Anesthesiology residency boasts a healthy match rate, with recent trends suggest the program might become increasingly competitive. Your personal statement is your key to stand out. Let's dissect winning examples and help you craft a statement that reflects you the best.Your personal statement is your key to stand out. Let's dissect winning examples and help you craft a statement that reflects you the best.
I remember the first time I was able to watch a child succeed. As a teenager, I took on some part-time babysitting jobs to bring in extra cash. I rotated with a few different families in the neighborhood, but there was one child, Casey, who stood out. All kids have unique and naturally captivating personalities, but Casey was a neon pink light on a string of Christmas lights. She was loud and passionate and colorful. She loved dance more than anything. When I watched her compete in her dance company’s Spring Recital, executing the movements she’d spent so many weeks perfecting, the biggest smile on her face, it occurred to me how amazing it is to witness a child succeed in their goals, and how humbling it feels to be a supporting pillar for them.
Casey’s journey to the Spring Recital had setbacks, obstacles and plenty of work. But her optimism, natural talent and hard work saw her through. Kids are resilient, no matter the challenge. As a volunteer at the Miller Foundation Children’s Hospital, this was proven to me over and over as I witnessed the journeys of dozens of kids fighting the toughest battles anyone can face. Whether they were undergoing chemo, facing a trauma or getting a commonplace operation, these kids faced it with all the bravery and resilience Casey had shown me in preparing for her dance recital. With Casey, it was endless practice, encouragement, and advice. The rest was on her. With the children I worked with in the hospital, it was difficult at first to accept that I couldn’t fight the battle for them. All I could do was be a supporting character, showing them care and encouragement and positivity. It was up to them to do the rest. And just like Casey taking her final bow, they blew me away every time.
In working with children for so many years, I came to realize how important and how underrated it is. Parents, I know, want to decide the outcome of all their children’s efforts, to make sure they always reach their goals. But being there and supporting them often does so much to counter the fear of an unfamiliar and scary situation. Being a calm, steady presence gives kids something to hold onto when they’re undergoing a procedure or even getting a needle in the arm. In what will be some of the most frightening scenarios in a young child’s life, it was incredibly fulfilling for me to be able to hold a hand or offer words of encouragement and see the tiniest bit of a smile in return.
As I continued with my medical studies, I realized my original dream of becoming a pediatrician could be adjusted. As an anesthesiologist, I can be that calming, soothing person who is with a child undergoing a scary medical procedure, walking them through, offering support, seeing them through to process. I would not have missed Casey’s recital performance for the world and knowing that my support meant something to her makes all my efforts worth it. I can only imagine how magnified those feelings are for sick kids facing the hardest battles they will ever face, knowing they have someone in their corner. It is my goal to show up for kids like this, to soothe their pain, to talk with them through their fears, to ensure they know they’re not going through this alone.
I have continued to work at the Miller Foundation Children’s Hospital as a volunteer and was fortunate to be able to shadow some of our best anesthesiologists. One of them was also kind enough to write one of my recommendation letters. In the future, I plan to pursue a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology, so I might realize my goal and keep working with all those bright, beautiful kids who inspire me to follow their example.
.gif)
My path to anesthesiology was not a straight one. During my medical school years my preclinical years favorites subjects were Biochemistry and Pharmacology, where I was fascinated with the world of human body metabolism. Later, I especially enjoyed my course in Pediatric Endocrinology. The intellectual challenges together with modern technical approaches seemingly unimaginable until recently, fueled my inquisitiveness. . Following my internship in Pediatrics, I joined a residency program in Pediatric Endocrinology. I thought at last I had found my place in the world of medical practice. However, it was only the beginning.
As a resident, I worked in a hospital with children who suffered from thyroid cancer It was my responsibility to provide primary medical care and education for children and families suffering from hypoparathyroidism. It was one of the greatest pleasures of my years in residency to see how, after endless days in hospital walls, these children and their once desperate parents were learning again how to be just kids, and mothers and fathers and enjoy life. Discussing their problems openly with doctors made themselves more confident and hopeful with each passing day.
In my second year of residency I received an offer to become the attending pediatrician for a group of twenty children with their parents at a rehabilitation center for victims of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. This decision would change my career path forever. In preparation for this, I requested permission to participate in treating patients in the Intensive Care and Anesthesiology Department. I knew that in case of emergency I would need to be able to handle many situations. I have also became more interested in the management of acute metabolic disorders. Working with a close-knit team of our surgeons, anesthesiologists, and endocrinologists also appealed to me.
The first thing I was fascinated with in the ICU was that an anesthesiologist really appeared to be the only doctor in an OR responsible for taking care of a patient as a whole person. The problems of assessing preoperative risk, supporting life functions during surgery, and subsequently treating patients in the ICU were all complex difficult, and unusually interesting. These patients required the broadest clinical knowledge I could imagine and quick, but masterfully considered decisions. And, to my particular pleasure, it was possible to see the immediate results of almost every action. I felt that this job was full of energy and dynamics and has led me to pursue a career in anesthesiology.
I've come to realize that my first and foremost duty as a physician should be to alleviate my patients’ pain and fear. For most people, the thought of being operated on seems unimaginably terrible, and an anesthesiologist's ability to accurately convey information to them while alleviating anxiety and making them feel looked after, is more effective than any known sedative.
I also found in the ICU that I enjoyed working with my hands. Though difficult at first, I came to enjoy doing it and became more skilled with time. Not only did I understand how important manual skills would be for the adventure trip I faced, but also for my future career. I used every opportunity to train.
My decision to pursue a career in anesthesiology is based upon my deep interest in clinical physiology and pharmacology and the excitement of working in a dynamic setting like the OR and ICU. In this particular area I have a special interest in Pediatric Critical Care. In the future I hope to join a Pediatric Critical Care fellowship and so combine two of my interests- pediatrics and anesthesiology.
Areas for improvement: Structure and Flow
The essay would benefit from enhancing its overall coherence and flow. Here are specific suggestions from the essay coach:
I am eager to pursue residency training in anesthesiology. After completing third-year medical school rotations, anesthesiology stands out as the specialty that aligns perfectly with my personality and future goals. Anesthesiology combines the cerebral requirements of internal medicine with the procedural skill of surgery. The excitement of performing procedures that have instantaneous effects on patient comfort and stability provides me with immense satisfaction. Furthermore, I look forward to working with a diverse patient population and unique doctor-patient interaction.
These are just a few reasons why anesthesiologists, as a group, love their specialty and have very high job satisfaction. It also explains why patients, in general, are so appreciative of the services anesthesiologists provide. It is my sincere desire to provide these valuable services in the invigorating field of anesthesiology. One of my first rotations in medical school was on trauma surgery. I vividly remember an unconscious trauma patient, MJ, who required an emergent intubation. Due in part to the patient's body habitus it was very difficult to obtain an airway. As MJ's oxygen saturation continued to drop, the room was silent and the tension was frightening. Thankfully an anesthesiologist was nearby and, after several attempts, was able to successfully intubate the patient. It was stimulating to me that the anesthesiologist was literally the patient's lifeline. Immediately following the intubation, MJ underwent surgery. Though the surgery was fascinating, it was more impressive to me that the anesthesiologist was the individual maintaining the patient's vital functions. I had already been considering anesthesiology for my career, but this experience helped solidify my decision.
Many of my experiences and values demonstrate my suitability for anesthesiology. I fully appreciate the value of teamwork, as evidenced by years of playing competitive soccer. Leadership is also essential to becoming a proficient anesthesiologist and my experiences teaching, coaching and as an elected officer in several positions attest to my ability to lead and inspire others. I am clear-headed and comfortable working in critical situations, and possess manual dexterity necessary to perform effectively. Finally and equally importantly, exceptional anesthesiologists communicate well with their patients and comfort them in times of great stress; my work as a missionary and my ability to speak Spanish exemplify my capacity to ease concerns in diverse patient populations I will contribute a passion for excellence, a solid work ethic, and an ambition to succeed to my anesthesiology residency program. My commitment to lifelong learning, as confirmed by the research project in which I participated during medical school, will enhance the quality and care provided in my residency program. With great anticipation I look forward to mastering the art of general anesthesiology and envision myself pursuing post-residency fellowship training, possibly in pediatric anesthesia or pain management. I seek a program that will assist me in achieving my professional goals.
Areas of improvement: Writing style and readability. Here are suggestions from the essay coach
In conclusion, focus on the five key aspects of essay writing: Central theme alignment, content, authenticity, structure, and writing style and readability—you'll set yourself up for success. Best of luck!
