Name: ​David Moon 

Topic: ​Neurology 

Date:​ 15 Oct 2017 

Topic Proposal  
 
Through my study this year in ISM, I would like to focus on deepening my 
knowledge of the medical field. More precisely, I seek to study the field of 
Neurology and increase my grasp of the skills and practices in this area.  
 
One of the primary reasons I was able to narrow my topic of study down to 
Neurology can be attributed to the fact that my uncle is a psychiatrist. When I 
would visit Korea every other summer while I was still in middle school, I would 
always visit his clinic and observe his interactions with his patients. To me, how my 
uncle worked with the minds of his patients was fascinating. However, there usually 
was not any hard science (ex. biology) involved in my uncle’s practices, besides 
when he would prescribe different drugs to his patients. Even so, having the 
opportunity to be able to observe how the brain uniquely processes information 
was truly inspiring. This interest in the brain stemmed from my love of solving 
puzzles and different mind games, such as brain teasers; all throughout my 
childhood, I would spend extensive amounts of time attempting to solve these 
puzzles. In a more general sense, I have always wondered how and why the brain 
processes information the way it does, whether it be why one reacts a certain way 
or how information is delivered to our brain so quickly. Entering high school, my 
interest in the medical field grew, and in my Health Science 1 class during my 
sophomore year. I completed research for potential careers for an extensive career 
overview project, and I thereafter found my topic of study, Neurology. My interest 
in the field grew because Neurology allowed me to take a more scientific approach 
based in the life sciences, while still continuing to study the mind, which is where 
my core interest was derived from in the first place.  
 
One experience that I have had that has proven to be essential in furthering my 
study of the field of Neurology was the opportunity I had to volunteer at an adult 
Alzheimer’s care center over the summer of my freshman year. By dealing with the 
various types of patients at the facility and getting to know each individual’s unique 
personality, I learned about the true specificity of the brain’s many functions. 
Through my experiences at the facility, my interest in the study of the brain grew 
as I realized that many diseases that stemmed from the brain, such as Alzheimer’s 
or Parkinson’s, had no true cure - there were only temporary solutions to these 
grave problems - I began to research this growing issue. Furthermore, I also 
learned the valuableness of proper patient care and to always put myself after 
others (with a serving mindset), along with many other skills that allowed me to 
begin my journey through the field of Neurology with a “head start”.  
 
I have been consistent in taking courses related to the medical field (Medical 
Terminology, Health Science 1, AP Biology, AP Psychology, etc.) that I hope will 
build a solid foundation of knowledge for me to build upon later; for example, in AP 
Psychology, I have learned the different parts of the brain and each part’s function. 
I am always the most dedicated to these classes, most likely due to the fact that 
these are the classes that I am the most passionate about.  
 
According to my personality profile, I am a consul (ESFJ), and I possess strengths 
and weaknesses that will affect my success of the study of Neurology. One trait that 
I believe will especially be important to my success for my topic of study is the fact 
that I have strong practical skills. I set a realistic goal for myself and seek to achieve 
it in the most efficacious manner possible. I manage my day-to-day tasks well and 
in a coordinated manner, which will allow me to keep up with the intense workload 
that accompanies the study of a neurologist. Being able to complete my work in a 
timely and organized manner will ensure that I will be able to present myself as a 
responsible individual who is not just another “average high school student”. 
Another trait I possess is that I am skilled at connecting with others - a trait that is 
essential when publishing research papers or attending a board meeting for 
neurologists. Having the ability to form genuine connections is always a valuable 
commodity, and I find it easy to be able to maintain an active role in my social life. 
This trait will potentially allow me to link to other neurologists in the area more 
easily. In addition, I highly value harmony, and I always try to avoid hurting other 
people’s feelings. The sensitivity and care that I demonstrate toward others will 
hopefully allow me to establish a strong relationship with my potential mentor, and 
in the future, enable me to help patients feel comfortable and cared for. One last 
strength is that I am very loyal and trustworthy. This fidelity is especially significant 
due to the fact that maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental of any 
medical field. When I begin observing the work of a neurologist, it is always 
important that I respect interactions between the doctor and patient.  
 
On the contrary, I find it challenging to make decisions on-the-fly. That is, I prefer 
to stick to a set schedule determined beforehand, rather than continuously adjust. 
Although I may be a bit inflexible, I still believe this inflexibility will allow me to keep 
track of all my rigorous work. One skill that I possess that I believe will help me 
pursue my study of Neurology successfully is that I tend to take copious notes in 
whatever assignment I may be tasked with. By always providing extensive details on 
my topic and also being meticulous with those details, I believe I will be able to 
strongly build upon my existing knowledge of the field of Neurology. All in all, with 
these traits, skills, and special pieces of information accompanying my study of 
Neurology, I will be able to thrive in my topic of study.