ANSWERING THE CALL TO MEDICINE
The Call to Medicine: A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Service
Medicine is more than just a career: it is a calling. It is a path that has shaped my life and continues to draw me deeper into the profession with each passing day. My journey toward becoming a physician is a collection of early experiences, moments of realization and an unwavering drive to help others. As a medical student, I find that this call grows stronger and more purposeful over time, especially after navigating the unique challenges that have shaped my path. From a young age, I was surrounded by the values of service, compassion and hard work, particularly through my father, a large animal veterinarian. I vividly remember stepping outside of his truck one day and the smell of horse manure filling the air. I followed him into the barn to assist with a two-week-old foal in need of a hernia repair. Holding a handful of intestines at the age of 15 while assisting with surgery was exhilarating. It was moments like these, where I could
by MEGHAN CAWOOD, M3
contribute, learn and heal, that first sparked my love for medicine. My father’ s work not only showed me the power of medicine to heal but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. Whether working with sick and injured animals or performing delicate procedures, I felt the undeniable pull of medicine: a calling to make a difference, to help those in need and to serve with integrity.
Working alongside my father, I had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of procedures, from hernia repairs to eye surgeries, castrations and assisting during births. Each experience deepened my understanding of medicine and the profound responsibility it entails. It soon became clear to me that while I loved the work I was doing, my heart longed to transition from veterinary care to human health care. The decision to pursue human medicine came naturally, driven by my passion for healing and my desire to make a direct impact on people’ s lives. I vividly recall a cold January night around 10 p. m., when my father received a call about a cow unable to stand. Stepping into the barn, I immediately sank into a pool of manure. The harsh elements contrasted sharply with the
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