Personal Narrative: My Decision To Study Medicine

While working at the University of Miami Hospital, I had the rare opportunity to shadow with Dr. Garcia-Soto who was a gynecology fellow at the time. She allowed me to sit in with her on two separate surgeries, one being a complete hysterectomy and the other being a vaginal tumor removal with the implantation of a vaginal stent. This experience has most significantly influenced my decision to study medicine because it has enlightened me about the practicalities of being a physician. For both surgeries I was able to follow Dr. Garcia-Soto through her rounds with the patients, listen as she described the procedures and set expectations, observe the surgical team prep the patient and operating room, and watch as she performed both procedures.