I first found out about it from my mom. "You're kidding right?" I did not believe it when she said that I would be traveling alone to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to spend two weeks shadowing a well-known otolarancologist. After the initial shock of the news passed, I could hardly contain my excitement. Finally, I had a chance to prove my responsibility by traveling by myself across the country.
The day finally came and I was nervous but couldn't wait to start my journey at the same time. With my oversized computer case and purse, I stepped onto the plane; passing into what I felt was the world of adulthood. The flight went smoothly. I eagerly watched videos of larygoscopic procedures and did research to prepare for my meeting with Doctor Sataloff.
While shadowing Doctor Sataloff, I experienced patient contact from doctor's point of view. The "real world" was so much more different than I had expected. I walked into the strobe room, timidly standing in a corner while Doctor Sataloff performed a routine larygoscopy. "Open wide; we are just going to give you a numbing spray so that this experience will be as comfortable as possible." Mrs. Smith (whose name was changed) would not cooperate, however, and proceeded to throw the doctor out of the room. "I can't believe that the woman threatened to sue you if you gave her that paralytic," I confessed to the doctor. He explained to me that unruly patients were part of his everyday routine. I realized that I had been naïve in thinking that a career in medicine would be stress-free. Just after one patient I began to feel myself maturing and understanding that, even when dealing with adults, not everything goes as planned.
As the week went on, I learned so much about working in an office environment. I was able to observe the inner workings of the clinic and how much it took to keep it functioning as a well-running establishment. I felt as though I learned how to act more as a professional such as not laughing when a patient made a ridiculous claim and kindly letting a patient know that their time was coming to an end.
Even after coming back from Philly, I find myself wishing I was back at the clinic. I was proud of myself for successfully shadowing the doctor. Doctor Sataloff gave me a handwritten letter, thanking me for being such a wonderful student and asking me to come back whenever I could. According to the other doctors at the clinic, it was an honor to be acknowledged by the doctor to that extent. After this journey, I can definitely see myself in a similar setting. Thinking of this experience now drives my ambition to become a doctor much like Doctor Sataloff.
The "real world" was so much more different than I had expected. Remove the word more.
Mrs. Smith, the patient, would not cooperate, however, and proceeded to throw the doctor out of the room.
According to the other doctors at the clinic, it was an honor to be acknowledged by the doctor to that extent. I would consider revising this sentence.
Thinking of this experience now drives my ambition to become a doctor much like Doctor Sataloff. I would suggest mentioning the qualities of Dr. Sataloff that you would like to emulate. It will make for a stronger conclusion.
