We all come across individuals who dazzle us. People who seem to have it all and then some. People who we we might be jealous of but have the utmost respect for. People we want to idolize and emulate. Dr. Michael E. DeBakey is such a figure for me.
With just under a month left till my first medical school interview, I’m definitely looking forward to the experience. Interviewing has always been a strength of mine. From professionally connecting with the interviewer to transitioning between topics, the overall atmosphere really is conducive towards my speaking style; however, there’s the classic question which seems to always be asked (in one way or another) that I have to prepare myself for: “So Rishi, why do you want to be a doctor?”
From freshman year, I’ve constantly heard the “early applicants get the early seats” mantra, and vowed that when my time came, I would finish my applications to TMDSAS and AMCAS as early as humanly possible. TMDSAS opened on May 1st; however, my MCAT scores were posted online on May 19th. This is where my laziness began.
We all know that the medical profession is filled with many frustrating intricacies for both the patient and doctor; however, after reading a New York Times article regarding the issue, I was blown away by some statistics and testimonials. “Hard work” is a phrase routinely used in conversation when describing arduous tasks or professions, but I really feel bad for both the current and aspiring physicians out there who are regularly faced with ridiculous non-clinical tasks.
My classmates and I were discussing something earlier this year in molecular biology regarding the future of medicine. Having the potential to customize and tweak our genomes such that future generations will possess characteristics we have naturally (and artificially) sculpted is a power that is arguably rewriting Genesis chapter 1. But I asked them, and now you, to consider something which many people already support – the theory of evolution. Yes, the “E’ word is one which routinely stirs up controversy, especially amongst religiously inclined groups. Personally, I support the theory (from my Hindu/agnostic outlook) for the evidence is relevant and substantial, so keep my biased perspective in mind as you read on. Also, realize that there is no evidence for this random musing, so interpret it as that and not a proposed case study or medical truth.
