Personal Statement:Medicine 100

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As a child I was never one to go for the toy scrubs and stethoscope, nor has a life experience resulted in me wanting to study medicine. My decision, not taken lightly, has come from extensive research into this career. However, a decision I strongly believe correct, perfectly encompassing my awe in science and investigative mind.

Part of my research to give me an insight into this career has derived from my placements. Firstly, I self-organised a week placement in a hospital, giving me an opportunity to visit: A&E, Surgery, Cardiology and Respiratory Ward. This demonstrated the wide diversity of medicine. During my Biology course I was particularly interested in the co-ordination of the cardiac cycle as result of the SAN and AVN. The cardiology ward gave me the chance to see the treatment process for when this co-ordination becomes flawed in fibrillation, as a consequence of investigation and problem solving. On the Respiratory Ward I was surprised by how many cases were a result of smoking related diseases such as Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis. This experience left me with contrasting emotions, pity as many were on ventilators and had difficulty breathing but slightly angry as it was potentially self-inflicted. However it was amazing to see the doctor’s equally holistic and empathetic approach to all the patients. The importance of teamwork as doctor was clearly visible in my time in surgery where surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses acted as a multi-disciplinary team. Before the patients underwent the operations, it was intriguing to see how the doctor gained trust by explaining the operation and show understanding through facial expression and words. In addition my placement at a GP gave me a view of patient-centre care, where the doctor-patient relationship is important. But also showed the myriad different diseases and people faced, which represented key adaptable and initiative skills as a doctor. Also I recognised visible contrasts and similarities between the two placements. These placements have helped certify my decision to become a doctor, but also gave insight to the less glamorous side of the career, long hours, tough decisions and emotional issues. My time in a care home was personally my most useful work experience giving me a view of the realities of aging and senility, a rather unpleasant side of medicine.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

During my Biology course I was particularly interested in the coordination of the cardiac cycle as a result of the SAN and AVN. The cardiology ward gave me the chance to see the treatment process when this coordination becomes flawed in fibrillation, as part of investigation and problem solving.

My curious mind has led me to undertake an EPQ on stem cell research and the surrounding ethical issues like the sanctity of life.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Participating in the young entrepreneur challenge for St Cuthbert’s Care has helped my time management skills by juggling my studies with various fundraising activities. Firstly, I completed a gruelling 90 mile bike ride, in Halloween costume. This experience taught me the value of persistence in the face of adversity but also as it was rather embarrassing, it demonstrated my sense of humour; I managed to raise £300. Also as a team we participated in bag packs, curry night and abseiling, highlighting the importance of organisation and dedication, which paid off as we eventually won the entire competition.

My own intrigue and initiative led me to watch a series of live autopsies by Dr Gunther Von Hagens which deepened my appreciation in the sheer complexity of the human body, but also how it has the propensity to malfunction. During one autopsy it was interesting to see the physical effect of atherosclerosis roughening the aorta as covered in biology.

To relax and socialise outside of academia I have a strong interest in sport, in particular football. Playing for a local team since Under 8 level shows reliability and consistency. The teamwork skills developed have resulted in the team going on to win a regional cup five years running, as well as perform consistently well in a Blackpool football tournament and narrowly missing a place in the final. Also I am a keen fisherman; it has helped me improve patience skills (especially when bites are few and far between) essential when dealing with potentially difficult patients.

The demands of a doctor, the long potentially antisocial hours, the physical exhaustion and emotional drain, will inevitably lead to me making selfless sacrifices as a doctor. However, medicine is highly stimulating and gratifying encompassing lifelong scientific learning, intertwined with an empathetic relationship with those you come into contact with. Crucially, as a result of research into the field, I believe I can succeed as a doctor due to my self-motivation and enquiring mind.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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