Through the Emergency Room and on to Medical School Essays -- Medicine

Through the Emergency Room and on to Medical School    Thirty years ago when my parents left behind a comfortable life in South America to pursue opportunities that would truly change their lives, they had no idea they would be foreshadowing the recent events of my life. After working for two years as an engineer, I have realized something that I had suspected all along: I do not belong in the world of business or engineering. I need to be in a profession in which I can establish unique relationships with people by having a positive impact on their lives.    Oddly enough, my relationship with medicine began at an early age, as a twelve year old asthmatic, living in a house with two dogs (that I insisted on having). As a result, whenever I got sick, my respiratory situation was quick to decline, which inevitably led to frequent trips to the local emergency room. In one particular situation, I was admitted to the ICU with a pnuemothorax. While I do not recall the names of the doctors or nurses who cared for me over the next several days, I have come to recognize that their anonymous efforts may very well have saved my life. Naturally, this is not something immediately recognized as a child, but there is no doubt that I was walking a thin line between life and death.    As I got older, I started working at jobs where I had a lot of interaction with people. While attending the university, I worked as a Lifeguard Instructor, a Swim Instructor, and a CPR/First Aide Instructor. In these capacities, I touched the lives of other people in a positive manner, but I had yet to link this with a possible career in medicine. I believe this stemmed from three factors. First, nobody in my family was involved in the hea... ...ithdraw from school in the Fall of 1994. Since then, I have regained control of my financial situation, and I have resumed working on my Bachelor of Science in Biology . My current goal is to finish my Biology degree prior to the start of medical school in the Fall of 1996.    For the first time in my academic and professional career, I am sincerely interested and excited about what is yet to come. This is not to imply that I am displeased with the amount of time it took me to make the decision to pursue medical school After all, there are many people who never end up in a satisfying career. I believe my past experiences are propelling me forward with a sense of enthusiasm and conviction which will translate into the formation of a competent and humane doctor. Perhaps, someday, I will be the anonymous face that helps a twelve year old boy in his time of need.