"Left!" Five hundred legs from five rows of cadets hit the ground with a resounding thud in response to the drill sergeant. "Right!" The morning air is crisp. A slight drizzle blends in with the beads of sweat dripping down my face. "Left!" A dribble of liquid reaches my lips-not the cold neutral flavor of rain, but a distinct warm metallic taste. Blood. It gushes out as my heart rate increases, making me look like a guest of the Red...

In addition to taking advanced science courses, I see myself using the Open Curriculum to explore other topics in medicine. I am particularly interested in the American healthcare system because it is systematically flawed, with issues ranging from overpriced drugs to rural healthcare disparities. I want to change this. But first, I have to understand the myriad of economic, social, political and health factors behind these issues. Thanks to the Open Curriculum, I can create my own Independent Concentration: The...

Research is a process where long periods of calm are punctuated by brief excitement (Wow, I made my first western blot!) and panic (Did I break the centrifuge?!). One day in the lab at Tufts, I had a "eureka" moment that became a research project I had the opportunity to lead. However, I discovered that planning and executing my own project is much more difficult than assisting others, as the burden of responsibility and success depended on me. Unfortunately, it...

While visiting my friend Helen for a day at Brown, I ended up learning about the Brown community even while waiting for breakfast. In line behind me-and just as eager for a breakfast burrito-was Charles, a Political Science concentrator who, like me, also happened to read policy papers for fun. As we inched along the line that stretched across Andrews Commons, we talked about everything ranging from healthcare to gun control policy. I encouraged him to check out Model UN;...

When I entered the room with Dr. Caughey, I caught a glimmer of hope in Jane’s eyes that disappeared quickly as she saw the oncologist’s face. “I’m sorry, you have cancer.” The room fell into a heavy silence while she processed the five words that permanently changed her life. As she regained her composure, Dr. Caughey explained her treatment options in a frank, yet gentle manner. He also advised her of obstacles she would face, including the...

John taught me what the profession of a physician means. As a new volunteer who was uncomfortable entering the in-patient wards, I was grateful when the former detective welcomed me into his room, happy to bond with me over football as he waited for heart surgery. At the end of our conversation, he gave me a recently drawn portrait of Tom Brady. “A good luck charm,” he declared. As my very first “patient”, John showed me how at the most...

In my future career as a physician, I hope to combine my passion for both science and the liberal arts to treat both the patient and the disease. PLME will allow me to prepare for my career in the medical field through a foundation in science enhanced by the chance to explore other topics and to take intellectual risks. To help my patients, I believe that it is important to first be a physician who can communicate empathetically. With the...