Personal Statement:Medicine 107

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Medicine is an evolving speciality that perfectly blends science with humanity. To treat diseases in patients, a doctor must master the application of medical knowledge of the complex physiology of the human body, while abiding by their ethical duty. To be given the opportunity of using such skills in an interactive clinical setting is a major reason why I want to practice medicine.

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

To acquire a more educated understanding of healthcare, I undertook a two week placement at the cardiology and diabetes departments in a local hospital. It was through shadowing doctors that I understood the clinical skills required and their importance in a medical scenario. For example, I observed that as doctors conducted examinations, they were constantly analysing for any abnormalities and applying their extensive medical knowledge to deduce a diagnosis. I saw first-hand the necessity of completing tasks systematically so that they are executed without any errors resulting from negligence. Whilst observing ward rounds, I was impressed by the teams' bedside manner. Staff would take the time to converse politely with patients so that the patients were at ease and thus more likely to consent to examinations and share information that could lead to an accurate history. I grasped the importance of communication by watching the team deal professionally with uncooperative patients. They would listen to what the patient had to say, making the patient feel valued and would offer a compromise or alternative. The multidisciplinary team at the diabetes centre comprising specialists from dieticians to podiatrists also exhibited effective teamwork by all contributing to patient records. This makes monitoring and alleviating symptoms efficient and assists in providing a holistic approach to care.

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

For the past year, I worked as a counter assistant at a local pharmacy. One of my responsibilities was delivering prescriptions to patients living locally. I was able to draw on my interpersonal skills when informing patients about their medication; maintaining eye contact and ensuring that instructions were understood. In addition, I was often to able to use my bilingualism to everyone's advantage. Working at the pharmacy raised my awareness of the importance of drugs and their different roles in treatment, whether it be actively combating disease, providing palliative care or pain relief. This clarified that the NHS and community chemists partnership is a vital component of our healthcare system.

As a member of the medical ethics club, I've had the opportunity to reflect on cases that may not necessarily have a straightforward answer. I also run a 'Young Medics Society' and have given presentations on various medical topics, like malignant melanoma, as well as organising Q&A sessions with medical professionals. Maintaining a good work-life balance is one of my priorities as one cannot sustain on work alone. I always ensure that I have time for recreational activities such as learning foreign languages and reading fictional novels. I recently enjoyed reading Better: A Surgeon's Notes On Performance, which explores the ingenuity of medicine and becoming 'positive deviants' from the medical norm. A career in medicine is undoubtedly intellectually and emotionally challenging but I believe that I have the drive, commitment and ability to participate in the cutting-edge pioneering that helps medicine progress.

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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