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personal experience, I learned about the health disparities that existed among minority groups
as well as those of lower socioeconomic class. This information further reinforced my
determination to pursue medicine to counter these disparities.
As a serious student, I felt that I should contribute equal time to volunteer work. I
participated in an alternative spring break project in Logan, West Virginia through the Pre-
medical Organization for Minority Students (POMS) in which we visited the underserved
area of Logan, West Virginia and were able to get first-hand clinical experience. From this
experience, I obtained skills in taking blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and urinalysis and
used these skills while visiting senior citizens residences. Through my interaction with the
seniors, I realized that communication and trust is vital for a healthy patient-physician
relationship. In addition to doing health related activities, I was able to talk to students from
disadvantage backgrounds on the importance of getting a postsecondary education. My goal
in doing this was to give back to a community similar to my own because my environment
gave me the right foundation to become a strong, intelligent individual. However, the most
rewarding part of the trip was sharing with the local high school students my life story and
how I found motivation in my disadvantage situation and used it to excel. I believe that it is
important for them to see someone like themselves, so that they may be inspired to succeed
as well.
By far, my most rewarding community service has been with the College after
School Team (C.A.S.T), which is a program that provides free tutoring and mentorship to
disadvantaged, inner-city high school students that are at risk. My duties included tutoring,
during activities with the students, preparing students for the route to college by working
with them on standardized tests and college applications. I consider this to be the one of the
most rewarding community service that I have become involved with because I am able to
see a progress in students and watch them succeed.
After seeing firsthand the waste in health due to the lack of health care in my
community and family and the health disparities that exist among minorities and those of the
lower economic rungs of society, I am aware of the need for physicians in medically
underserved areas. As a potential physician, I wish to eliminate health disparities that exist
among minorities and lower income individuals by making health care available to those who
would not otherwise have access to it. Medical school would provide me with the skills
needed to counter the health disparities that exist domestically and globally by providing
experience in such areas.