A Momentous Milestone

Last week was the first stepping stone to formulating my original work, as I drafted our Topic Proposal on choosing obstetrics and gynecology as the basis of my year-long project. Although I was somewhat unsure about my love for the profession, after corresponding with interviewees, my tensions were relieved by the incredible advice provided by Dr. Bellanger and Dr. Tallapureddy. Despite the intense dedication and effort put into the profession, I am comforted about the fact that both physicians believe the rewards from impressions they are making triumph the difficulties they had to face. In my Topic Proposal, I discussed my passion for pursuing obstetrics and gynecology as well as my personality and individual talents that would ensure my success in the field. However, as I composed my work, I discovered I lacked one very essential aspect: physical experience. Previously, I had taken courses in Medical Terminology, Health I, and Health Science and had received by Basic Life Support/CPR and HIPAA certifications, but I had no real clinical experience. No shadowing a medical professional, no volunteering at a hospital, no tangible interactions of physical care with patients, no experience in a true clinical or hospital atmosphere. My lack in this aspect did not demoralize me, however, but rather motivated me to investigate clinical shadowing and volunteering opportunities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I've discovered the STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at UT Southwestern) Summer Student Internship Program at UT Southwestern, which allows high school juniors to conduct biomedical research alongside science professors and teachers at UT Southwestern, which is an incredible opportunity to expose myself to establishing concrete work by working in a university-level lab. If I do get accepted into this internship, I believe it will truly strengthen my love for medicine and provide me with more experience for ISM II, if I do decide to continue my ISM journey. My Topic Proposal has served as a powerful indicator of what I have accomplished and what I need to pursue to promote myself as a unique medical candidate.

On the heels of last week, this week is one of the most exciting and hectic times in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program. On Wednesday, October 2nd, I have my first Business Symposium which is incredibly nerve wracking as I am required to solidify an excellent first impression with dozens of professionals, but at the same time, thrilling, as I am awarded the opportunity to interact with diverse experts and formulate connections that can potentially lead to my mentor. I am also formulating my research topic further as well as exploring new ideas that I would possibly like to pursue as my Final Product. I truly believe the work I accomplish now and all the work that has been leading up to this week will set the backdrop for the success I have for the rest of the year. I am enthusiastic to explore more into my topic and broaden my horizons in the world of obstetrics and gynecology as I gain exposure to a variety of different experiences and professionals and strengthen myself as a medical candidate.