An elderly woman with eyes filled with exhaustion and a wavering smile welcomed us at the doorway. What I saw inside is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I immediately choked up and wanted to turn away, but at the same time, I needed to stand my ground and confront the image of the frail, emaciated boy on the bed. His deep brown eyes turned toward me, conveying unspeakable pain. While I had seen terminally ill patients in American hospitals, I had never seen anyone who suffered in the same way as this adolescent Indian boy living with congenital HIV. I was in disbelief. That was the day I experienced a unique yet devastating set of firsts. It was the first time I could not console a patient and tell him that everything …show more content…
I began to explore medicine, a field that combines these disparate academic subjects, as a possible career. By shadowing Dr. Angela Desantis, I unraveled the beauty of medicine. On the last day of my shadowing experience, she parted by providing a book which has inspired her - The Lost Art of Healing by Dr. Bernard Lown. After reading the book, it was elucidated that medicine is not only a science, but also an art. Through this humanitarian aspect, I believe that I can uniquely contribute to the Detroit community through the MedStart program. By combining the humanities and the sciences, I will be able to take part in the rejuvenation of Detroit. Whether it be medical counseling in the community or research, MedStart will enable me to engage in a plethora of hands-on opportunities all within the unique urban area of …show more content…
Medicine is the ideal hodgepodge of all the things I enjoy in life- helping others, learning about science, and providing comfort. Each day at work will be different. Each day I will meet new people and touch a multitude of lives from varying backgrounds and different walks of life. Each day I will be giving to the community. Having that sacred connection with a variety of people will allow me to expand my horizons, and most importantly, it will provide a safe haven in which I can practice what I