My first code blue as a medical student was quite an experience. With adrenaline coursing through my body, along with tachycardia and perspiration, I performed my first CPR on a patient that is unstable. I was able to see how swift action and accurate teamwork are important to keep a patient alive. After multiple rounds of CPR and a return of spontaneous circulation were achieved, the attending physician shook my hand and said “good job, you saved her life.” At that moment, I knew there was no other profession I would rather be a part of. I grew up in a professional household full of doctors, nurses, and engineers in Nigeria who piqued and cultivated my interest in science and medicine. Eager to push forward, I immigrated to the US on a presidential scholarship to further my education. This desire was further enhanced during my third year clerkship in internal medicine.
I learned to value the complexities of diseases and how the human body and its systems are so intricately intertwined. I was intrigued by the challenge of incorporating knowledge from a broad range of physiologic systems, complexities of comorbidities, and the application of critical thinking across a broad range of pathologies. For example, there was an elderly patient that had been neglected for a long period of time. He was severely cachexic and malnourished with many comorbid conditions that required a high level of interprofessional collaborative effort from many disciplines to provide adequate care. I appreciated the importance of providing exceptional care to a human being, requiring the active participation of physical therapists, nutritionists, nurses, and physicians from different specialties.
During the years I worked at Erlanger hospital in Cleveland, Tennessee as a patient care technician, I had hands-on experience in patient care. I worked closely with the medical team to execute proper patient care and ensure the safety of my patients. I learned how to connect with my patients on a uniquely personal level and experienced how a simple act of kindness can make a big difference in a patient’s day. For example, I had an elderly female patient who I built a strong rapport with. I always made sure to sit with her and listen to her stories as I fed meals to her. She relayed to me how the attention I gave her always made her day. This experience was only the beginning of my compassion and empathy towards my patients.
In medical school, I was invited to be a tutor due to my academic performances. In this role, I tutored pre-clerkship students in all subjects. I enjoyed doing extensive reading and continuous revision of past subjects, using resources other than the ones provided by the school to find creative ways to simplify difficult concepts and helped my students better appreciate how the different subjects were interrelated. For example, finding creative and unique ways to teach concepts such as the pathways involved in developing diabetic ketoacidosis allowed my students to better appreciate the purpose of learning these topics. This in turn prepares me for the continuous self-education that is necessary for the implementation of evidence-based medicine in my coming years as a resident- physician and ultimately a practicing physician.
Additionally, during my clerkship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, I experienced the value and importance of teamwork. Being a good team player has always been one of my major strengths. During my surgical trauma rotation, when a trauma alert was called, I saw how important each and every person’s role was: from getting warm blankets to documenting the physical exam findings and treatments to fetching life saving supplies in a timely manner.
As I apply for residency programs, I look forward to being part of a team in a facility that prioritizes quality patient care and clinical education. I am excited at the prospect of being part of a program with a diverse environment with academic excellence and research opportunities. In the following years, I am excited to build on patient relationships and my communication skills. Therefore, I have carefully applied to residency programs such as yours that I believe will allow me the opportunity to be a remarkable practicing physician. Ultimately, I am ready to dedicate my career to practicing exceptional evidence-based medicine. Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to being part of your residency training program.
