After relocating to the United States, leaving behind my family and my home, the journey to become a surgeon became a reality and no longer just a dream. I welcomed this challenge, this opportunity to adapt and grow, and I hoped to find success in the place I didn’t yet call home. Chicago inspired me to work for my goals, but also reminded me that I was a long way from everything I knew. Now, almost two years later, I can truly call the United States home, and I feel closer to my goal than ever before.
Coming from Sudan, a country that suffers from war, political conflict, and difficult economic circumstances, I was taught the concept of gratitude early on. I was especially fortunate to grow up in a compassionate family that believed in hard
…show more content…
Because of my desire to support others and my craving for intellectual engagement, it was always clear to me that I wanted to devote my life to being a physician.
I believe the foundation of any healthcare professional is the ability to lend a hand and collaborate to find a solution. Similarly, compassion, determination, and discipline are the characteristics that I strive to build my career on. My motivation to connect with patients, contribute to emerging science, and strive for excellence is my driving force. With this foundation, I felt well prepared to join the most competitive and esteemed medical school in my country, where I continued to excel and graduated with Honors. During my fourth year, I was introduced to the field of surgery. From the moment I was exposed to that operating room, a fire was lit within me that continues to burn. The spectrum of surgical pathologies and crucial details discussed moments before a surgical intervention is decided—these are aspects of surgery I want to be involved in. I realized then that being a surgeon required extensive medical knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to confidently make decisions in a moment’s notice. As a result of this recognition, my curiosity