College Experiences That Helped An Anesthesiology Resident At Academic Hospital Succeed
To prepare for a medical career, Briana emphasizes discovering "a really deep down personal reason" for pursuing medicine beyond simply wanting to help people, suggesting seeking experiences like volunteering in healthcare or studying abroad to shape one's narrative. This personal story, "one of the more powerful parts of your application," becomes crucial when crafting a compelling medical school personal statement.
Career Exploration, Motivation, Overcoming Challenges, Volunteer Experience, Global Perspective
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Briana Kossbiel
Anesthesiology Resident
Academic Hospital
University of Arizona, 2016
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, 2021 - MD
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Medical
Honors Student, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Develop a compelling personal narrative for medical school applications: Briana emphasizes the importance of articulating a personal connection to medicine beyond a general desire to help people. She suggests exploring experiences and reflecting on what truly motivates a pursuit of this career path.
2. Seek diverse healthcare experiences: Briana highlights the value of gaining firsthand experience in various healthcare settings through volunteering or employment. This helps solidify career interest and provides valuable insights.
3. Embrace global perspectives: Briana's study abroad experience in Africa broadened her worldview and reinforced her commitment to medicine. She encourages seeking opportunities beyond one's local community to develop a more comprehensive understanding of global health issues and diverse healthcare systems.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In undergrad, what really set me up for success, especially thinking about my application to medical school, was having a theme or a part of myself that I could stand out with.
I've reviewed many applications for medical school, and some truly stood out. Readers could discern a person from the story, unlike those that said, "I want to help people." While that's a great reason to enter medicine, what about your story makes you unique?
I believe everyone has a deep personal reason for pursuing medicine, beyond just the desire to help. This could stem from an interaction with a family member or a childhood experience. If you're unsure of your reason, seek opportunities to discover and justify it.
I valued this process and pursued volunteer positions in various healthcare settings. I also tried a job in that field and realized this was what I wanted to do. I loved coming into the hospital every day.
Beyond your immediate community, I encourage you to explore beyond it if possible. I participated in a study abroad semester in Africa, which was life-changing. It developed me as a person, broadened my perspective, and made me more well-rounded.
Knowing there are people beyond the hospital who could benefit from my knowledge motivates me daily. It pushes me to continue learning, helping others, and expanding my knowledge.
Discovering what specifically drives you to pursue medicine is key. If you can't identify it immediately, go find those experiences and craft your story from them. This is a powerful element for your personal statement, which is a challenging part of your application. When you write your story, it becomes one of the most impactful sections, so make it strong.