This ended up being a fun version of my personal statement for my residency application. It started as an exercise to get ideas flowing, and then turned into a entertaining piece! 

This is a 26 year-old female with a past history of Emergency Department volunteering, Emergency Medical Technician experience, and Emergency Department scribing who presents with the need to find the appropriate residency. Symptoms began three years ago in the Emergency Department while working as scribe; patient began experiencing the unusual side effect of enjoyment while charting, likely secondary to environmental factors which included exemplary physician role models and unparalleled feelings of working with a highly effective team. Patient was prescribed “open mindedness” during medical school, but symptoms of Emergency Medicine enjoyment persisted as evidenced by a strong interest in trauma during surgery rotation, a love for the acute cases in cardiology and neurology, an intense desire to work towards identifying and treating sick children during pediatrics, and an unforeseen comfortability with psychiatric patients. Patient also noted to engage in activities such as being a member of the Honor Board and Sports and Fitness Club that likely intensified the need for a career focused on quality leadership as the foundation for success. Patient reports palpitations upon witnessing the incomparable teamwork in Emergency Medicine, noting this to be the only remedy when battling the opera of chaos that frequently characterizes the department. Review of systems is negative for fear of hard work, fear of the undifferentiated patient, or fear of bodily fluids.

Past medical history includes adrenaline addiction with associated surfing injuries, marathon-running-induced stress fractures, and a transient episode of intense facial pain secondary to skydiving. Family history is negative for other healthcare workers, but positive for persistent support. Social history is notable for a strong commitment to community and diversity as indicated by involvement with the local healthcare clinic; patient reports sudden onset motivation to treat the underserved and underinsured community after moving to North Philadelphia and receiving a considerable dose of insight into the social determinants of health. She is now dedicated to making a meaningful impact on these communities with her willingness to serve anyone that walks through the door. Patient denies cigarette use, but in regards to enthusiasm for treating patients of all ages, races, and varieties of illness, she “smokes” the competition.

Based on this history, it suggests that this patient’s chief complaint is associated with a variety symptoms. She wishes to treat high acuity patients, she understands the necessity of leadership and teamwork, and she aims to help anyone in the community she serves regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status. Given these findings, my differential diagnosis includes Emergency Medicine vs. Emergency Medicine vs. Emergency Medicine.

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