Personal Statement:Medicine 17

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

To be given the opportunity to study medicine would be a dream come true. I think medicine is the most fundamental of professions; without doctors society would surely collapse given that one's health is a prerequisite to almost anything in life. The science of medicine fascinates and inspires me; reading StudentBMJ and NewScientist compel me into learning more. However, medicine is clearly about much more than just knowledge. I am an outgoing, approachable person and I would aspire to making vulnerable patients feel at ease.

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

I have been fortunate to have spent just over 5 weeks in the last 3 years doing work experience during school holidays. For example, I spent a week in November observing consultations in various clinics of an Outpatients' department. Of these, I found dermatology particularly interesting; I was able to observe skin allergy testing which, on this occasion, produced some conclusive results.

I spent time observing a Cardiovascular surgeon on his ward rounds; I learnt a great deal from his very helpful PRHO in particular, who told me a great deal about medical training and the challenges she faced when beginning her first job after graduation.

Another week was spent on a lower G.I ward, where I worked with the nurses and HCAs; I was able to help give bedbaths, 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 an inner-city and a rural practice on the Isles of Scilly, which I visited while on a family holiday. One of the biggest challenges faced on the I.O.S is the huge influx of visitors during the summer, causing a trebling of appointment requests!

I love to be challenged about my ideas and opinions. During my sixth form studies I have relished the intellectual challenge offered by Chemistry, combined with increasing my knowledge of Biology and learning how to develop arguments and clarity of expression in History.

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

I love being part of a team with a common aim; for instance, last summer I spent two weeks on an Outward Bound trek from Glenfinnan, near Fort William, to the Isles of Skye, with 9 brilliant people. It was the toughest physical challenge I have ever experienced, but taught me that it is possible to achieve anything.

I try to make a contribution to my local community. In 2000 and 2001, I ran 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 for 3 hours every Saturday at a local Hospice Shop, as part of my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. 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 combines my love of riding with doing something of benefit to someone else.

I intend to play an active role in University life. I have represented my school in hockey and debating; played in school orchestras and quartets - I was leader of the orchestra for the Sixth form musical in July. I was an elected school council representative in upper school.

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.