanity is capable of touching individual lives.
My clinical experiences confirmed my growing sense for the inadequacies of a career in biomedical research. I have learned that without proper education, improved health care accessibility and more importantly, strong relationships amongst health professionals and their patients, advances in medical knowledge and techniques are useless. The treatments I imagined myself developing as "Dr. Casper" may have contributed to the health of patients; however, without the ability to witness the progress in patients firsthand, I would not gain the same level of satisfaction that I stand to achieve as a care provider. My ability to enjoy a fulfilling life amid my diagnosis can be attributed to the dedication of medical professionals and researchers. Yet, exposed to both the research and clinical aspects of medicine, my enthusiasm for patient care is evident in my dedication, as well as, aptitude to empathize and recognize the needs of others.
With no regret about the path which led me to my current goals, I enthusiastically return to my original plan of becoming a medical professional. This spring, I began work as a Clinical Research Coordinator for a neurology clinic. With guidance from Dr. Cudd* and others, I work with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Epilepsy patients to carry-out clinical trials. By collecting physician diagnostics and patient responses to questionnaires, it is our goal to determine the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals awaiting FDA approval. Reward for my work continuously evolves as I witness the progress made by our patients. Since beginning work for Dr. Cudd, it has allowed me to affirm that I would like to follow his example in my own career, combining clinical practice and research.
Imagining a life spent on similar pursuits, my work as a clinical research coordinator allows me an excellent opportunity to fulfill this dual role. Yet, I will never forget that my current aspirations arose not in a lab or classroom, but as an inquisitive young boy in his doctor's office, determined to seek meaning for the words he spoke. In my career as a physician assistant, I will strive to inform my patients, not only as a healer, but as a friend. Supporting them in their toughest moments, my role as a care giver and mentor will allow my patients to lead healthy lifestyles. While biotechnology and research may contribute to how we diagnose and treat patients, they will never replace the compassion I hold for the individuals I will treat as a physician assistant.
*Pseudonym's used to protect identities.