Why I Want to Be a Surgeon: My Potential as a Future Doctor

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” was the question shot at me numerous times during my award interviews in my childhood days. “I want to be a surgeon” was always my reply.

From a relatively young age, my parents had taught me the importance of giving back to the community. As a child with frequent exacerbations of asthma, my visits to my family doctor got frequent too. I used to listen as my parents spoke to the doctor. I could not encompass the duties, responsibilities and dilemmas that accompany the profession, but it did become clear to me that doctors performed a great service to the community. Neither was I aware of the number of years of training that goes into becoming one, nor the difficulties and hardships that every doctor must endure.

As early as primary school, I developed a love for math and science. In high school, Biology was my primary subject and the complexity of the human body fascinated me. My interest in general surgery peaked during medical school. It began during my first year after being introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. During my surgery rotations from second year onwards, the environment of the OR drew me even more to the field of surgery. As a fan of arts and crafts, it was amazing to see how surgery intertwined arts and science. The hands-on nature of surgery truly captured my interest. But all I could do as a medical student was look over the surgeons and intern’s shoulders, dreaming about the day I will hold the scalpel.

During my internship year, I got the chance to assist a couple of surgeries of which the most notable one was Transhiatal Esophagectomy and gastric pull up. Watching the surgeon maneuver inside the patient with precision and skill was a sight to behold! But, if I had to pick an event which solidified my interest in the field of surgery, it would have to be the first time I got to do the subcutaneous fat and skin closure after a C-section. It was by no means an achievement of any kind, but the surge of adrenaline that came over me the moment I held the scalpel confirmed my love for surgery.

To be a surgeon means not only to be intelligent and diligent, but also to possess the technical skill and dexterity to be creative and versatile. I enjoy the variety of procedures and I have honed my skills and improved my dexterity by practicing in the surgical skills lab during my internship. The ability to trust and work seamlessly with other surgeons and nurses is crucial to the success of a surgery. My leadership positions during my school days have helped me nurture my communication skills and my ability to work as a team.

I have combined my discipline and determination to achieve my goals in life. These character traits are the driving force to boost my potential as a future surgeon. Becoming a surgeon is the ultimate dream for me and I am prepared to dedicate myself to achieving this goal. As a resident, I will work hard and strive to be the best in your institution.