Kayla Briceo

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Objective
I am applying for the position of a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon for UCSF Benioff Children's
Hospital.

Summary
I am fit for this job position as I have completed my internship, my residency, and my
fellowship under the successful Carol Diane Morris, Chief of Orthopaedic Oncology, at the
prestigious John Hopkins School of Medicine.

Experience
John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland - Fellow
September 2029 - PRESENT

John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland - Resident

August 2026 - August 2029

John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland - Intern

July 2025 - July 2026

Education
UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA - Medicinae Doctor (M.D.)
September 2022 - May 2025

UC Davis, Davis, CA - Bachelors Degree in Biology and Pre-Medicine

September 2019- May 2022

Skills
Possess complex problem solving, in order to develop and evaluate options
and implement solutions.
Master in decision making and judgment, to choose the most appropriate
action in complex situations.
Exceptional in critical thinking, and using logic to reach conclusions.

References
Christina Allen, MD - Professor of Clinical Orthopaedics at UCSF
Phone: 415-353-2808

Carol Diane Morris, M.D., M.S. - Division Chief, Orthopaedic Oncology at John
Hopkins School of Medicine

Phone: 410-464-6641

Kayla Briceno
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Ms. Gardner

Honors English 10, Period 6

15 March 2017

I-Search Rsum Reflection

Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field. My great grandma and my

grandma pursued jobs as registered nurses, I; however, find surgery more intriguing. The concept of

healing patients and saving lives on a day to day basis is something I really hold at heart. I myself, have a

profound interest in working with kids, so ultimately I opted to choose pediatric surgery. Before starting

this project I did not realize that within each field of medicine there are a countless amount of

subspecialties. I thought it would be impossible to narrow it down from there, but I remembered that

before my interest in pediatric surgery, I found orthopedic surgery very appealing. At the time I was

oblivious to the fact that I would be able to pursue the both of them in one career. With research, I

discovered that there was infact a way for me to do both jobs, the option being pediatric orthopedic

surgery. Once I confirmed that this was indeed an occupation that existed, I knew right away that this is

the job for me because it offers me the chance to work with both children, along with bones and muscles.

To me this kind of surgery is a beautiful occupation. It provides people with second chances, it allows

people to continue to do the things they love, or even to do something they never thought they'd be able to

do. Overall it is capable of healing both the physical problem and the psychological problem. In other

words it provides people with hope, and that is a powerful thing to hold on to.

Eager to learn more about this fascinating occupation, I contacted John Belzer MD, a specialized

orthopedic surgeon in San Francisco at California Pacific Medical Center. Initially, I was not anticipating

a response from an active surgeon; however, Belzer considerately took the time to answer my questions

thoughtfully and in depth. It was amazing to hear back from him because many of his responses match the

views and passions that I hold. One common interest we share is looking at an issue and thinking it

through to find the best outcome possible. A personality trait that we both share is being very technical

and organized in order to tackle a problem. Lastly, he too knew from a very young age that he would
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follow in a family member's footsteps, in this case his dad who was an excellent general surgeon. One

piece of information that he shared, which I was unaware of, is that orthopedic surgeons out of training,

typically spend one to two days operating each week. The rest of their time is spent on running a clinic for

pre/post operation patients, managing their patients care, and receiving trauma patients through the

Emergency Room. He also informed me on the need for low temperatures in the operating room (around

sixty-six degrees) in order to keep microbial growth to a minimum. With this, he also shared that the

gowns/equipment are impervious meaning they do not breathe, so everyone in the operating room gets

very hot.

In hearing the knowledge and experience of Belzer, I feel both nervous and enthusiastic about this

possible career of mine. I realize that in order to achieve this goal it will take nothing but complete

commitment and dedication, as it is a very long and rigorous journey to become a surgeon. I also take

note of the fact that anything can happen in the operating room, so the ability to act quickly and

efficiently when necessary is vital, and under certain circumstances, for instance a complex procedure,

being able to behave appropriately at specific times is imperative. While these tasks are challenging and

seem very stressful or scary, they result in the greatest reward possible: improving or saving the life of the

patient.

I truly admire Belzers passion for his job, it is very evident that he loves the work he is doing.

The most fascinating thing he said was, Orthopedic surgery is like bone carpentry. Though this simile

may seem pretty simple, it really catches my attention because I am able to recognize his enthusiasm for

his job. It makes me very excited for my future knowing that I too can feel the way he does every single

day at his work.