What Motivates You to Pursue a Career in Medicine: Dream Career

Introduction

The medical field is continuously evolving; more and more advances are being made each day. This is one of the aspects of medicine that appeals to me the most; the concept of being constantly surrounded by knowledge and the opportunity to contribute to these advancements is what motivates me to pursue a career in medicine. It is also a profession that is not only physically demanding, but mentally too. I enjoy being challenged, which is why I believe a career in this field would be well-suited to me. Personally, I would say there are only a mere handful of professions other than medicine that I believe are as fulfilling and varied yet so mentally stimulating at the same time.

My Reasons to Pursue Medicine

I have undertaken a range of work experience to widen my understanding of the medical field. I spent a week in the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen and time there made me realise just how diverse being a doctor could be as there were many doctors there that were either part-time professors or carrying out research projects whilst being a practicing physician. I also attended a 4 day Doctors at Work programme, during which I shadowed an orthopaedic surgeon in the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital. During my time with him, I sat in on an out patient clinic which was specifically for children with cerebral palsy. This opportunity taught me the significance of communication and I witnessed the importance of empathy and compassion; attributes that doctors must always display, especially around more vulnerable patients such as children.

Since February of this year I have regularly been volunteering at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, speaking to patients and helping out around the ward in any way possible. Through this, I have been able to develop and demonstrate my interpersonal skills and have recognised the significant effect human contact can have on an individual. A number of the patients I have spoken to thus far have been ostracised by their families and don't get visitors very often. It filled me with so much joy, seeing their faces light up as I walked in, knowing that I had made a difference to their day. The combination of doing this voluntary work and spending time in a medical environment has only intensified my desire to pursue medicine.

My Higher subjects reflect my interest to pursue medicine, having taken Maths, Chemistry, Human Biology, English and French. They have all been challenging in their own ways; with the sciences testing my analytical skills and ability to think logically and English and French pushing me to think in a more creative manner. I am very committed and driven and believe that I have the academic ability to be an impeccable medical student.

Personal Accomplishments

I have achieved both the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and am currently completing the Gold. Through this, I have improved my communication and teamwork skills. Moreover, I have realized the importance of perseverance, especially through the expedition section, in which we had to overcome many obstacles. I have also played netball at school for a number of years which contributed to the completion of my awards. For personal enjoyment and love of learning new things, I took up learning how to play the guitar too.

Conclusion

The unpredictable and fast-paced nature of the medical profession is something that many people would find difficult to cope with and is something very few can endure. I strongly believe that I am one of those individuals and believe I will thrive in such an environment. I believe that I have the dedication, determination and diligence to become a doctor and know that I am skilled enough to overcome the many obstacles I will have to face on my life-long journey of learning that is being a doctor.