The electronic doors quickly opened and I felt my heart begin to race. The excitement of what I was about to participate in was both invigorating and overwhelming, but I knew I needed to maintain my composure. I walked over to the information desk and asked for directions. I was then greeted by a man dressed in green who asked me why I was here. I told him my reason and he said, "Come with me, I"m first on the schedule for today." I followed him to a changing room where I was given "scrubs." He then said, "Meet me in Room 7.".
For the next several hours my eyes were affixed. Here I was, 16 years old and privileged to be witnessing major surgery. I was viewing a hernia repair of the lower abdomen, gall bladder removal, and a skin graft of the forearm. This was all part of my day at (actual address), Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. There, I was given the opportunity to view surgery in the O.R. as a student in the Yeshivah of Flatbush human physiology class. .
I can't even begin to describe how astonished I was to be so up close with the doctors and nurses who were operating. Surgery, one of mankind's greatest personal fears, took on a new meaning for me. We are all so vulnerable to illness, yet there are constantly changing methods and procedures to help heal and prolong life. It was then and there that I knew what my future should be. I wish to pursue a career as a doctor so that I can too have the ability to heal and help others. .
I feel very fortunate to live in a city where anyone's interests and needs, especially pertaining to the human body, are explored and studied in ways no one could have ever imagined. New York City has become a melting pot of culture and information. I feel that if I did not live in such a grand and multifaceted city, I would not have been afforded an opportunity such as observing surgery. I feel that the exceptionally distinct availabilities in New York City assist in creating a more comprehensive and fully developed experience.
