Becoming A Pediatric Oncologist Essay

Growing up in Oregon, it’s common to hear stories about the big hairy creature that lurks in the woods known as Bigfoot. The media has become obsessed and has gone as far to create shows and commercials that star the elusive Bigfoot. The idea of having a human-like creature wandering around the woods is quite intriguing, and if his existence could be proven, other legends such as the lochness monster do not seem like much of stretch. One thing that may seem like a stretch however are my personal dreams of becoming a Pediatric Oncologist that changes the face of medicine and reveals a cure to the evilest betrayal our bodies can manifest, cancer. For the longest time, I have wanted to pursue the field of medicine and be able to heal those who
cannot heal themselves. When I was in the fifth grade I had my first surgery to get my tonsils removed. Things quickly took a turn for the worse when I started to expel blood clots from my mouth. I was quickly rushed to the emergency room and underwent a second surgery, the same day, that resulted in my throat being cauterized. After I woke up from my second surgery, I had lost the ability to speak. I was scared, in pain, and helpless. However, in my team of doctors, I had one doctor that changed the entire experience for me. Doctor Kornfield bought me a dry erase board so I could finally get my thoughts out. He made all the fear and helplessness disappear by understanding that all I needed was to communicate. Throughout my life there has been multiple events in my life that have pushed me towards the field of medicine, but the events that occurred during the week I was hospitalized ultimately helped me determine the type of doctor I want to be in the future. I have chosen to pursue the field of Oncology and specialize in pediatrics. The concept of cancer has always fascinated me and it would mean so much to me to be able to help those who are being affected by cancer cells. Specializing in pediatrics is somewhat of a new choice. As I think more about my future and the kind of doctor I want to be, I have realized that I truly want to help those who haven’t been given the chance to make mistakes, grow up, and see the world. Helping children with cancer will clearly be a difficult time, but I believe the amount of enthusiasm and drive I have to help those who cannot help themselves will allow me to become an outstanding doctor that cares for all. Personally, I believe I am a compassionate, caring, helpful, individual that puts other people’s needs before my own.
All of these attributes qualify me for a health care profession because I believe that all people that are allowed to hold the lives others in their hands should be compassionate, caring, and most importantly, helpful. Doctors should be compassionate because they are the ones that need to be sympathetic and concerned about the misfortunes and sufferings of others. Doctors should be caring because without a sense of care, one can become overly goal-oriented and forget that all patients are people, not just another beating heart. Doctors should be helpful. Being helpful and putting individual’s needs before your own is what a doctor is to me. Aside from having the knowledge necessary to treat and heal patients, I believe that having all of these qualities make me qualified to be a
healer. In the Fall I will be attending Oregon State University to obtain my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a pre-med focus.
While I am at Oregon State University, I also want to minor in both Chemistry and Psychology. I believe that having well-rounded knowledge in both of these fields will set me apart from other potential doctors when it comes to applying for medical school, and allow me to be a better doctor that has a higher understanding of my patient's mental state. Considering I want to fall into the field of Oncology, I believe it will be beneficial to have the capability to sympathize with my patient’s and find ways to help them and their families deal with the difficult times they will be faced
with. Fast-forward 10 years, I see myself as a Pediatric Oncologist that is working in a well-known research hospital. If all goes according to plan and if I am able to stay on track with school, in 10 years I will just be starting out my career. In that time, I would really like to take all the opportunities I may have as a doctor and potentially be allowed to participate in volunteering with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders.