Personal Statement:Medicine 118

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I first considered a career in medicine during treatment for injuries resulting from international level gymnastics training. I was intrigued by the detective approach of doctors as they investigated symptoms to reach a diagnosis, and impressed by the patient-centred treatment they delivered. Medicine also appeals to me strongly as it is a rapidly advancing field due to scientific discoveries.

My interest has always lain with sciences, and I have challenged myself to work outside of the syllabi by taking part in academic competitions and reading widely. I keep abreast of medical advances through New Scientist and gain in depth knowledge about specific topics by reading books. 'The Shape We're In' by Sarah Boseley encouraged me to widen my knowledge of potential medical solutions to the obesity epidemic. As a result, I focussed my AS Biology coursework on Orlistat medicine, where I also discussed its role in treating obesity's comorbidities such as diabetes.

In order to enhance my analytical and independent research skills, I chose to do an EPQ on gene doping in sport, evaluating the performance benefits and medical risks for athletes and exploring the ethical implications.

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

To gain more insight into medical professions and how the NHS functions, I organised two weeks of shadowing in the paediatrics department of St Helier Hospital. It was fascinating to see patients with conditions I had only read about previously, such as anorexia and autism. The importance of multidisciplinary teams working together was made evident to me, such as when I helped a play therapist calm down a child before a nurse inserted a cannula.

Whilst there, I learned that medicine is not always clear cut; often there is not one perfect diagnosis or treatment for a patient. Recently, I arranged to spend three days at Glebe Road Surgery. I was impressed by the great variety of ailments that GPs saw daily and the more personal relationship between doctors and patients.

Additionally, I had an incredible experience in India following a doctor who has dedicated his life to providing free medical aid in Himalayan villages. I was struck by the radically different healthcare system and his highly clinical approach of diagnosing, as opposed to relying on tests and imaging. The quality of care he provided despite the limited resources was inspiring. During my two weeks there I wrote several reports for him including a case study on a young woman with Mullerian Agenesis.

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

For the past year I have enjoyed volunteering weekly at Battledown Centre for Disabled Children. I work closely with the staff, take part in activities with the children and teach them basic skills. Many of them have communication difficulties, so I decided to learn sign language to strengthen our connection.

Last Christmas, I volunteered for a week at a local psychogeriatric home in Switzerland. I helped to feed, bathe and entertain the residents, aided by my fluency in French. This experience demonstrated to me how I could really make a difference in their daily lives by being compassionate and empathetic.

At school I have shown strong leadership skills in two appointed positions of responsibility. I am a Biology Representative, promoting the subject in school with a particular focus on PSHE, and Deputy Head of House, which draws on my strengths in planning and organising.

From a young age I have loved sport, doing acrobatic gymnastics up to fifteen hours per week and winning two national titles. This gave me a strong ability to handle pressure and excellent time management skills. Furthermore, I take part in ski races and have achieved level 10 in trampolining.

These diverse experiences have reinforced my conviction that medicine is the vocation I wish to pursue. It allows me to combine my scientific aptitude with my interpersonal skills to improve people's health and wellbeing. I strongly believe that I have the drive and ability to become a caring and successful physician.

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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