Life is not just about the physical state of being alive — there is so much more. The daily decisions a person makes, the hardships that face each person, and death, too, affects every part of a person's life. When I decided to become a doctor, my uncle, a physician, told me that it would involve a great deal of studying, hard work, and dedication. 1 am proud to be a part of this competitive field and I am committed to it. My desire to come to the United States for my residency was prompted by my motivation to learn and practice medicine in a country with a vibrant health care system equipped not only with cutting edge diagnostic and treatment modalities, but where research and clinical practice go hand in hand. When I matched at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (O U) for my internal medicine residency in 2012, I …show more content…
With several new treatment modalities being researched, every cancer needs a multidisciplinary approach. An oncologist acts as the backbone of the group of healthcare professionals that make a humble effort to come up with a plan. Oftentimes, we get temporary success, but end up losing the battle. Hopefully, one day, we will be on the winning side. The temporary success, though, can be monumental for some patients. For example, my father-in-law was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme and had only a few months to see his daughter get married. Several specialties, including neurosurgery, neurology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology, were involved in his care. With radiation and Temodar, he was able to be a part of his daughter's wedding. I aspire to be the backbone of such a healthcare team. I want to represent patients at tumor boards and try to formulate plans to help ease the patient's pain and suffering. To be part of a specialty that can help reduce the pain and suffering of patients would be incredibly