I am among those who harboured dreams to be doctors and held steadfast to the dream, and now I stand at the cusp of it all. Over the years I have had my dream encouraged, but I have also grappled with numerous doubts and challenges. However, my resolve, even though it has waned for several reasons, has never been lost. I always loved medical shows as a child, and I would stay glued to the screen whenever I could watch one. Even though some were pretty gruesome, I was always riveted every time a doctor would swoop in and save the life of a patient that was thought to be beyond being saved. Even though I am grown and understand how the real world works, I am still fascinated, and in awe of the essential service doctors provide – the privilege to restore health and sometimes life.
As I dreamt of doing rounds in a white coat or scrubs, I was not thinking of the years of training, dedication and hard work indispensable to the profession. When I came to learn of this, especially the amount of time it would take, I was a little dissuaded. I wanted to serve as a doctor as soon as I could. But my resolve was strengthened when I volunteered at a pediatric facility and saw children in pain. Many were crying their lungs out. Others were still, but the evidence of the illnesses raving them was quite clear. Having a soft spot for children crushed my soul to see the suffering they went through; how illness was taking the joy out of them. I remembered why I decided to be a doctor in the first place, and this renewed my determination.
I believe that I possess many qualities that will be useful in my future career as a doctor. I have learned compassion and empathy through my experiences as a patient and a volunteer. Volunteering has further helped me to build my communication and teamwork skills. I believe that I also have cross-cultural communication skills from having interacted with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and races severally in my life. I have also been doing some background reading and research on the same. I also have a passion for learning about the workings of the human body and how the different cells come and work together to form the intelligent being that is the man. Biology has always been a favourite subject, and every time I put on a white coat to head to the laboratory, I pictured myself as a doctor getting into their hospital.
The opportunities and setbacks that I have come across as I continue to pursue my dream as a medical doctor has led me to this point. I am pleased that I have been able to hold on to my dream and continue working at it for all my life this far. I am also excited at the thought of finally being able to offer my services as a medical doctor to those who need it. The experience and skills that I have been able to amass thus far, as well as my drive to learn will go a long way in advancing my studies and career in medicine.
