MD Essay

Sample Medical School Application Essay

The field of osteopathic medicine has a strong draw for me because I have been able to witness first hand the total effects of a physical ailment on someone very close to me: my father. He has always suffered from a liver condition, but this affects far more than just the affected organ. His entire personality has been altered by his battle, and therefore every aspect of his mind and body must be considered when treating his physical ailment. The treatment of the whole individual, not just the specific illness, is what drew me towards an osteopathic medical education to begin with, and I chose ____ University’s program because of the strong foundation in the sciences, as well as the hands-on training in local hospitals, focus on research, and exposure to both rural and inner city treatment centers that they provide. This kind of broad spectrum educational foundation is very important to me as I plan to spend at least two days a week working in highdensity, low-income hospitals after I have earned my stripes.

Treating each patient as an individual with his or her own unique needs is something that comes naturally to me. I moved to this country from Thailand when I was 15 years old, not knowing a word of English. Fifteen is a difficult age for everyone, but add to it a total change in environment, language, and social norms and the difficulty of fitting in is increased ten fold. I can still remember the taunts that were thrown my way for not speaking English well, and basically being made to feel like an outsider in this new and bizarre land. Fortunately I am very driven and managed to learn quickly and eventually make friends and find my place in this society, but the loneliness of my initial exclusion has made me more sensitive to the feelings of others, and as a doctor I would make sure to treat each patient with compassion. Much to my dismay, during my volunteer work at a local state-funded hospital, I have witnessed some young doctors discount the importance of patients who have trouble with English, or who appear to be from a lower income bracket. Having been on the other side of such treatment I know how much it can hurt, and since it is a doctor’s place to heal, this is an especially egregious offense.

I am ready now to pursue my goal of becoming an osteopathic doctor at ____ University. I believe that the problem solving skills I have developed through my research and lab work, my naturally inquisitive nature, and my strong work ethic, will ensure that I will be a successful student and doctor.

Sample Medical School Essay

At the start of my sophomore year, I began Dr. Smith’s Anatomy and Physiology course taught for potential medical students and students on a healthcare track. Following my first class lecture, I was galvanized by the material presented and the intricacies of the human body. Consequently, I spent endless hours studying the material presented and doing further investigation into the research process that have allowed new discoveries. With this knowledge, I have been eager to learn more about the role of physicians and their responsibilities in the healthcare field. I have discovered that I am motivated to become a physician and expand my present knowledge base.

Even back in high school, I was interested in healthcare and helping other through medicine. In the eleventh grade I had the opportunity to participate in future healthcare leadership training and education experiences with the American Medical Association Future MD program. I followed physicians on rounds, and observed surgical procedures and patient care. Being from a small town and a sheltered background, this was an eye opening experience. However, the more time I spent in the healthcare environment the stronger my desire to be a physician has become.

In addition, my current course of study has been challenging and rigorous to support my preparation for medical school. I have maintained a 4.0 average in the biological sciences at UCLA over the last 3 years. Moreover, I have assisted in the research on prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease being done by various faculty members. These research undertaking are to be published within the next year in the Journal of American Medicine. Moreover, I was nominated by the biology department to be a recipient of the 7th Club award given for excellence in the field of biological study.

I strongly believe that the ultimate goal of any physician should be to continuously improve healthcare on a local, national and inter-national level. From my shadowing experiences in the eleventh grade and onward, I have learned that the emotional and physical needs of the patient must be met to have attainment of this goal. Compassion, knowledge, and determination are the basis for my commitment to improving healthcare. However, the pursuit of knowledge will eventually be the key in unlocking the doors of improved healthcare.

Finally, I have taken the necessary course requirements for admission to University of Southern California Medical Program and scored within the top 5% on the MCAT test. My interest in anatomy and healthcare has propelled my desire to be a physician. I have undertaken a difficult degree program and focused on research activities that could potentially improve the well being of society. With a spirit of compassion and drive for knowledge, I desire to better humanity through the practice of medicine.