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Personal Statement:Medicine 121
This is a real Medicine personal statement written by a student for their university application. It has been carefully edited into the new three-question format, with all of the original wording kept. It may have strengths and weaknesses, but it can be used as inspiration for writing your own UCAS personal statement. Ensure your personal statement is entirely your own work, copying from this example or other sources is considered plagiarism and can affect your application. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements.
Why do you want to study this course or subject?
A baby presents with a SpO2 of 86%; a heart murmur implies a VSD. Early diagnosis is assuring but in Tanzania, where treatment is neither free nor available, no sum of benevolence would replace the surgery required. Medicine has limits in understanding and locality, yet far from being discouraged, I looked to what could be done. As a research assistant, I conducted a study on pulse oximetry as a marker of neonatal sepsis. In teaching staff the validity of oxygen saturation to predict ill health, a screening protocol was employed for all newborns: a small change which will have a lasting impact. Performing the newborn checks, I gained insight into the unique bond between doctor and patient and grew in confidence by the trust placed in me. It is this interaction I find appealing. I recognise behind every case is a person, each with their own story: some sad, some extraordinary.
This was restated while aiding an obstetric fistula unit in Uganda. Providing preoperative care, I spoke to a girl who spent a year saving for the bus to get there. When she voiced her unease, helping her through anxiety was truly uplifting. Supporting her surgery emphasised the optimality of a multidisciplinary team working in harmony. During her recovery she took my hand and said ”thank you”; I was humbled by her words. This among other experiences has highlighted the emotional rewards of helping those most vulnerable. Her life had been transformed: it is witnessing disease take everything, only to be returned by effective healthcare that compels me to medicine. What struck me was the instant benefit surgery can offer yet I accept medicine cannot always grant a cure.
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
As a HCA in a rehabilitation unit, I learnt that lasting progress can only be made through patience. The continuity of care allows for trusting relations to flourish; I had grown very fond of Z, an ex boxer who sustained a brain injury and was resigned to a wheelchair. Helping Z in physiotherapy, I greatly admire his will to walk. While tough at times, empowering others to overcome the confines of their disability is a privilege. Conversely, working as an EMT was an exciting prelude into frontline care. The occasionality of exigency contrast with the routine helping the elderly meant everyday provided learning opportunities. When a boy thrown off a horse showed signs of hypovolemia, I acted with poise and equanimity. Reconciling with a fearful mother emphasised the importance of interpersonal finesse and its potential to pacify situations. From providing a handover to eliciting a patient history, I realised the need for a tailored approach to communication.
Studying biochemistry I realised my ardour lies not only in the molecular process that sustain life, but life in its entirety. From work shadowing, I anticipate the obstacles I may face but I am confident my experience will enable me to succeed in this vocation.
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
As a martial arts instructor, teaching pupils of various abilities required this same flexibility. Achieving three black belts has shown my indefatigable commitment. I excel on a challenge, succeeding in feats like hiking Mt Kilimanjaro and rowing the Boston Marathon. I spearheaded a fundraiser for the Air Ambulance raising £18,000 by cycling an ultramarathon. This was the product of perseverance and teamwork, and enhanced my problem solving and leadership skills. I volunteered in Nicaragua teaching children in deprived communities. Overcoming cultural barriers has enhanced my ability to connect with others while remaining sensitive to diversity.
I am lucky to have met doctors who inspire me and I hope to one day match their skill and diligence. Medicine is appealing on many levels but above all, I remember those who have helped me more than I could have ever helped them. The boy who fell from a horse, the man who never gives up, the girl who left me lost for words and of course the baby I could not help. They may not know but they are all the reasons I want to be a doctor.
AI generated feedback
This feedback is AI-generated, based on the text of this personal statement:
This personal statement demonstrates a compelling motivation for medicine grounded in real-world clinical and humanitarian experiences, which creates a strong emotional connection. The applicant effectively conveys empathy and an understanding of the complexities of healthcare. To improve, the applicant could consider adding more explicit detail about academic achievements, particularly in biochemistry or related subjects, to better address the academic preparation section. Additionally, some minor grammatical improvements and clearer paragraph transitions would enhance readability. Including explicit links between skills gained outside education and how they prepare for medical study (e.g., leadership in fundraising relating to teamwork in medicine) would strengthen the statement further. Overall, this is a strong personal statement well suited to the new UCAS personal statement format for 2026.
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.
Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.
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