Growing up in Ghana, I watched with joy and wonder the Space Shuttle launches from Cape Canaveral on the tiny 14-inch TV in the mid-to-late 1990s. our family. I became fascinated with space travel and their odyssey into this infinite, partially sunlit space we call our solar system. This curiosity fueled my desire to become the first Ghanaian astronaut. Admiration for raw intellectual ability combined with human determination helped shape that desire. I adopted life-changing traits like diligence, courage, and teamwork while admiring famous astronauts. Such traits have formed the foundation of my life goals in finding solutions to the most perplexing problems facing the human race. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay My infatuation with astronomy was replaced by my current love of clinical medicine 13 years ago, in high school, when I suffered a bout of severe malaria with gastroenteritis complicated by an electrolyte imbalance, which warranted a one week hospital stay. The skill and care of the attending doctor and nurses in my deteriorated physical state reawakened my interest in this field. The speed of the medical team in recognizing my poor clinical condition in the emergency room and the meticulous approach of the attending physician to arrive at the confirmed diagnosis further entrenched this newfound desire to face one of man's greatest enemies: disease. The doctor carefully explained the pathophysiology and management of my condition to me with such poise that I longed for more information about my condition and developed an ever-increasing desire to take on the role of life saver. I made invaluable observations such as detail-oriented approach, professionalism, and strong work ethic throughout my recovery process; traits that I use in my life and work. I had the opportunity to participate in a clinical elective in Palliative Care and Neuro-oncology at Tufts Medical Center during my senior year of medical school. The provision of palliative care in Ghana was in its infancy and my experience during my elective period opened my eyes to a previously unexplored area of medicine. My supervisor, an exceptionally bright participant, patiently navigated and helped navigate different aspects of end-of-life care and hospice management. I also gained a better understanding of patient goals for treatment, management of pain and non-painful symptoms, interrelated psychosocial issues, and assistance with complex medical decision making. These were the essential tools I needed to navigate a complex healthcare system. The emphasis on a holistic approach to improving overall quality of life has been the foundation of my experience. Although it was an emotionally challenging experience, this greatly aided my growth as a healthcare professional and further galvanized my goal of pursuing a residency program in Internal Medicine. During my emergency coverage shift as a House Officer in Internal Medicine, I helped manage a surprising case of small cell carcinoma with pleural effusion in a 30-year-old woman. The case was quite puzzling because all known risk factors were virtually non-existent in the work performed. My quest to alleviate his suffering led to.
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