Internal Medicine Residency Personal Statement

My strong desire to improve people’s lives led me into medicine at  the five-year M.D. program at International Medical University, one of the nation’s most prestigious medical institutions. During my last year of medical school, I completed a one-year internship at an affiliated university hospital, a serving more than 6 million people each year providing me with solid clinical training.

After working as a resident physician at The Woman and Children’s Hospital for three years I was drawn to internal medicine because I am fascinated with the complexity and varied nature of human diseases. Internal medicine offers a wide spectrum of disease pathologies which involve all organ systems. It is intellectually challenging to be able to establish extended relationships with patients, to deliver skillful care to a diverse patient population, to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and to pursue the understanding of the underlying pathophysiological events of human diseases. The practice of internal medicine also suits me well as it provides me with the opportunity to use my strong organizational skills while working through the details in managing the complexities of every case.

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To expand my knowledge base of human diseases, I went on to complete medical research training at Large International Medical University as well as US State University where I worked for six years. The structured training in conducting clinical research has broadened my educational experiences, which strengthened my belief that a good understanding of underlying pathophysiological events of human diseases will make me a better physician in clinical practice.

To maintain and build my clinical skills, after my research training I started observerships at the US State Hospitals. By working with Dr. J at the student health services, I realized that primary care physicians play an important role in preventive medicine and health promotion; they serve as an efficient first link between patients with this extensive health care system. The practice of medicine involves a systematic interpretation of available lab results and imaging data, which helps in yielding logical and cost-effective treatment plans. To become a good internist, one not only needs to master the clinical management skills utilized in all the sub-specialties of internal medicine, but also needs to know how to interact with a wide variety of other specialties. By working closely with every service in the hospital, internists can serve well as primary investigator in a team and carry out optimal patient care. In 2008, I completed medical rotations and sub-internships in internal medicine, cardiology, infectious disease, neurology and medicine consult service. These rotations have provided me with invaluable hands-on clinical training. While rotating through internal medicine, my interests were solidified.

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My hardworking personality and dedication towards achieving goals have been a source of motivation for me. I am enthusiastic, open to learning and have a good-natured team spirit. While on a rotation for medicine consult, I took on additional cases to help my senior resident because we had a higher work load than usual. In return, it helped build my confidence as I gained more independent experience in clinical practice. Additionally, I am responsible and committed to my duties as a clinician.

The formal medical rotations at the US State hospital have refined my skills as a team player, an efficient communicator, and a loyal advocate of patients. I am more determined to devote myself wholeheartedly to augmenting my clinical skills so that I can make a positive difference in patients’ lives.

I have chosen internal medicine because it is a complex field where a comprehensive plan of care for patients is essential. I aspire to join a residency program that offers well-rounded and diverse learning experiences of human diseases in multiple sub-specialties of internal medicine. I believe that residency will strengthen my competencies and offer the expertise necessary to excel in Internal Medicine. I now look forward to the challenges and the excitement of becoming a productive member of that team. My long-term goal is to become a compassionate, competent and highly reputed physician in the future who can contribute to the health care of society including the underserved population.

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While at Large Middle East Medical College, I’ve experienced many life changing events, one of which occurred in the summer of 2007 when a bomb blast ripped through the center of Big City. Our hospital was immediately flooded with the wounded and as a 4^th year student in Internal Medicine, I was suddenly handed a huge responsibility. Along with other students I triaged the wounded in the ED, admitted them and participated closely in their care for the next few days. We worked side by side with the surgical and specialist teams to find beds and treat a large number of patients. I truly felt at home on the ward, playing my part efficiently and taking up leadership when necessary in order to provide the best patient care possible within our limited resources. I enjoyed the ample patient contact of internal medicine, and the intellectual stimulation and learning experience that every new case represented. Being a logical thinker, I thrived on the internal medicine ward where I was able to correlate clinical findings with pathophysiological processes to reach an accurate differential diagnosis, a skill that is vital to an internist.

In addition, I recognized the magnitude of effective communication with patients from diverse backgrounds. My personal experiences while immersed in different cultures have given me the understanding necessary to effectively treat patients of diverse ethnicities. Social and cultural factors have a significant impact on medical decisions made by patients and being aware of this has helped me provide better care for them. I recall a particular patient on our medicine ward that suffered from intestinal TB and was discharged on a four drug regimen. A young affianced Local Country girl of nineteen, she was ashamed because of the social stigma associated with the disease and concerned about the negative impact on her future marriage. Anticipating that she would not follow up on her own, I involved her family and enrolled her in the WHO directly observed treatment program. It was a joy to see her successfully complete therapy and get married. Furthermore, I became aware of the importance of fostering lasting physician-patient relationships, and came to appreciate how incredibly rewarding it is to play such an important role in their lives.  My interpersonal skills that allow me to be an effective communicator with culturally diverse peoples is an asset that will help me be a strong and compassionate internist.

In the pursuit of gaining valuable US clinical experience, I’ve completed a clinical elective at Large US University School of Medicine in Major City. This hands-on experience has been an invaluable teaching lesson about the healthcare system in the US. Currently, I am a clinical observer on the hospitalist service at County Medical Center. Through case discussions, hospital rounds, morning report and noon conferences I’ve learned the ways in which patient management is conducted, as well as the expected responsibilities of an intern. As an internist, I will have the unique opportunity to provide intensive, all rounded care for my patients and essentially become their advocate.

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In my spare time, I became a founding member of A Humanitarian and Development Committee, an organization in My City dedicated to raising donations for a hospital in African City. We’ve worked with sponsors and the local community to create awareness about present day African City and raised more than $20, 000 to buy medicine and medical equipment. I’ve also volunteered at the Youth Association of My City where I’ve been involved in teaching Somali youth in the inner-city about educational and social interest and providing help with homework. Furthermore, I have tutored fellow students throughout medical school, an experience that has been highly enjoyable and has led to my desire to include teaching in my career plans.

In the future, I see myself dividing my time between practice in the US and setting up a well equipped clinic in African Nation where the less fortunate have access to effective healthcare and patient education. I would also like to pursue a career in academic internal medicine educating medical students and residents. I seek a residency program that is committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning and dedicated to serving a diverse patient population.

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My last one and half years in medical school were designated for research and carried out in a virology lab in the field of infectious diseases. The experience as an independent researcher opened my eyes, and made me believe that the curiosity, precision and patience that I acquired by performing medical research would help me become a better clinician. After graduation, I made up my mind to maximize my opportunities and incorporate clinical research into my practice of medicine. I moved to the United States to pursue my Ph.D. as a Research Assistant in Microbiology and Cancer Biology at Eastern University. I worked in the field of developing new therapeutic approaches in Oncology and Cardiology at the Large Cancer Center. From 2001 to 2006, I completed several research projects on angiogenesis mechanism in tumorigenesis and vascular diseases and published 9 peer-reviewed journal papers. My Ph.D. research experience fostered my exploration interests and solidified my problem solving ability.
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However, no matter how much I enjoyed medical research, I knew better that nothing is more rewarding than direct patient care. To keep myself up-to-date on clinical activities and recent developments in medicine, I attended internal medicine grand rounds and within 8 months after my graduation with Ph.D. degree, I was ECFMG certified with the scores of 230/93 and 229/93 for USMLE step 1 and step 2 respectively. Due to my academic records, I was chosen to serve as a clinical observer in the Critical Care Medicine Department of the University of Inner City Medical Center. This helped me gain insight into the U.S. health care systems as well as familiarized me with training programs in the U.S. My knowledge on the management of patients with hemodynamic and respiratory instability, sepsis and gastrointestinal pathophysiology was invigorated.

From China to the United States, from a medical student to a Ph.D. graduate, I saw my growth in both clinical medicine and medical research. I feel very lucky that I found a career that I am still so enthusiastic about. I eagerly await the involvement in a well-rounded residency program and I look forward to my contribution to the exciting and rapidly growing fields of both patient care and medical research. I will consider completing a fellowship after I have accomplished my training as a successful internist. Critical care and Hematology-Oncology are two areas where I wish to further explore my advanced training. Making a difference in internal medicine by combining my clinical research with competent patient care is my future goal.

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Working with Dr. S for my Ph.D at the University of East State on an NIH funded geriatric research project, I also served as his medical consultant. One important aspect of my role was to ensure the medical safety of subjects participating in exercise training, and answer questions regarding medications which subjects might take. This was a great opportunity that allowed me to collectively apply my knowledge in pharmacology, exercise physiology and pathophysiology. In turn, this has helped me become familiar with the preventative benefits of exercise as well as working closely with patients. In addition, I worked with Dr. Paul, a senior geriatrician attending his medical rounds in several long – term care facilities which exposed me to patient care and helped me understand how the American medical system works. I also volunteered to counsel low-income senior citizens at County Hospital Center on topics such as reducing weight, managing diabetes and improving lipid profiles. These broad experiences have not only provided me with rich and diverse knowledge, but also an ability to think critically and to problem solve independently. [ad#bannermain-plain]Nothing can make me happier than relieving the suffering of someone and helped bring them back to a healthy life through using my knowledge and hard work. Being an internist will be the best way of contributing what I have learned in medicine to society and serving people, and is how I will achieve the most fulfilment in my career and life.

I will bring clinical experience, persistence, enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism into my residency training in internal medicine. I am confident that I can handle the complex cases, overcome difficulties commonly encountered as a clinician and make a great contribution to my program. I intend to apply a fellowship in Endocrinology after completing residency. My goal is to practice medicine, to teach and to pursue research in the future.

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Though I did not realize it immediately, my first night on call had taught me that internal medicine would be the career for me. During my clinical rotations, the decision to pursue a career in internal medicine became abundantly clear. My first night on call had demonstrated to me two important lessons. The first lesson was the importance of teamwork in the effective delivery of healthcare. The second lesson was the critical need for IM doctors and the versatility of the role they play in healthcare. That night, thanks to the effort of myself, the intern, the respiratory therapist, and the nurse, we avoided a potentially catastrophic situation. Every one of us played an important role, and together as a team, we came to an outcome that would not have been possible otherwise.

The internist plays a role of vital importance in the delivery of hospital care by being the quarterback in the management of patients. The internist provides an initial assessment of the patient and decides which specialists to consult. As the primary investigator, they are able to effectively produce a list of differential diagnoses using the information they have gathered from the history, physical exam, and various labs and studies they have ordered. The job of the internist is never boring and requires the integration of many disciplines. At times, the internist plays the role of cardiologist, nephrologist, and pulmonologist.

Through medical school, I have demonstrated many of the qualities that are desireable in an internist. I have performed well in all of my clinical rotations and taken every opportunity to learn medicine with great eagerness and enthusiasm. I love academic challenges and maintain a thirst for knowledge. In addition to dealing with the demands of medical school, I have attended numerous conferences and assumed leadership roles, including starting an internal medicine chapter at my school.

In my surgery rotations, I assumed the role of the surgeon and learned to perform ties with great ease. I improved my manual dexterity and impressed many of my surgical attendings with my eagerness to learn about their field of medicine. During my pediatrics rotation, I became a pediatrician, and worked diligently with children of all ages, diagnosing childhood illnesses and doing well baby checks. I have also performed intubations, started femoral lines, inserted Foley catheters, as well as numerous blood draws. I am now prepared to become an internist. I am disciplined, hard working, professional, empathetic, and always willing to go above and beyond what is required of me, including taking numerous calls as a third year medical student, which was not required. I have improved my understanding of many subjects in medicine, acquiring a broad base of medical knowledge which is an absolutely essential skill for the internist.

In addition to these qualities, I also believe a good internist should be personable, empathetic, and provide culturally competent care. While spending 6 weeks in Costa Rica, I lived with a Spanish speaking host family, worked in rural health clinics, and took an intensive Spanish language course. I have also traveled to many different countries and am conversational in several languages. It is important in today’s global society for physicians to provide culturally competent care through the understanding of different cultures.
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Internal medicine is a career that fosters lifelong learning and provides great personal satisfaction. It can provide me with the intellectual stimulation I desire in a career as well as the personal satisfaction of having a profound impact on the lives of others. In the future, I envision myself working as a hospitalist and maintaining an outpatient practice as part of a medical group. I am looking for a program with a strong academic environment and the resources that will allow me to continue to expand my knowledge base. In return, I offer my residency program a competent, enthusiastic resident who is ready and eager to take on the challenges that lie ahead and take full advantage of new opportunities for growth in internal medicine.

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During this period, I also learned many procedures, including the insertion of central lines, intercostal drains and hemodialysis catheters, pleural and peritoneal aspiration, as well as endotracheal intubation. I became competent in managing medical emergencies and resuscitations, and grew to be passionate about Internal Medicine. The spectrum of diseases seen in this specialty fascinated me. I admire building long-term relationships with my patients, delivering comprehensive healthcare from adolescence to geriatrics, playing a vital role in preventative medicine and health promotion, and having the capability to treat all organ systems and pathological conditions.

My family moved from the United States to South Africa when I was four years old. I completed my schooling and tertiary education, with dual degrees in Medicine and Pharmacy, in South Africa. Training in South Africa gave me the advantage of learning medicine with modern medical education facilities and the benefit of treating the pathologies found in a developing country. At one end of the spectrum, I have observed the effects of HIV/AIDS in 25% of the population, the aftermath of visiting a traditional healer and at times, I had to use only my clinical judgment to diagnose diseases, when no diagnostic equipment was available. At the other end of the spectrum, I experienced treating cancers, the consequences of obesity and using the most advanced medical technologies. This merger of First and Third World medicine, in addition to my experiences with patients from extreme socio-economic environments and diverse cultural backgrounds, has enabled me to easily adjust to, and manage patients from changing populations. It has also given me the advantage of being able to adapt to practicing medicine in the United States without difficulty.

Having managed a vast range of pathological conditions, and gaining postgraduate Internal Medicine and Critical Care training in South Africa, I have acquired considerable clinical skills and the ability to make sound diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, while working with integrity and compassion. Possessing organizational skills has given me the advantage of multitasking. My strong interpersonal skills allow me to work comfortably in a multidisciplinary team and to communicate information, as well as being able to build professional relationships with colleagues, patients and their families. I am hardworking, dedicated to my patients, and always eager to learn new skills to broaden my clinical knowledge.
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After completing a rotation as a Medical Officer in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at a university affiliated hospital, I decided to move back to the United States, where I was born, with the intention to further my career and fulfill my dreams of becoming an internist, in an advanced medical system with the finest training possibilities. I envision training at a residency program that serves a diverse patient group. I admire a program that has a focus on teaching, with an ideal integration of clinical and educational productivity. I appreciate friendly colleagues who value teamwork and who provide support and guidance when necessary. Once I have completed my Internal Medicine residency, my ultimate career goal is a fellowship in Pulmonology and/or Critical Care. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of furthering my training by completing an Internal Medicine residency in the United States as the first step towards my career goals.

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Working through basic science, my inquisitiveness toward Internal Medicine grew. I tried my best to comprehend the pathophysiology of all the diseases I came across during my studies and also tried to understand the rationale behind the treatment of choice. The immensity yet the underlying simplicity of the subject captivated me. Hence, I could not wait for the 3rd year medicine ward to begin.

From the day I began Internal Medicine, I was fascinated by its’ complex and challenging world. I completely immersed myself in the disease processes, diagnoses and treatment regimens of my patients. I still remember Mrs. Coleman who was admitted multiple times for recurring abdominal pain and diarrhea. Always worried and scared, she knew I would listen to her every day and talk to her, which helped her to be more cooperative. From her, I learned not only the pathology of disease, but also the special bond that develops between a physician and a patient. I followed her carefully, and one day she developed mild weakness in her lower extremities and she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Appropriate treatment was given which cured her completely. I was astonished at how small changes in clinical signs can lead to a completely different diagnosis. Prior to leaving, Mrs. Coleman looked at me with satisfaction and said, “Thank you Joe. You will make a great doctor one day.” Mrs. Coleman’s comment gave me a sense of pleasure that only comes from making a positive change in someone’s life. It is at that point I realized the importance of empathizing with patients. From then on, I’ve made a promise to myself to not only strive towards perfection as a clinician, but also to strive toward empathy for my patients.

Upon completion of most of my rotations, I feel closest to Internal Medicine. I find this field to be most rewarding at the end of the day. It gives me the adrenaline rush I enjoy, when working up challenging cases. Furthermore, Internal Medicine has much to offer such as the variety of medical conditions and the excitement of providing long-term comprehensive medical care. This is the ideal field for me and my critical thinking and problem solving skills would make me a perfect candidate for it. As a decisive thinker, I plan to use my analytical skill and deductive reasoning to arrive at a diagnosis and provide optimal care to my patients. I also possess good work ethics, hardworking skills and leadership that are required to become a great physician. Moreover, the privilege of treating wide array of challenging diseases gives me gratification and I find that to be rewarding.
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As I stand at the verge of a post graduate medical career, I am confident that my past experiences and sincere devotion to manage medical conditions will allow me to succeed in Internal Medicine. For the next three years, I picture myself in a program that will give me the chance to face new challenges, work as a team player and allow me to grow both as a person and as a physician in the quest for more knowledge. Afterwards, I plan to continue this quest by pursuing a fellowship in nephrology or endocrinology since I’m greatly intrigued by these fields. I eagerly look forward to bringing my dedication, commitment and enthusiasm to an engaging residency program.

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During my third and fourth years of medical school I had the opportunity to complete electives in palliative care. Within the first few hours of those rotations, I knew that this subspecialty was my true calling. While my experiences in palliative care were demanding, they were also immensely gratifying. Much of what I did during these months came very naturally to me. I was often asked to moderate difficult family meetings and was able to facilitate compromises while simultaneously educating family members about various diseases and the dying processes in general. I assisted families and patients with complex decisions, provided symptom management, and eased their overall anguish. I was an integral part of the palliative care team and became an anchor for these families during their greatest time of need. I find palliative care not only challenging, but also extremely rewarding and satisfying.

I strongly believe that internal medicine will provide me with the best foundation for a fellowship in palliative care and hospice. My third year clerkship in internal medicine truly cemented my desire to pursue the field. I vividly remember my first code and watching as the third year resident took control and command of the situation, handling it with delicacy, compassion, and professional poise. At that moment, I knew that I too wanted to manage those very same types of situations. A residency in internal medicine will give me the experience and expertise I need to handle these difficult scenarios. It will give me the foundational knowledge to treat chronic and critically ill patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This provides me the opportunity to have continuity of care with patients, but also to manage acute exacerbations and end stage medical management of illnesses in the hospital setting. Internal medicine will teach me how to manage complex patients with multiple co- morbidities. It is a specialty that will expose me to a wide range of people, diseases, treatments and situations. I am excited to meet the challenges and demands of internal medicine.
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One of my mentors once told me that “in order to be a good palliative care physician, you must first be a great internist.” I am confident that a residency in internal medicine will provide me with the best training to further my medical career, allowing me to combine my natural skills for human understanding and communication with a solid foundation of medical knowledge. I know that the residency will be demanding, challenging, frustrating, and grueling at times. But even in these moments, I can rely on those central beliefs that have motivated me all along, those skills for caring and compassion that have driven me this far, that true human understanding that I know will be there to fuel my future success.

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