I think often about what my life would have been with the surgery and wonder how my parents came to their decision. It’s hard for me to imagine how I would react to the news that my child, a five-pound, premature bundle of joy, could have a neurodevelopmental disorder. Some doctors believed that I would gradually, but eventually develop. Others suggested more extreme measures, including surgery and a feeding tube, both of which my parents denied. Thankfully, their rejection of the procedures worked out in our favor; however, I was aghast at how people are left to predict the best medical option for their loved ones. I intend to solve this ambiguity in communication of treatments. My motivation is to create an efficient and cost-effective process so other families do not have to struggle like mine did.
Through a medical internship at Sankara Eye Hospital, a major non-profit organization that performs thousands of surgeries for underprivileged villagers in my parents’ hometown in India, I witnessed the direct impact of medicine and patient care. Not only did I observe surgeries, but I read charts and prepped patients. Based on patients’ charts, I organized the artificial lenses that would be used for surgery. I also played an essential role in their pre-operative care, checking whether or not patients were ready for surgery by diluting their pupils. I walked away from the internship understanding that a variety of acts, big or small, impacts others’ lives.
Rutgers University-Newark College of Arts & Sciences provides many wonderful opportunities. Since the campus is only minutes away from amazing institutions like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and less than half an hour away from New York City, the culture of the area is so vivid. Within the campus itself, I would like to get involved in the Peer Advisor program and the BRAIN club. After spending two summers learning about the brain, I am very interested in activities such as the Parkinson’s Walk and Brain Awareness Week that the BRAIN club participates in. I also want to share my excitement about college with others. As a part of Link Crew Mentoring in my high school, I have gotten the opportunity to help freshmen get accustomed to the new environment and I want to continue doing this in college.
After attending one of the most diverse high schools in the country, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School would be a perfect fit for me. It ranks number one in diversity and will expose me to a variety of cultures and ideas. The Alumni Mentorship program also appeals to me because I will achieve greater success with the help and knowledge of an alumni, a valuable resource. Furthermore, I am interested in assisting research of those such as Dr. Catherine Myer and her study on the effect brain damage has on memory.
The school's mission is closely related to my goal as a physician: to efficiently treat patients. By providing me with extraordinary opportunities, I will gain valuable on-the-job skills, reducing the chances for mistakes later on. Another key aspect in the mission statement that resonates with me is community service and am dedicated to volunteering my time and providing care to others. I am confident that this program will prepare me well for a challenging, yet exciting future.