Medicine Personal Statement

INTRODUCTION - reasons for studying for medicine To be given the opportunity to study medicine
would be a dream come true/the fulfilment of a life-long dream. The science of medicine fascinates
and inspires me; reading StudentBMJ and NewScientist compel me into learning more. A central
attraction of medicine is the chance to make a difference to another person's life, and to be able/ (in
a position) to offer informed support and understanding at a vulnerable time for a patient and their
family. (For many) illness is very scary and access to a compassionate and
committed/attentive/helpful/caring doctor can make a significant difference to a potentially
traumatic experience. I am an open-minded, approachable person and I would aspire to making
vulnerable patients feel at ease; I have the social skills conducive to being an effective doctor, not a
scientist

WORK EXPERIENCE comments In part due to copious amounts of letter writing, I have been
fortunate to have completed/spent (just over) 5 weeks/' (in the last 3 years) (doing)/work
experience (during school holidays.) [1: O.D] (For example,) I spent a week (in November) observing
consultations in various clinics of an Outpatient department. The doctors whose clinics I observed
were exceptionally accommodating and were happy to answer my many questions, which served to
increase my interest and enjoyment of the week further/ (I really appreciated). Dermatology was a
particularly appealing clinic; I was able to observe skin allergy testing which, on this occasion,
produced some conclusive results

[2:MR MITCHELL] I spent time observing a consultant cardiovascular surgeon on his ward rounds. (At
his suggestion) I spent time talking to a patient who had recently had a double above knee
amputation as a result of diabetes

She amazed me with her positive attitude towards her situation, and I was immensely grateful to her
for giving me a small idea of what it must be like to face such a crisis. I also learnt a great deal from
Mr. Mitchell's helpful PRHO, who gave me an insight into the challenges she faced when beginning
her first job after graduation

[3:BRI-COLORECTAL] My time spent on a colorectal ward involved working with the nurses and
HCAs. This gave me the opportunity to talk to patients at length, and to see their progress over the
time I spent on the ward. I was able to help give bed baths, take observations, change sheets and
learn the best way of putting on pressure stockings! I was particularly lucky in gaining an insight into
general practice

I was able to make comparisons between a Bristol inner city and a rural practice on the Isles of Scilly,
which I visited while on a family holiday. As in any isolated practice, Another challenge faced on the
I.O.S is the huge influx of visitors during the summer, causing a trebling of appointment requests!
INTERPERSONAL QUALITIES I love being part of a team with a common aim; (for instance,) last
summer I spent two weeks on an Outward Bound trek to the Isle of Skye

There was an intense sense of camaraderie prevalent within the group

The adventure taught me that it is possible to achieve anything with determination and support
from other people - I am aware of my own limitations and the importance of being able to ask for
help
As part of the celebration of 50 years of Outward Bound, I met Prince Andrew to tell him of my
experience of the organisation, and will appear on Radio Bristol to discuss the funding available,
from which I benefited. These are great opportunities to use my communication skills effectively,
which I developed through representing my school in debating competitions

MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY It is important to me to make a contribution to my community. On

two occasions I have run in Bristol's 3km Imperial Cancer Research Race for Life. Since my 17th
birthday, I have donated blood every 3 months

I spent 6 months last year volunteering every week at a St. Peter's Hospice Shop, as part of my
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. I chose to volunteer for St. Peter's Hospice because my
grandmother received palliative care there during the final months of her life. Since September I
have been volunteering at Bristol's Riding Centre for the Disabled, where I work with a severely
autistic child every Monday evening; I love it because it lets me do something of benefit to someone
else

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING/STUDY SKILLS I want to study a medical degree that will equip me both
intellectually and emotionally for my career ahead. I believe that I am well equipped with self-
motivation and organisational skills to be extremely successful at medical school because I have
faced the challenges brought by independent learning while at sixth form and have developed an
effective strategy to cope with self-directed learning. In preparation for my application to medical
school I have completed a course of immunisation against Hepatitis B

INVOLVEMENT IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES I intend to play an active role in University life. (I

have represented my school in hockey and debating competitions); I was leader of the orchestra for
the Sixthform musical in July, and have played in Bristol Schools' orchestras for the past 9 years,
involving a 3-hour rehearsal every Saturday morning during term time. This is an important social
activity because it brings together like-minded people on a regular basis to work towards a high
quality concert at the end of each term. I was an elected school council representative in upper
school which I enjoyed immensely because I was able to be involved in the making of school policy
(e.g. regarding school uniform, drugs issues, and bullying)

EMPLOYMENT (evidence of dealing with a range of people) I regularly baby-sit for four families in my
area; I really enjoy it because it gives me the chance to develop a relationship with both parents and
children, with whom I get on with really well. It also places me in a position of responsibility and
requires a balance between entertaining the children and being concerned for their safety and
wellbeing. I have also worked at Next Plc over Christmas and New Year where I dealt with a variety
of people and enjoyed being friendly and helping people with problems

INTELLECTUAL ABILITY I love to be challenged about my ideas and opinions. I have relished the
intellectual challenge offered by Chemistry and learnt how to develop arguments and clarity of
expression in History. In particular, I have enjoyed exploring the history of medicine, which has
enhanced my understanding of the ancient profession I would so love to be a part of

CONCLUSION I intend to make medicine my life's work. I think medicine is the most fundamental of
professions; without doctors society would surely collapse given that one's health is a prerequisite to
doing almost anything in life. I would be privileged to spend the rest of my working life practising
medicine. I am acutely aware of the difficulties and challenges I am signing up for, but am confident
that I will meet them with (enthusiasm) gusto and commitment.
Medicine Personal Statement

Disease can take everything from us; potentially undermining our capacity to meet challenges, seek
happiness or improve ourselves. Valuing all of these things within myself, one of the most frustrating
things I have had to witness is people being unable to do the same. We cannot give people
happiness, but effective healthcare can give people the chance to seek their own.

Of course, healthcare has many facets; but a longing to ask 'why?', and also to question the answer,
has helped lead me toward medicine. Whilst at college, exploring the human body, more intricate
than any man-made machine, has helped me feed this fascination. Case studies like cystic fibrosis
made it especially relevant. In addition, books such as 'The Chemistry of Life' and 'The Man Who
Mistook His Wife For His Hat' have helped me extend my passion past the scope of the curriculum,
engaging with ideas independently.

Furthermore, AS Perspectives on Science has developed my ability and desire to interact with the
medical world. The course culminated in an extended report in which I chose to discuss the scientific
and ethical implications of HIV testing; questioning issues such as the extent to which patient
autonomy should be endorsed. This has been enormously satisfying, and my drive to learn about
medical cause, effect and treatment has only increased. Along with my Philosophy course, this has
helped to shape the way I think about the world and given me the tools, and opportunity, to engage
with other people and their ideas.

I have always had a need to help people. More recently, highlighted by volunteering at St. Michael's
Hospice, I have developed my devotion to caring. Assisting in providing palliative care has been a
difficult but exceptionally rewarding experience. Each time I connected with a patient, I felt I had
added something to his or her day, if only for a little while. To then find the following week that they
had deteriorated was hard, but pushed me to persevere. Perhaps the most poignant lesson I have
learned is that, however much we wish otherwise, there is a limit to what we can do for people;
there will be times when I am faced with helplessness. Complementing this, partaking in a project
evaluating sexual health services has given me the chance to help spur improvement. But more
importantly, analysing healthcare from a patient perspective emphasised the fundamental need for
integrity, effective communication and understanding. Hence, all of my volunteer work has helped
me to develop, among others, my sensitivity and interpersonal skills.

Additionally, teaching myself piano and exploring its complexities, I have had many opportunities to
develop my dedication and independence. While in a youth folk band, I was chosen to participate in
a music exchange. I enjoyed immersing myself in new cultures and, travelling around France and
Germany, worked with musicians far more skillful than myself. Furthermore, my love of martial arts
has also given me chances to push my limits. The more I practice both of these, the more I realise
how much more there is to learn. Being elected as head boy in secondary school I also worked to
progress other skills including teamwork as well as public speaking.

I recognise medicine is a difficult route, but it is the challenge which makes it more rewarding. Not
only does it enable me to take my passion beyond college to a setting where my knowledge must
constantly evolve, but, perhaps more importantly, it allows me to put this into practice in a
meaningful way. I hope that in doing so I can give others the same opportunities I have had myself
Medicine Personal Statement
In Jonathan Kaplan’s book; “The Dressing Station”, he gives a touching and detailed description of his life as a
medical student through to becoming a war surgeon. His narration emphasises some of the qualities of a good
doctor; empathetic, self-motivated, able to make sound decisions and able to communicate effectively. This,
together with my two-week work experience during which I shadowed an anaesthetic has given me a realistic
idea of what is involved in the medical profession. And I believe that my experiences, coupled with my desire
to help people and interest in biology and chemistry have developed the needed skills for me to be a good
doctor.

Since completing my A-levels last summer, I have been employed in St Mary’s Children’s Hospital as a
healthcare assistant on an orthopaedic ward. I work together with the other health-care staff in ensuring that
patients are well cared for and in a conducive environment by assisting with feeding, sanitation, mobility and
medication. This has been an eye-opener to me in that I have worked with the different hospital staff and
learnt to appreciate what they do. It has taught me the importance of working together effectively as part of a
team, and the contribution each person makes to make sure the hospital functions smoothly.

I enjoyed chemistry, especially the organic units because I was fascinated by the structure of carbon and how it
played a role in its versatility in being able to form so many different compounds with very different chemical
properties. I also enjoyed learning about Aspirin and how its active ingredient was produced synthetically
based on the active ingredient present in the willow bark tree. Studying physics and mathematics enhanced
my problem solving abilities. I enjoyed the application of physics to medical and biological settings, for
instance, in the making of equipment like the PET scanners which have proven so useful in the study of the
brain and how it functions. Via biology I have gained a better understanding of human anatomy and the role of
genetics and evolution on the human species-something I find rather fascinating.

In preparation for a degree in Medicine, I will continue to work at the St. Mary’s Hospital. I will continue
volunteering with St. Johns Ambulance as a first aider because I enjoy the insight it gives me into ailments and
their possible prognosis and the measures that can be taken to reduce fatalities. It has also enhanced my
communication skills. I will also be working with a voluntary organisation called the Brain and Spinal Injury
Centre which is affiliated to the Hope Hospital in Manchester, an organisation which aims to help individuals
recover from brain and spinal injuries using a more holistic approach. Their services include providing patients
with a gym, offering music lessons, aromatherapy and assisting individuals who would like to go back to work
after a brain injury. I will be assisting with mobility on and off the gym equipments and teaching music classes.

Aside from working at the hospital, I have been teaching a group of primary and high school children as part of
an ‘Aim Higher’ programme. The scheme which is aimed at improving their skills in mathematics and science
has enhanced my ability to empathise with people. It has allowed me to appreciate their thoughts and to
empathise with them. I have also worked with Connexions for the past eight months, trying to encourage
young people to participate more fully in physical activities, and to follow healthy lifestyles.

I know that I have the commitment, work ethic, ambition and discipline to be an excellent doctor, and I would
relish the opportunity to start the process of becoming one. I know that it will be a massive commitment, and
that I am dedicating years of my life to this end. However, I know that this is my goal, and that I have the
academic and intellectual skills, the interpersonal skills, and the necessary energy levels to make a real success
of this, as my chosen career. I want to use my skills and expertise to make a real difference to peoples lives,
and give them the high quality medical care and attention that they deserve.
Medicine Personal Statement

I want to study Medicine because it allows me to combine my fascination with Science, particularly
with regard to the function of the human body, with its application to important societal problems.

My desire to follow a medical career was crystallised by my work experience placements which have
included a week spent in a ward for Elderly Care and Medicine at East Surrey Hospital and a week
shadowing the Hepatology team at St. Mary’s Hospital. My time at East Surrey gave me valuable
insight into the life of a ward doctor as well as the opportunity to observe how the various
healthcare professionals work as a team. While there I became acutely aware of the difficulties faced
by the NHS in dealing with an increasing elderly population, especially those with dementia. I
encountered one such patient who was very distressed by attempts to insert an IV cannula,
exemplifying the importance of communication and the emotional stress facing doctors. While
shadowing the Hepatology team I began to appreciate the difficult ethical decisions faced by
doctors, for example whether to give a liver transplant to a patient who has alcoholic cirrhosis. I
particularly valued the opportunity to spend a day in a gynaecology theatre at Hammersmith
Hospital where I saw both open and laparoscopic hysterectomy. As well as clinical work, I also I saw
research in the laboratories at Hammersmith Hospital into how haematopoietic stem cells
differentiate and discovered how the cytogenetics lab identifies chronic myeloid leukaemia; this
showed me how frontline medicine integrates with fundamental science. I treasure all of these
experiences as well as the five days I spent attending Medlink in December 2010, which have only
deepened my enthusiasm for medicine in all its variety.

I have always been passionate about my academic work, winning end-of-year prizes in Chemistry,
Physics and Latin, as well as major awards such as the Vernon Cup (‘most promising science student
in years 7 to 11’) and the year 11 Governors’ Prize (awarded to the top student in the year). I won
academic scholarships by examination at both 13+ and Sixth Form level and enjoy the challenge of
academic competitions, this year attaining a silver certificate in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge
and also a silver medal in the British Biology Olympiad.

In March 2011, I was elected House Captain at my school. As part of the prefect team, my duties
include organising activities for younger students and introducing the school to prospective parents.
This responsibility has helped develop my communication and organisation skills as well as my ability
to work under pressure and to deadlines; for example, successfully organising the House Festival, a
performing arts competition.

Spending a month as a volunteer in Borneo with Camps International this summer, working on
community projects and wildlife conservation, has helped me become more mature and developed
my teamwork skills. Especially valuable was the time I spent teaching English at a local school, where
dealing with the language barrier greatly aided my communication skills.

For relaxation I enjoy fencing épée. I have competed in many individual events, finishing 25th in the
under 14 girls’ British Championship Final, and placing 5th in the under 16 girls’ Elite Epee Junior
Series in both 2008 and 2009. However, I am most proud of being captain of my school’s fencing
team at the British Schools’ Championship in 2008 and 2009, and of the under 14 girls’ team
representing Tandridge at the Surrey Youth Games in 2007. Despite not being individually the
strongest fencers, I led our team to 2nd place in each of these events.

A medical career will allow me to apply my scientific knowledge and to use my teamwork and
problem-solving abilities to benefit others. I do not underestimate the challenges ahead, but believe
that I have the skills and aptitude to become a caring and successful doctor.
Medicine Personal Statement
My decision to pursue medicine has not arisen from an epiphany or childhood dream, but is one I have come
to after careful consideration. My interest stems from the science behind the biological processes in human
bodies and I have relished the chance to explore them further in my AS Levels, from carcinogenic free radicals
in Chemistry, to the impact of diet on cardiovascular disease in Biology. I have also striven to develop my
understanding beyond the curriculum, such as by reading articles in 'The Lancet' on the obesity epidemic. The
opportunity that medicine provides to combine a caring nature with scientific interest drives me to pursue this
career.

To experience the challenges of a medical career, I arranged placements in a paediatric department, a Child
Development Clinic and a health trainer programme. Through multidisciplinary team meetings, I learnt the
importance of teamwork, as well as the shared responsibilities of various healthcare professionals in the
management of children. Whilst shadowing both a hospital doctor and a GP, the need for a compassionate,
composed demeanour was constantly apparent. This was highlighted during neonatal examinations for
cataracts and jaundice as, despite time constraints, doctors took care to placate worried parents before
moving on.

In July, I was one of 30 to win a place on the Oxford summer school for Chemistry. This experience helped me
to develop the independent thinking skills and initiative necessary for academic study. Here, I explored medical
ideas by applying my knowledge to new concepts, for example looking at the chemistry behind chirality and
how in drugs, chiral compounds can harm the body. This motivated me to research this area, most recently
through a Big Picture magazine on drug development, which gave a refreshingly balanced view of
pharmaceuticals. My experience also encouraged me towards self-directed learning and I subsequently began
AS level Biology at home.

Working with the elderly since the age of 11 at a local charity has taught me the value of caring. My most
demanding, yet satisfying project, involved interviewing older people for a radio show I produced. Here, my
communication skills were key, as was my patience in the more difficult interviews. Since January, I have
applied these skills at a weekly day centre for the elderly. This extended work with those with chronic illness
has exposed me to the challenges of medicine, by highlighting the reality that medicine cannot always cure,
which is emotionally challenging. Nonetheless, my satisfaction in seeing those who recover outweighs this and
fuels my desire to study medicine.

Through my enjoyment of travel, I have interacted with diverse cultures, particularly when marshalling 100
teenagers at a week-long Jamaican Independence Day Gala. In Ghana, I also helped children to read while
learning their dance forms. These experiences required me to relate with a variety of people and emphasized
that communication is a two way process. My time in these countries also exposed the inequalities of medical
provision, as in Ghana many suffered from polio, a disease uncommon in England. As a result, I am now an avid
visitor of BBC Health, where reading about medical progress reinforced my desire to be a part of these
developments through medical study. I also play tennis competitively and attend an orchestra as a clarinettist
on a scholarship, where my time management skills are vital for my work-life balance. As a Senior Prefect, I
enjoy my roles mentoring younger girls and organising school charity events, which have been invaluable in
developing my leadership skills.

The diverse nature of medicine, my desire to help others and the prospect of continuous scientific learning
have inspired me to pursue this career. I am under no illusion that medicine is easy, but the skills I have
acquired, combined with my academic ability and determination, lead me to believe that I can succeed in this,
my chosen field.
Medicine Personal Statement
A career in medicine is undoubtedly a difficult and challenging one because of the high levels of dedication,
intelligence and hard work that it entails. These challenges are precisely what make me strive to be a doctor. I
want a profession that allows me to use my creative intellect, academic curiosity and caring demeanor to
contribute to people's health and wellbeing, and a job as a doctor is exactly that sort of career.

Spurred by the rich history of Levantine medicine, especially by figures such as Ibn al-Nafis, who first noted the
pulmonary circulation of blood, I shadowed a paediatric endocrinologist a day a week for two years. Working
with children put me in contact with patients and their parents, allowing me to observe how doctors conduct
themselves in such situations. In the case of a child who needed a gender reassignment operation to treat the
ambiguous genitalia caused by the child's congenital adrenal hyperplasia, I witnessed how a doctor's
reassuring tone could help to put a mother's anguish to rest. This impressed upon me the positive effects
deliberate communication can have in difficult situations.

My time with the endocrinologist also demonstrated the importance of reciprocity in the relationships
between doctors and their patients. Patients put their health and their lives in the hands of their doctors,
expecting doctors to give patients the respect and the dignity that they deserve. That relationship showed
itself during intimate medical examinations. I learned that, in such situations, sensitivity and compassion are of
paramount importance.

I also took part in a rotation program at a diabetes center. Interning alongside nurses, doctors and pharmacists
gave me an insight into how different healthcare professionals can work together to care for the disparate
needs of patients. It also helped to reinforce my ambition to be a doctor, as while nurses and pharmacists have
jobs that are interesting in their own rights, the intellectual and emotional challenges specific to doctors' jobs
are enough to make it more worthwhile for me.

My interest in medicine has earned me some recognition. I was the only student invited to a seminar on
growth hormones in Jordan. The seminar and question-and-answer session that followed deepened my
knowledge of growth hormone deficiency. I also came to understand the toll that it can take on the physical
and mental health of patients. I have also widened the scope of the diseases I am acquainted with by reading
research findings on the British Student Medical Journal.

Outside of medicine, I am a member of my school's MUN club. I have a passion for lively debate and current
global affairs. MUN allows me to express that passion. I have held leadership positions in various community
projects, and I am most proud of the trips to rural schools that I have helped to organize. I organized those
trips to encourage interaction between volunteers and the students at those rural schools, and from
experience, that sort of approach helps to bridge differences between our two groups.

I am also experienced in information technology, and designed a Linux-based operating system in the summer
of 2010. My IT abilities earned me a place on my school's team for the Jordanian "App Challenge", and our
team ended up in the top five. Photography, videography, writing and music are some of my other passions,
and I maintain blogs and a YouTube channel that allow me to express myself creatively. These abilities
culminated in the IAA Panorama, my school's first student-run online magazine. It offers the world an insight
into my school.

Medicine as a practice seeks to care, and medicine as a science continues to solve problems that exist and
prevent problems that one-day may exist. I believe that I understand the duty of care and clarity of thought
that medicine requires and, in addition, have the intellect, fortitude and dedication to meet the challenges,
present and future, that medicine brings.