Scholarship / The Good Physician - PERSONAL STATEMENT GKS [3]

"The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease."-William osler. This quote captures the essence of patient-centred care, emphasising the importance of compassion and understanding in medicine. It set a tone that highlighted the commitment to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Raised in a rural community, I witnessed the devastating impact of inadequate healthcare on individuals and families. My childhood friend who lost her life to a brain tumour became a nightmare as well as a turning point in my life. The limitation of the local medical facilities forced her to suffer without access to the treatment she desperately needed. This tragic experience ignited my passion to pursue a career in medicine, driven by the desire to ensure that no one else endures such suffering due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. However, my journey has not been without challenges. My high school journey was both challenging and fruitful for me. Back in high school, I was the top student of my school till I graduated. As a science department student, I was a member of Jet Club throughout my years. And due to my outstanding performance in both academic and physical activities, I was able to represent my school in a lot of outdoor competitions like Cowbellpedia, Olympiad, NNPC Science Quiz, and much more. And I was able to win a lot of awards on behalf of my school. Also, I was able to participate in indoor activities in the school as well. However, I was given the post of the school head girl when I was in my second year. And I was titled this post not only because of my high grades but also because of the great relationship I maintained in the school premises for both the teachers and the students. Also, I was known as the most punctual and regular student from my first year, and that made me my class representative throughout my senior high school years, and I'm proud enough to say I am one of the best graduating students of my school.

Meanwhile, as I said earlier, I faced a lot of challenges in my high school days, but I never gave up on my studies and career goals. Not long after I enrolled in high school, my father lost his job. This tragic situation made my elder brother, who was already in university, drop out and go job hunting with my father in order to ease the family financial affiars. However, as a reasonable person, I started thinking of where to work to be of little help to my family and to fund myself, and also somewhere that can enlighten me more in the part I wish to take in the future. So fortunately, I was able to get accepted into a pharmacy as a part-time worker, where I was able to work for two years. At first it was hard on me, but due to my interest and determination, after a few weeks I found myself more comfortable because I was able to identify some drugs on their prospective shelves and what they are used for and how they are used. Due to my eagerness to learn more, my boss, who was also the pharmacist, started enlightening me more about medicine. and I was able to identify what POM [prescription only medicine] drugs I was able to use the instrument called a spnygmomanometer, which is used to measure blood pressure, and the normal blood pressure level ranges by age and sex.For example, the normal BP of a woman of age 18-39 must be 110/68 mmHg from 40-59 should be 122/74 mmHg and 60 and above must be 139/68. But for a man of the same age, it must be 119/70, 124/77, and 133/69 mmHg, respectively. Also, I was able to use the glucosemeter, an instrument used for measuring the sugar level in the blood.Therefore, with all the experiences that I have passed through, I am ready to dedicate myself to studying and experiencing more about the field of medicine.And if I could talk about who motivates me more in this field of study, that would be my boss. He is someone who trained and motivated me well, and I am glad I was able to work under him because he is someone I look up to. Every time he advises me, he will always back it up with a quote that goes:IN THE END, WE ONLY REGRET THE CHANCES WE DIDN'T TAKE, THE RELATIONSHIP WE WERE AFRAID TO HAVE, AND THE DECISION WE WAITED TOO LONG TO MAKE. This quote encourages us to embrace opportunities, take risks, and live life fully, reminding us that our greatest regrets often come from the things we didn't do.

In light of my experiences and aspiration, pursuing a medicine degree in Korea represents not just an academic goal but also a deeply personal mission. As I said earlier, due to the tragic loss of a dear friend to brain tumor that has deeply influenced me since childhood, her struggles highlighted the critical lack of accessible healthcare in rural communities, a reality I wish to change. By studying medicine at a prestigious Korean university, I aim to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for underserved populations and contribute to improving healthcare access in my community and other parts of the world. The Global Korea Scholarship [GKS] will play an essential role in this journey as it will alligate the financial burden that limits my educational opportunities. The scholarship would not only provide the necessary funds to pursue my studies but also foster invaluable connections within a global network of aspiring medical professionals. Ultimately, receiving the GKS scholarship would support my goal of becoming a compassionate physician dedicated to making healthcare accessible to all, particularly those who, like my friend, face insurmountable barriers.

To sum up everything that has been stated so far, as I embark on this journey to become a physician, I am driven by the knowledge that every challenge I face will bring me closer to fulfilling my passion for helping others. I am eager to embrace the rigorous demands of medical school, confident that each step will deepen my understanding and commitment to the part of healing.