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To whom it may concern,
I write this letter with sincere gratitude for the financial support provided by the Class of 2006 for my summer internship. I had the privilege of working with Dr. David Albala, a Lafayette alumnus who is now a renowned Urologic Surgeon at Duke University. Dr. Albala is an amazing individual who opened up his office, laboratory, and home to me this summer.
As an intern I was able to venture into the operating room and stand right next to the surgery table to get a view of the human body you cannot get anywhere else. I witnessed a new minimally invasive robotic surgery technique that is currently presenting itself as a promising treatment for prostate cancer. I also shadowed Dr. Albala in his clinic, where I learned what it takes to interact with patients in serious situations such as telling a man that he has prostate cancer. Such tasks are not easy. Since I intend to go into pediatric neurology, learning how to talk about serious issues with patients and family is incredibly valuable.
In the laboratory I actually got my hands dirty extracting gastrointestinal fluid and pancreatic tissue from pigs for a research project on fibrin sealants. These sealants assist surgeons by reducing the amount of fluid leakage into the problem area. I also witnessed the testing of a new form of treatment for breaking up kidney stones called shock wave lithotripsy, a study also performed on pigs.
The best aspect of my internship, however, was that Dr. Albala hid nothing from me about what it takes to be a physician in an academic setting. Surgery and clinic are major aspects of his day, but there is also data to be organized, papers to be read, researched and written, e-mails to respond to and patients to call. I became almost a personal assistant to Dr. Albala later in the summer and my eyes were opened to the immense amount of responsibilities he holds. I assisted him in writing letters to big names such as Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, and Senator Bill Frist, M.D., organizing databases, planning events, and researching new techniques. I realized how important writing and communication skills are to every job.
Overall, this summer was a very valuable experience for me. As I was also preparing for the MCATs (Medical College Admissions Test) this summer, I had a very full plate. I would not have been able to devote so much time to my internship and to studying if I had not received your financial support, since I would have had to pick up another job to help pay for the expenses. For your support in helping me achieve my life aspirations I am incredibly grateful. This summer would not have been such a success without you, so I thank you one hundred times over.
Sincerely,
Carey A. Wilson