Medicine deals with life and death. And the happiness in between. My first realization of the difference that I could make in someone’s life was when I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters where I got an opportunity to interact with one of my students who had learning disabilities and needed a great deal of help. I noticed the smile that I could bring to his face and personality through empathy and compassion. The power of caring that we all have was underscored when I volunteered in Sutter Medical Hospital in the neo-natal ICU where I had a chance to share my compassion and empathy to young children and mothers alike. I was inspired as well as moved by the caring and empathy shown by the doctors in Sutter Medical Hospital where I was volunteering. Given my interest in service and passion for Science, I decided to become a physician and pursue a career in medicine. When I was shadowing a Cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente as a student intern, I heard lot of anecdotes of bravery, commitment, and dedication by the doctors. I found them awe-inspiring. These positive experiences as well as my natural ability to care and relate to people have contributed immensely to my …show more content…
While rigor in scientific foundations and knowledge of life sciences is a critical foundation for an empowered physician, the ‘soft’ aspects of humanity, caring, and compassion found in liberal arts education is what makes the practice of medicine effective. UMKC’s integrated program seems to achieve the desired balance between the humanities and sciences aspects of medicine. The school of medicine at UMKC and its philosophy toward medical education truly reflect this unique aspect of holistic and integrated medicine. In my interactions with UMKC students, I am especially struck by this unique approach and vision that is so badly needed in the field of