The Medfools IM Internal Medicine Sample Residency Personal Statement Library is now open!
These sample Internal Medicine residency personal statement examples for Internal Med are here for your viewing pleasure (fully anonymous). We’re hoping to add more in the future, including Pre-Med personal statements. If you’ve got one to add to the free library, don’t forget to contribute yours.
INTERNAL MEDICINE PERSONAL STATEMENT
My journey through medical school was not only an intellectually rewarding experience, but also one of great personal and emotional growth. As a third year medical student, I was first introduced to direct patient care during clinical rotations in various specialties, but the unique nature of Internal Medicine appealed to me most. I was impressed by the wide spectrum of diseases, diagnostic and treatment modalities that Internal Medicine encompasses. I loved the diagnostic challenge that each patient posed and the thrill of seeing a patient improve with treatment. Each patient taught me something new and I was intrigued by how even one sign or symptom could make or refute a diagnosis. I would often stay late and come in early to discuss cases with my supervisors. And when I encountered a patient with a difficult diagnosis I would keep working to identify different diagnostic possibilities until I found an answer.
My internship in the Internal Medicine, confirmed my interest a step further. The myriad of patients and complexities of medical and social problems created the perfect working environment for me. I gained extensive hands on clinical experience in the management of outpatient, inpatient and emergency cases. I mastered the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and approach a patient’s complaints with an unbiased attitude. My rigorous postings with the massive patient load enabled me to develop judicious time management, work as a member of a team, make correct decisions under stressful conditions and perform multiple tasks simultaneously. I developed the compassion and commitment to Medicine that will drive me for years to come
During this time my mother was diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension. It was an emotionally draining experience for me, but it gave me a chance to see life from the patient and family perspectives. Each visit to the doctor’s office made me realize how a truly compassionate doctor can relieve a patient’s anxieties, a quality that I worked to incorporate in my practice.
Also, it was at this time that I met my wife who shared my interests and passion for Internal Medicine and was a great study partner. She was always there to guide and support me, both intellectually and emotionally. And over the years we have developed a strong bond of love, respect and commitment for each other.
During the course of my internship postings at peripheral health centers, the ignorance, apathy and glaring misconceptions of the community towards health was disheartening. Many times I would see children dying from vaccine preventable diseases and simple diseases becoming deadly due to ignorance of simple preventive measures. However, instead of getting discouraged, I decided to adopt a proactive approach and delved deep in the study of preventive and social medicine by pursuing a Masters in Public Health at the University of Medicine for which I received the outstanding new student tuition scholarship. There, I learned about the importance of the preventive aspect of healthcare and how socioeconomic factors and health care policy decisions could influence the health of large groups of people.During this time I became involved in a patient safety research project studying how to prevent medication errors in hospitals. Interviewing healthcare professionals, analyzing data using qualitative methods and preparing papers for publication I discovered in myself a hidden passion for research.
My decision to pursue a residency in Internal Medicine reflects my lifelong desire for personal growth and education. I believe that pursuing a residency program in the US will fulfill my goal of achieving the highest standards of clinical experience and provide me with the opportunity to conduct research. I seek a program that meets my strong academic interests and provides training with a diverse patient population in a friendly work atmosphere. Given my background and interests, I see myself pursuing a fellowship and contributing to the field of health services related research.