Undergraduate / Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology/French/History/Art/Architecture; BrownPLME- My FIELDS [3]

Since the Program in Liberal Medical Education espouses a broad-based liberal education, please describe your fields of interest in both the sciences and the liberal arts. Be specific about what courses and aspects of the program will be woven into a potential educational plan. (Limit your response to this question to 500 words.)

The Program in Liberal Medical Education reflects the basis of being a physician. Not only are the sciences important to form the knowledge necessary to practice medicine, but taking liberal arts courses will shape me to become a well-rounded medical professional. There is no dispute over how much I enjoy studying biology and chemistry. My motivation to learn these two subjects further at university emerge from my experience teaching middle school and high school students after school. The topics they least understood were an incentive for me to grasp them better. As the teacher, I changed roles and became the student to become a better teacher, and during this process, I grew fascination with biochemistry and molecular biology. As a Brown Undergraduate, I plan continue to expand my interest for the sciences by taking courses like Topics in Developmental Biology: Neurogenetics and Disease, and Molecular Genetics. At the same time, I am looking forward to develop my visual culture and artistic side by undertaking classes in the Department of History of Art and Architecture. Ever since I was a child, I was bewitched when I stood in front of legendary work of arts like VelĂĄzquez's "Las Meninas" in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, or Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" at the MusĂŠe du Louvre in Paris. As a painter, I interpret the painting by not only trying to understand the story or message behind it but I admire the choice of color, the painter's technique with the style and size of the brush strokes, the medium used, and its texture and composition. Being involved in the arts throughout high school was extremely beneficial for my learning because it improved my confidence, motivation, and concentration. It opened my mind to new ideas and helped me connect more deeply to the world enabling me to forge social bonds. It is no surprise then that at Brown I will pursue classes such as Age of Rubens and Rembrandt, and American Art and Modernism I, which will be interesting to connect to medicine. Beyond the arts, at high school I sought to develop proficiency in French and English. As a Spanish native speaker, I was constantly suggested to take spanish courses, however, my ambition to be fluent in another language surpassed my desire to "get an easy A." For me, learning a foreign language is a gateway that enables me to communicate and connect with people. The four years I took French at high school will become a base from which I will expand my skills at Brown University through Intermediate French I and Studies in French Poetry. What I am most enthusiastic about is that this is only a snippet of what my undergraduate schedule will look like. These classes would span my undergraduate years and culminate in a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a double concentration in French Studies and History of Art and Architecture.

PLEASE NEED HELP EDITING/REVISING

Undergraduate / Guarding humanity; Brown Supplement; PLME is a good fit [7]

Hi! I would love to hear suggestions on how to improve this essay. I still have 50 words or so that I can add :)

Most high school seniors are unsure about eventual career choices. What experiences have led you to consider medicine as your future profession? Please describe specifically why you have chosen to apply to the Program in Liberal Medical Education in pursuit of your career in medicine. Also, be sure to indicate your rationale on how the PLME is a "good fit" for your personal, academic and future professional goals. (Limit your response to this question to 500 words.)

Growing up in a family committed to health care, I was surprisingly encouraged to choose any other profession but medicine. My father, of course, did not want a life for her daughter that required many sacrifices. But I decided to explore medicine for myself. Volunteering in the emergency department, I became aware of a different side of health care --past the knowledge and medical terminology one can find in any textbook. A side that, at times, seemed cold and detached -- for example, nurses calling patients by their room number or diagnosis. I understood the principles of patient confidentiality however/yet in my eyes the warmth I thought health care possessed seemed to be missing. But then I had to face the horrible moment of leading a family to the Conference Room to await the news of their mother's death. Minutes before, I had heard "CODE BLUE" over the speaker on my way to the Patient Representative desk and saw paramedics in the trauma bay perform CPR on a patient. After their persevering attempts, they called it and I was left to stare at the woman's lifeless body who earlier today had been as alive as I was. I still remember the face of the woman and her family's once they were informed, but what struck me the most was watching the medical staff laughing afterwards as if nothing had occurred. Here I was, disturbed by the daunting specter of death and they, evidently, unaffected. Right then I could not understand, but looking back I realize why dark humor and omissions of names were necessary. Their behavior was not callous (better word?); it was a manner to protect themselves --the only way to guard their own humanity. I believe health care is sustained in the balanced relationship between patients and professionals, the expertise and skill of medical professionals and the love for fellow mankind. Through a culmination of experiences volunteering and shadowing physicians, I am certain I wish to explore this way of life. Brown's PLME will ensure me the privilege to be a part of this intricate world where life and death follow. I would not only secure a position in the Warren Alpert Medical School but I will enjoy the perks of Brown's liberal curriculum. I yearn to participate in research through the SRAs, gain more clinical experience through the MIAP, take preclinical electives to prepare for my time as a medical student, and enroll in English and French studies while completing the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major. My first four years at Brown University will allow me to pursue a variety of activities but most importantly set an environment where I can explore, learn and grow to ultimately become a better person, student, and doctor.