Personal Narrative: My Switch To Medicine

Originally a political science student, I made my switch to medicine after realizing the shortcomings of public policy with regards to public health. I came to see the government as a cruise ship, while supporting lives of many, the vessel itself was incapable of making sudden changes to its course. However, physicians functioned differently. They were independent and driven by a force that compelled them to adapt quickly to their environment. I knew that I wanted to be in the field that made the most impact on people’s well being; therefore, the switch to medicine seemed very logical to me. When I began medical school, I met many students who already knew what kind of medicine they wanted to practice. I could hear the passion and vigor in their voices when they talked about where they saw
Whether it was seeing different conditions, anatomies, or surgical methods; each day was a new learning experience. I never felt tired or looked at the clock. The concept of time did not matter to me anymore as I was too engrossed with the experience. I quickly befriended the surgical staff and they kindly agreed to take me under their wings to train me. Adrenaline constantly rushed through my veins as I hopped from one OR into another. After establishing myself as part of the team, other surgeons generously agreed to allow me assist in their surgeries. I came to appreciate the field for the qualities that it represented as they aligned with my personality. The field required not only clinical knowledge, but problem solving as well. A surgeon had to solve the problems set before him/her while weighing the risks and benefits of each decision. Seeing surgeons complete the same procedure using different tools and methods revealed the field’s diversity, and made it much more admirable to me. In two months, I was given a new family who had helped open the door to the field that I became passionate