Sitting around a large dinner table, I listened only passively to the conversation. I was watching my wife’s uncle, a general surgeon at a small rural community hospital. I was curious about the life of a surgeon, and later I had a chance to shadow him. The operating room was amazing. Observing a mastectomy, a cutaneous tumor biopsy, and a small bowel resection, I was astonished. The surgeon pinched a nerve with his forceps and muscles twitched, he pointed out sections of peristalsis in the small bowel. I was further enchanted watching the artistry of his hands as he sutured the skin closed. Anatomy changed from textbook and cadavers to living breathing individuals, composed of exquisite mechanical parts which could be repaired by the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled surgeon. The combination of science and art was perfect. At that moment, I knew that I had to do surgery.
There are many reasons that I believe I am a strong candidate for surgery. I believe I have the right disposition for surgery. I am a hard worker, enthusiastic, and cooperative. During a rotation in transplant surgery, I learned that I had both the endurance and avidity that surgery demands. After a long day of work which had started at 5 AM, things slowed down around dinner time. The chief resident gave us the choice to stay for a liver transplant late that evening. I was quick to volunteer. As I helped set up, I was astonished at the array of tools ready for the transplant. Around 9PM the surgeon arrived and we scrubbed in. As the patient was readied, I assisted the other surgeon preparing the liver. I saw the artistry and analysis needed to reconstruct blood vessels so the patient’s blood vessels could feed her new liver. The new liver was placed in the abdominal cavity, and the drama peaked as the vessels were sewn and unclamped. A few bleeders were tied off, and we finished around 2AM. It had been a long, hard day, but I was alive with excitement and enthusiasm.
I believe I also have the right skills for surgery. My major in mathematics has developed and honed my problem solving skills, which were invaluable during my third year clinical clerkships. Work in laboratory and clinical research further added to my problem solving skills. I also have a natural artistic ability. Working with watercolors, oil paint, pencil and charcoal drawing, I have not only refined my manual dexterity, but also developed sharp visuospatial skills. Playing strong safety in high school football developed physical and mental endurance. Doing missionary and humanitarian aid work in Yekaterinburg, Russia for two years not only gave me a better understanding of humanity, but also taught me how to serve my neighbor, to work hard, to prioritize and to plan. I also learned a lot about myself, my priorities, my wants and needs in life. Volunteering in physical therapy and at cancer support groups has further taught me sensitivity and insight into human struggle. My relationship with my wife has taught me how to love and enjoy life, and how to work through problems. Being a father to a vivacious little girl has taught me great patience and has brought me great joy. Sailing, mountain biking, playing the guitar and other hobbies keep me balanced and help build relationships with coworkers. Ability of analysis, dexterity, hard work, compassion, problem solving, planning, and patience will help me become a better physician and surgeon.
I anticipate surgical training at an academic institution which will allow for furthering both a clinical and research career. It will also present more opportunities for fellowship positions. I would also enjoy the aspects of teaching and training students at an academic facility, not only to help them learn the nuances of surgery, but also keep me informed of the newest studies. Lastly, and once again, it is surgery’s marriage of artistry and analysis that draws me. It is who I am. Surgery will be a satisfying and rewarding career.
