PS Idea?

[Youngm2194]

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Not sure where to begin but I realized that all of my experiences kind of culminate into one large theme: movement

The year before college began I had a 70lb weight loss within a few months (245-175lbs) I played sports occasionally but did not really exercise. I remember having surgery on my arm where I could not do much for a few months, and one day it just hit me that I'm literally wasting this gift of movement I have (sorry if this is so dramatic, not sure how else to word it). So many people have conditions where they can't properly move and I'm physically capable but completely not appreciating it.

I've been interested in this idea of movement for a while and I feel like my experiences help explain this:

• Hospital mobility volunteer (help patients out of bed, make sure they don't fall while walking them around halls etc.)
• Worked in a neurobiology of obesity lab one summer(sparked my interest related to the brain with obesity/exercise)
• Worked in another lab involving ataxic disorders, led to first author review paper on issues with gait and balance with a specific brain neurotransmitter system
• Shadowed neurologists that do stuff with Parkinsons, ataxias, etc.
• Full time job in a lab related to neurogenesis and exercise aka exercise/movement helps improve memory.
• Volunteer with special olympics- helping disadvantaged people with sports etc.

Does this seem too exaggerated? I really am interested in neurology related with ataxic disorders etc. I just don't know if this seems to be a good idea for a PS. I would obviously explain more why I'm interested in it but this has honestly been my main interest/motivation for applying to med school


Thanks for the opinions i appreciate it, if you think its dumb or stupid please tell me!

 

[DrHart]

I'm sorry but it kinda sounds like one of those Nickelodeon commercials that tried to get kids to get off the couch and go outside and play. Hard to say how it would play out in a PS... kinda depends on how you write it.
One thing I've heard many people say regarding personal statements... you don't really need to have one large theme that encompasses everything you have done. Thats just asking to force the metaphor. If its a theme that fits well, it can work. This just doesn't sound like one that will come across well imo. That said, if you wanna give it a go - go for it! I wrote several different personal statements until I found one I really liked.

 

[coffeeandcodeine]

I think it really depends on how you frame it -- an overarching theme can tie things together nicely, but if you overdo it your writing can sound forced and overly dramatic. It's great that your activities all seem to be connected by your passion for physical activity, and if you can use this passion to explain your journey to medicine, I think it has the potential to be very compelling.

One note though -- just don't go overboard on analogies/metaphors, or flowery language (eg, "In many ways, my journey to medicine has been like the marathons in which I compete -- it has been a winding road filled with obstacles, requiring the utmost endurance and fortitude, and imbuing me with a strength I never knew I was capable of." This is obviously an extreme/cheesy example but hopefully it helps convey my point.)

 

[longhaul3]

Not sure where to begin but I realized that all of my experiences kind of culminate into one large theme: movement

I would obviously explain more why I'm interested in it but this has honestly been my main interest/motivation for applying to med school

The PS is about why you want to go to med school—sounds like this is a big part of it for you based on the bolded phrase.

On the other hand, the first sentence loses sight of that same purpose. You're not looking to find an all-encompassing theme, but simply to say why you want to be a doctor. So I say use this idea, but if there's more to your motivation to go to med school, don't force the theme. Just write clearly and honestly.

 

[bobeanie95]

If you go with such a theme, make sure you can articulate why not physical therapy or occupational therapy in interviews

 

[mistafab]

Your idea sounds great! Make sure that, in the end, the entire thing answers CLEARLY why your experience makes you want to go to medical school and not other fields.

Not sure where to begin but I realized that all of my experiences kind of culminate into one large theme: movement

The year before college began I had a 70lb weight loss within a few months (245-175lbs) I played sports occasionally but did not really exercise. I remember having surgery on my arm where I could not do much for a few months, and one day it just hit me that I'm literally wasting this gift of movement I have (sorry if this is so dramatic, not sure how else to word it). So many people have conditions where they can't properly move and I'm physically capable but completely not appreciating it.

I've been interested in this idea of movement for a while and I feel like my experiences help explain this:

• Hospital mobility volunteer (help patients out of bed, make sure they don't fall while walking them around halls etc.)
• Worked in a neurobiology of obesity lab one summer(sparked my interest related to the brain with obesity/exercise)
• Worked in another lab involving ataxic disorders, led to first author review paper on issues with gait and balance with a specific brain neurotransmitter system
• Shadowed neurologists that do stuff with Parkinsons, ataxias, etc.
• Full time job in a lab related to neurogenesis and exercise aka exercise/movement helps improve memory.
• Volunteer with special olympics- helping disadvantaged people with sports etc.

Does this seem too exaggerated? I really am interested in neurology related with ataxic disorders etc. I just don't know if this seems to be a good idea for a PS. I would obviously explain more why I'm interested in it but this has honestly been my main interest/motivation for applying to med school


Thanks for the opinions i appreciate it, if you think its dumb or stupid please tell me!