Growing up in a family that immigrated from Egypt, my parents always emphasized the importance of health and striving for a better life. My family did not have health insurance and we only scheduled doctor’s appointments when it was necessary. Consequentially, we did not have the luxury of being able to visit the doctor multiple times a year for checkups, due to lack of health insurance. My parents often went overseas for their checkups and treatments, as they could not afford treatment in the United States. Unfortunately, this situation is not limited only to my family. Many families that I know are in similar situations and often delayed surgeries until they found a cheaper alternative. It is heartbreaking to witness loved ones potentially risking their state of well-being for not having sufficient funds or healthcare. The courses I took throughout college fueled my passion in studying medicine, learning the different approaches and perspectives these classes offered. The introductory Biology courses provided a solid foundation that would …show more content…
I had firsthand experience of this through volunteering with Shepherd’s Hope Clinic. In Shepherd’s Hope, doctors from various specialties would volunteer a few hours in the evening every month to treat uninsured patients. I quickly discovered that despite government assisted programs, such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, numerous people remained uninsured. Most of these patients did not meet the minimum income requirements for these programs or lost their insurance due to unemployment. This program has a wonderful mission, but sadly, many people are turned away because of time constraints. Each clinic operates for five hours a day, three days per week. I always told myself that when I fulfill my dreams and goals of becoming a doctor, I would gladly help those in need through similar