A reader asked: Why do I keep up with this blog? What motivates me to write stuff that will help people?
I have thought about this question for a while. Some days when I cannot think of anything to write and can only see the lack of viewers, I get discouraged from writing at all.
However, I know that even if one person stumbles upon this blog and gets something of value from it, I have helped someone out there.
Information is powerful and there are hundreds of people out there looking for information regarding medicine. After getting into medical school successfully, I have some good and bad experiences that I can share to help prospective students. I have gone through the admissions and interviews process. And it was challenging at times without guidance. I hope I can be resource people trust.
Another reason for starting this blog is because of the re-occurring questions I see on premed/med student forums regarding the application process. I know there is a need for these questions to be answered clearly. A lot of replies in the forums are helpful but a lot that are downright wrong. Providing accurate information is prevents people from being mislead.
When I started this blog, I asked what will be different about my blog from the thousands of med blogs out there? I couldn’t come up with a solid answer, but I decided to start it anyways. I don’t know where I’m headed but sometimes I think the best thing is to get somewhere is to just do it and learn in the process. One reason that motivated me is how the web is still in its infancy. It has exploded into the world truly only a decade ago and it’s evolving and changing the way we interact with other humans.
If you are a medical blog reader, you will realize that there is a dialogue going on about our health care system on the internet never seen before. People are using their spare time to discuss insurance coverage, reduction of medical mistakes and how to educate better doctors. People care about these issues enough that they will talk to strangers for hours on them. That is a powerful driving force can shape our health care system to be better; this is the idea of open source collaboration.
I also have a more selfish reason to blog. A mentor once said to me, “if you are serious anything, you must write it down.” So I write because I am want to learn more about medicine. Writing helps me present my thoughts clearly. Writing consistently is also good practice. It is an essential skill that everyone should improve on. All doctors need clear writing (and handwriting) to present their findings to colleagues, patients and the public.
The last reason I write is to remember this unique time of my life. I write here to record the amazing and heartbreaking lives of people around me. I want to remember my first patient, my failures and my process of becoming a physician. I want to remind myself to keep the traits of compassion, optimism and helping others during this long journey.
And that is why I write. Not to have a monologue but to communicate with the world. If you have any ideas or comments, I would love to hear from you. Even though we may never meet each other in person - we as two anonymous people on the internet - can still connect in a meaningful way.
“I know that even if one person stumbles upon this blog and gets something of value from it, I have helped someone out there and have added value to their lives.”
I share your sentiment. One little help can make a big difference.
Great resource. Thanks for being thoughtful
I really appreciate your work. Thank you for your post.