SICU Personal Statement

fThere often seems to be no time to think in surgery. When a level 1 trauma comes rushing into the emergency department, a SICU patient rapidly deteriorates, or a large vessel is inadvertently compromised during a case, the instantaneous decisions made by surgeons seem reflexive, a knee-jerk reaction to save a patient’s life. However, successful surgical outcomes require thoughtful reflection and analysis, even in emergency situations. In my training, I have seen and experienced what can happen when a surgeon takes time to think. From careful evaluation and well-honed judgment they decide whether surgery is appropriate, from disciplined intelligence they excel at teaching, and from creative insight they have become leaders in research. Albert

In high school, an aptitude for mathematics led to an independent study investigating fractal geometry. I developed a passion for biochemistry in college and subsequently devoted many hours building my laboratory skill set before immersing myself into an independent investigation of RNA editing. More recently, I designed and conducted a 12-month research project at Albany Medical College funded by the American Heart Association. The benefits of this effort were not limited to the progress made in understanding the calcium signaling pathways mediating neointimal hyperplasia. I was also able to mature as a scientist and learn the skills necessary to become an independent investigator. For example, I gained experience in scientific writing, from submitting a research proposal to preparation of a manuscript, while developing independence in designing and executing deliberate experiments. Training in general surgery at an academic center with a dedication to research will allow me to pursue a career as an academic surgeon, uniting a surgical practice with basic science research to provide the next generation of innovations in