Personal Statement:Medicine 20

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

During my time at university I have realised a true passion to become a doctor. I feel that medicine is a vocation that stimulates my scientific preference whilst also being a profession that would capitalise on my attributes. I am naturally a compassionate, caring and responsible individual. I believe my commitment and dedication to medicine combined with my enthusiasm and energetic nature makes me well equipped for my ambition to become a doctor.

I have always enjoyed sciences and have discovered a keen interest in medical science. Medicine for me holds a guarantee of fascination and rewarding learning in the degree programme and as a career. I am interested in medicine for both the science I will learn and explore in the degree, but more importantly for the career I will be able to pursue from it.

I have noticed an inclination towards medical science, but I feel that my biggest asset to medicine is in my caring, compassionate and enthusiastic nature. I strongly believe what will equip me for this vocation is a 1) science degree, 2) medical inclination, 3) exposure to medical school, 4) skills to complete the course, and 5) personal qualities to be a good doctor.

My interest in science and my passion for medicine have motivated me throughout my academic journey and beyond.

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

I have successfully completed a biochemistry degree which demonstrates my scientific mind and dedication to work. However, I especially enjoyed and excelled in the medically related topics. I also discovered an inclination towards medicine as a result of regular discussions about the content of the medical course with friends in medical school.

My degree has helped to train me as a better scientist but has also reinforced my interest in medical science. I have developed my interpretation skills through extensive lab work, furthered my logical and evaluative dexterity, and grasped the core concepts of biochemistry, expanding my knowledge particularly in my final year specialisms.

My final year specialisms were macromolecules in 3D, medical glycobiology, molecular basis of development and molecular basis of infection. For example, medical glycobiology allowed me to explore the complex role of cell surface glycans in human immune responses and reproduction. In the molecular basis of development, I discovered the complex stages of invertebrate and vertebrate development. In the molecular basis of infection, I was able to comprehend the complex relationship between the host and the invading organism during infection which determines the outcome and symptoms.

My final year specialisms highlighted particular aspects of medical science which interest me, including prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (HIV in particular), the role of human surface glycans in congenital disorders of metabolism and human reproduction.

I believe the knowledge and skills I have gained from my degree will help my progress through medicine. My extensive knowledge of human biochemistry provides a foundation on which to build my understanding of human medicine. My degree has also led to my development into an efficient, organised individual with excellent time management skills and the ability to independently research new areas, proven through my final year dissertation.

I have developed my IT skills through presentations and web-based work, and my communication skills through continuous assessment of presentations and seminars. My dissertation allowed me to conduct independent scientific literature research and present a broad range of information in a concise yet detailed report.

In addition to my scientific knowledge, I have also studied sociology at A-level and a philosophy module during my degree. This provides me with an interesting contrast to my scientific knowledge and social understanding.

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

I have had the opportunity to attend a number of lectures and seminars including the Royal Institution Science Study Experience conference in France and a lecture by Lord Winston on IVF treatment. I have also observed lectures by a number of sociologists including Sir Tony Benn.

I have a wide range of work experience, from teaching support to clerical to retail. I maintained a part-time position in the Harrods Toy Kingdom as a sales associate during my first two years of university. My work experience has allowed me to develop my teamwork and leadership skills whilst also providing me with the opportunity to interact with the public and children. As a result, my communication skills are excellent and I am familiar with dealing with the public in a number of situations. The most important work experience is medically related; these other roles support my good interpersonal skills.

I was active both academically and socially at university. During my first academic year, I was joint social events co-ordinator for the biochemistry society, organising guest lectures and social events for biochemistry students. In 2001/2002, I became secretary of Imperial College Indian Society (ICIS), responsible for organising social, cultural and educational events celebrating Indian culture. This role developed my ability to work with a team, act independently and make decisions on the spot.

The ICIS was also responsible for organising the annual East Meets West variety performance for over 800 people. I performed in every East Meets West show at university, ranging from singing, dancing to acting in comedy sketches. I also choreographed three performances.

In my final year, I was a resident adviser at university halls of residence, helping freshers settle into halls and university life, organising hall events and maintaining a happy environment.

My interest in singing has taken me to the Royal Albert Hall and I have competed with my school in the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year competition. I also enjoy writing poetry and have had the opportunity to read my work publicly.

I am a confident individual, possessing excellent leadership, teamwork and communication skills. I am a responsible hard worker with a natural aim for high standards and possess the qualities and determination to reach my goals and aspirations within medicine as a degree and a career.

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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