Personal Narrative: My Decision To Study Medicine

While working at the University of Miami Hospital, I had the rare opportunity to shadow with Dr. Garcia-Soto who was a gynecology fellow at the time. She allowed me to sit in with her on two separate surgeries, one being a complete hysterectomy and the other being a vaginal tumor removal with the implantation of a vaginal stent. This experience has most significantly influenced my decision to study medicine because it has enlightened me about the practicalities of being a physician. For both surgeries I was able to follow Dr. Garcia-Soto through her rounds with the patients, listen as she described the procedures and set expectations, observe the surgical team prep the patient and operating room, and watch as she performed both procedures.
One of the surgeries even required the use of a surgical robot arm. I realized at that point, what I thought I knew about the medical profession was only the tip of the iceberg.

For most of my time spent as a premedical student I had somehow gained a false impression that doctors were minimally involved during the surgical preparation process. After shadowing Dr. Garcia-Soto, I realized that a physician’s job involves much more than what I originally anticipated. This experience has shown me the calamity of disease, countless odd hours of emergencies and life saving efforts, and elation at recovery from the perspective of a physician. From the very beginning I found the entire experience to be very exhilarating. I now truly understand that being a physician requires one to be a healer, confidant, teacher, and guardian to each patient. This experience has affirmed my passion for the study of medicine.