DO School Application Secondary Essay
Please describe your hobbies (or non-academic pursuits) and how they will influence your success as an Osteopathic medical student and/or Osteopathic physician in the future. (2000 characters) – Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
My favorite hobby for many years has been horseback riding. It has been a singularly rewarding experience for my personal growth, as it has taught me personal responsibility, humility, empathy and communication. Working with horses is delightful and challenging, and in many ways, they require the same attention, care and communication as humans. Caring for and working with these animals has allowed me to develop excellent observational and communication skills, since I need to be able to identify how a horse is feeling, if it is injured or sick, and what its mood is without the animal being able to tell me directly. I am also responsible for maintaining the health and environment of the horse through regular cleaning and maintenance and regular health checks. I believe that horseback riding has prepared me for osteopathic medicine because it has shown me how to pay attention, address problems and communicate with even the most difficult patients.
The second pursuit I believe has instilled in me the skills necessary for an osteopathic physician is becoming a swim instructor. I volunteer my time several hours a week to instruct children from the ages of 7 to 12 in the pool, working with them on basic swim strokes and helping them become more comfortable in the water. Showing these kids that I can understand their fears or uncertainties and walking them through managing their anxiety has developed my empathy and problem-solving skills. As their instructor, I help them develop their skills in the water week after week, creating a long-term learning relationship. For me, being able to empathize with patients, build trust with patients and work with them on improving their help is at the core of osteopathic medicine. The lessons I have drawn from working with children will translate to foundational skills I will need as a student of osteopathic medicine.