The appreciation for treatments of body and mind comes from actual life experiences, happenings that made me appreaciate what the human spirit could do in the healing phases. This is what I would consider my credo, and it is this that made me decide that Osteopathic Medicine is my destiny.
About a couple of years ago, I underwent a tragic lesson. My aunt (a very close one) died from cancer. She embodied the phrase “inner strength” or the word “fortitude”. All the time from the hour she learned of the diagnosis up to the moment of her death, she was serene, almost cheerful in fact. If you did not know her, you would think she was just suffering from colds. In so many ways, she gave me invaluable lessons regarding the emotional strength needed to -if not defeat- at least make it tolerable- illnesses.
If I were asked what single experience in life triggered my interest in the field of Family practice, I would have to say that there is none. It is more of a congealment of different, tiny pieces (experiences and lessons). However, from among these many tiny pieces, I can name one experience that could come closest. Years back, I had a major car accident (I was driving). My right foot’s leg got fractured in at least three places. I spent at least two months just lying down on the hospital bed, and it was the family doctor who gave the strongest moral support (along with family). Clearly, her number one concern was my frame of mind, how I was taking in the accident and the anticipated painful months of therapy. Her genuine concern made me realize that I could do the same, and this is a very significant reason for my quest to be part of Family Practice programs.
It is my strong belief that working in a Family Practice setting allows the physician the liberty to adjust his/her practice to the patient’s needs. This allows the practitioner to help with all kinds of people.
The most self-fulfilling moments in my life are those I spent working within the community setups. Being a pupil of Osteopathic Medicine, I learned the invaluable lesson that most-if not all- diseases could not be treated with a fast-cure pill or surgical maneuvers. I feel blessed that I got opportunities to work as a volunteer for aid entities, giving medical care to the locals of the Philippines. Up to now, I still make time for helping out at homeless facilities.
It is my strongest hope that these volunteer experiences plus my academic background would convince your good office/committee that I could be a good addition to your ranks of students- and later on- as a doctor.
Thank you for all the time and God bless.
Photo Credit : lacie babenco
