The allure for life sciences had first taken its roots early in my childhood when I took a summer course in molecular biology. This was the first lesson that truly ingrained in me the significance of scientific curiosity, logical inquiry, and academic integrity at a very early age. Eventually, the quest to equip myself with research training and to satisfy my own scientific curiosity led me to work with in the field of biomedical sciences, where my research focused on better understanding heart disease by studying the mechanisms that control the contractions and development of smooth muscle and cardiac cells. Working in an academic research environment has been extremely challenging, yet equally gratifying. In particular, the arduous workmanship and critical thinking required to carry out this research has undoubtedly prepared me for the challenges in pursuing medicine. Furthermore, the commitment and the passion of my colleagues at unlocking the mysteries of vascular development for the betterment of life have been inspiring and have influenced me to pursue a career that incorporates cutting-edge research. The discoveries and innovations stemming from research institutions are the very foundation of the therapies that alleviate pain and suffering.
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion,” said German philosopher Goerg Hegel. I believe that if one’s life is devoid of even a single passionate cause, then it amounts to a life lived pointless. History has shown us that passion for a cause has always been at the foundation of a major renaissance in society. Martin Luther King, Jr. fervently fought for civil rights, while the Mahatma Gandhi passionately labored and won independence for masses in India. Similarly, passion for the freedom of his people kept Nelson Mandela to battle apartheid fearlessly for decades in South Africa. History has also taught us that passion breeds other ideal traits in a person. It inspires one to look at serious problems in unique inventive ways and find a solution to vigorously pursue. For example, non-violence was the pioneering course that all three leaders above had pursued to vanquish social injustice. For me, battling the social injustice in healthcare delivered to our communities is of paramount importance and a guiding light for my medical career.
