An Event That Changed My Life, Essay Example

Introduction

I have always had a strong interest in medicine and the desire to pursue a career within this field. This desire was galvanised after an experience I encountered during the summer of 2011.  This paper focuses on that experience and how it helped me to affirm the desired path for my chosen vocation. It was truly a life changing event for me and I believe the turning point in shaping the future of my life. Although the experience only lasted one month it made a profound impact on me and helped me to focus in on the right direction forward.

Background of the Event

The actual event took place at SARAS Stoneybrook University. It was July 2011 and the involvement in a summer program which enabled high school students to gain a firmer understanding of the benefits for adopting medicine as a chosen career path.  I took this course in the summer before my 12^th grade. The event helped me to interact with a peer group of likeminded people and provided not only a superb opportunity for socialising and networking but the ability to get a feel of other people’s ideas, motivations and commitments for the desire to have a career in the medical field.  The amazing this was the degree of flexibility and diversity that is available within this wide area of discipline.

The course was just a month in duration but it packed in a wide range of activities including both theoretical and practical applications.  The course not only dealt with individuals but provided the opportunity for teamwork and group thinking exercises. As such it was extremely interactive and dynamic.

The Decision

The event convinced me that Medicine was the right direction in order for me to develop my career. In the 12^th grade I made plans to develop this line of thinking and began applying to colleges and pre-med programs. Thankfully this effort was rewarded and I managed to obtain a six year combined pre-medical program leading towards an M.D. degree.  In addition to my decision to adopt this route, this equally aligned with my schools mission that supported and helped me in attaining this direction and goal.

Benefits of the Summer Program

There were a number of important benefits that I derived from attending the summer program in July 2011.  For example:-

• I was freed from my normal working environment into a more liberated and relaxed environment that enabled me to focus at what medicine truly has to offer as a career option;
• I was able to mingle with likeminded students and form a peer group that facilitated interaction and exchange of ideas. This helped in the exploration of the subject matter and the ability to discuss key points of motivation and drivers with a likeminded group of people;
• The course providers at Stoneybrook University provided a blend of academic and practical work experience that enabled you to obtain a precise feel of what the profession is all about and what it has to offer;
• A number of field trips provided close-up experience of medical practitioners in action and they participated in a number of group discussion sessions and as such provided a real feel of what it is like to work in this field;
• There was a strong sense of community spirit and the concept of helping others and making a difference to their general wellbeing in life provides a strong incentive towards developing a career in this field.

The Stoney Brook University Course

The University outlines a clear set of objectives for the course “This lecture and workshop series is designed to bring awareness to enthusiastic students on different aspects of basic, clinical and translational sciences and associated specialties of the biomedical field.  Scientists, physicians, allied health professionals, health administrators and other experts will be involved in educating the students about different topics, specialties, and also laboratory and clinical techniques. The interaction between these experts and the students will enhance the participant’s educational experience and gives the students an insight into different fields and careers of biomedical sciences.” (SUNY Medical Centre).

The objectives also emphasise the importance of subject matter experts providing important lectures and seminars to the students covering the diverse range of work and opportunities within the medical field.

Medical Programs

The American International College of Arts and Sciences is one specific example that offers pre-med programs for those wishing to pursue a career as a Doctor of Medicine “Students with undergraduate degrees can also take individual courses in this program to complete their basic requirements or improve their grades to qualify for the M.D. program” (American International College of Arts & Science).

I am extremely delighted that I have made this important decision and now looking forward to developing my own vision to become a Doctor and obtain my M.D. Degree. In the recognition that this is a long term commitment to study, a six year program, it is hoped that this will enable me not only to become a general practitioner of medicine but equally provide me the opportunity to discover the area of medical specialisation I wish to ultimately practice in.

The voyage in a long one and will involve a process of continued professional development and learning throughout my working life.  I am ready for this challenge and I move forward with a great deal of enthusiasm and conviction towards the interesting days of discovery that lie ahead.

Works Cited

American International College of Arts & Science. Pre Medical Program . n.d. http://test.auamed.org/pre-medical-program. 7 9 2012.

SUNY Medical Centre. Science And Research Awareness Series (SARAS). 2012. http://anes.anesthes.sunysb.edu/Teaching/2012-SARAS-program.htm. 7 9 2012.