It is now some years since I worked on a ward. I have worked for the most part in research and Pharmacy. I have enjoyed both roles and have excelled within them. However, I now want to treat patients directly and undertake research, and my particular interest is an Ob/GYN. I completed my residency at the Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, XXXX University, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The specialty has always had a powerful appeal for me, but after moving to the US, my immediate choices were limited, and I turned to my other great interest, research. The specialty appeals to me mainly because of the various disciplines, such as preventative medicine, specialty care, and clinical research. My goals are to be an excellent ob/GYN physician and to undertake a clinical study on women’s health. I am sure that my substantial research experience can be successfully applied to treating various ob/GYN diseases.
In China, I saw children born with severe defects due to inappropriate medication or alcohol abuse and found this heart-rending. My nephew was born with a significant developmental brain disorder, so I have personal experience of the suffering involved. Consequently, I have developed a great interest in preventative medicine. I want to ensure that my future patients are adequately educated about any necessary lifestyle changes for their own sake and their babies. Another skill I learned on the wards was to be sensitive to patient non-verbal communication, and I hope to develop and apply this skill in my future work.
Some of my research was directly related to this specialty. During my time at XXXX, I conducted a study into the relationship between estrogen and ovarian cancer. I discovered that different dosages had diverse impacts on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. The findings, which could help direct clinical usage of estrogen, were published in Chinese national journals. My first project in the US was to conduct molecular biology research on a novel tumor suppressor gene that may be related to impaired mammary gland development and lactation. To develop my career in clinical research and extend my clinical trials skills, I took place at XXXX School of Public Health to study statistics, epidemiology, health services research methodology, and management. I believe that now we have reached the stage of ‘Evidence-based Medicine,’ my background and interests will be of significant value in the specialty. I am particularly well prepared to contribute to medical practice by applying evidence collected from both clinical trials and research.
I am naturally cheerful and friendly, and I have often been complimented on my calm, even-tempered character in the face of complex events or people; in fact, one colleague used to say when a stressful situation arose, “If only we could clone you!” Pharmacists need to have an eye for detail, be diligent, and exercise great care in their work and I fulfilled these requirements entirely. My successful research work will confirm that I am a good ‘team player with excellent observational and analytical skills who can formulate plans and organize well. I believe that all my experiences, skills, and characteristics will enable me to become a significant asset to the residency program and an excellent ob/GYN specialist.
I know the need for cultural sensitivity in medicine and this specialty. Having ‘bridged’ two cultures myself and faced the challenges involved, I feel that I am exceptionally able to empathize with those who come from other cultures. I have happily worked and socialized with people from many cultural and social backgrounds and look forward to widening this experience in the program and my future work.
I am seeking a challenging residency involving much direct patient contact and an opportunity to ‘add value to the program by undertaking practical and successful research. I have seen many doctors at work and concluded that the difference between a good doctor and an excellent one is that the former cares for the patient, and the latter cares both for and about the patient; patients seem intuitively aware of the difference and react differently to each. I firmly intend to be an excellent doctor.
I know many well-qualified applicants will be for a residency in this famous specialty. However, I do believe that I am an excellent candidate. I am a highly experienced and skilled researcher. I have undertaken research directly related to the specialty and I have the characteristics to enable me to become an excellent, empathetic and effective practitioner. My main recommendation is a long held love for this specialty and ambition to pursue it.