The day Jared came home from his surgery is a faded memory, but I cannot forget the tongue depressor casts which kept his arms from touching his face. At three months of age, cleft palate surgery necessitated the restraint. As his older brother, I remember his discomfort and limited movement. I was glad his predicament was only temporary - I needed a playmate.
Years have passed, and the marks of nine follow-up surgeries have impacted Jared's life tremendously. I too have been influenced as I have seen the wonderful changes brought by skilled physicians, who not only tended to Jared's physical body but also his emotional concerns. The doctors who worked with Jared, physically healing him and forever affecting his self-esteem, ignited my desire to work with people and positively influence their lives.
This desire helped me attain a significant goal - to personally fund and serve a two-year mission. Serving the Hispanic population of New Jersey, I was required to quickly become conversant in Spanish. While at the post office one morning, I noticed a gentleman attempting to send mail to his family in Cuba. Unable to communicate, both he and the attendant became frustrated; I asked if I could help. After assisting the man and several other Spanish speakers in line, I felt grateful for the opportunity to bridge a cultural barrier and extend a hand to individuals in need.
On another occasion, I learned a valuable lesson when I was assigned to be companions with a missionary who was having a difficult time finding joy in service. I was enthusiastic about the work and encouraged him through my example. After three months, I saw little improvement. I was transferred to another area and left wondering if I had done everything I could. At a mission conference, I saw this missionary again. He pulled me aside and said, "You have made all the difference in the world. I have decided to stay in New Jersey and serve." I did not realize my perseverance could cause such a great change in someone's life.
Wonderful experiences of reaching out to people have reaffirmed my desire to serve people throughout my life. After returning from my mission, I sought new opportunities to help others. Translating for medical professionals has taught me many lessons. For example, I have come to understand the power of effective communication. Due to language barriers, I have witnessed fear in patients' eyes, followed by utter relief when someone speaks in their tongue. I felt similar fear when speaking to a doctor in my own language. After a physical examination, my doctor ordered a chest x-ray and said I had been exposed to tuberculosis. He gave me a six-month prescription and ordered a follow-up appointment. His short, uncaring responses when I asked questions left me feeling terrified. I wished someone would really talk to me and listen to my concerns. These experiences, both as an assistant and a patient, enhanced my determination to work in the field of medicine. I want to instill a feeling of well-being and confidence in others through effective communication.
Dance is a form of communication. In the spring of 2001, I traveled with Brigham Young University's International Folk Dance Ensemble. Before beginning each program, visiting with the audience and connecting with individuals was magical. Handicapped children thrived on the personal attention I gave them. The Hispanic children, with limited English skills, brightened as I spoke to them in Spanish. When singing and dancing for children, I enjoyed their looks of amazement when I marched out as an Argentine Gaucho, or leaped over four kneeling men. We were rewarded with cheers as we showed appreciation and respect for different cultures. While dancing, commonalities were discovered, hearts bridged, and there was a feeling of emotion and familiarity.
In medicine, patients should feel a similar familiarity with their doctor, who conveys more than a programmed response to certain laws of science. Throughout life, I have found many ways to communicate, connecting personal bridges.
Albert Einstein once said, "It is not enough that you should understand about applied science in order that your work may increase man's blessings. Concern for man...and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical endeavors."
For this reason, I have chosen to study Psychology - to enrich my love of people and better understand human behavior and needs. My role as a doctor will be more than stitching wounds and performing physicals; it will be listening to people and their concerns. Whether it be nine surgeries as in my brother's case, or a simple visit in my office, I will work to produce the best medical treatment for the patients I serve.
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