Personal Statement:Medicine 200

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Medicine combines a practical application of science with personal care, which appeals to me as I aspire to use science to help people directly. I find medicine exciting because it is so diverse and always changing: as it evolves in response to advances in research, I know I will be stimulated throughout my career. I appreciate that medicine offers teaching opportunities in addition to clinical work, as I currently enjoy teaching as a class assistant. After studying moral philosophy, I attended a medical ethics symposium which discussed sex-selective abortion, placebos and euthanasia. I found these moral dilemmas intriguing and so read further on ethics. I enjoyed writing an essay on asthma for a school competition, which led me to independently research the condition's pathophysiology and treatment in detail.

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

Completing a First Aid course showed me the urgency of real medical emergencies and fuelled an interest in diagnosis, as many afflictions share the same symptoms. I arranged varied medical work experience to learn more: as part of this I shadowed a research team who were testing the use of dexamethasone to control problem periods. The team's use of their knowledge to solve a prevalent issue was inspiring. Teamwork and communication were key to the best practice, as I saw in a multi-disciplinary ward meeting. Flexibility was shown to be important in A&E, as I moved quickly from a patient with a broken wrist to one in cardiac arrest. This patient died, and the doctor had to move onto his next case without a pause, requiring significant clinical detachment. However, the doctor was simultaneously empathetic when he comforted the patient's wife, showing me that doctors carry responsibilities that extend beyond their patients and must act professionally in bleak situations. I was moved by my time at a GP clinic due to the astonishing level of trust between patients and doctors; a patient revealed his alcoholism, making it clear his GP was his only confidant. This showed me that patient confidentiality is crucial to a strong patient-doctor relationship.

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

I have worked with people of diverse backgrounds and ages. Residential volunteering at a disabled holiday centre widened my communication skills, as I catered to people with varied levels of disability in a short time. I was completely responsible for a guest on each day trip, so I ensured I was constantly alert and aware of my guest's needs. With WRVS, I sell newspapers to patients who have difficulty speaking. I am always compassionate and patient when helping them. Feeding and chatting to residents at an Alzheimer's care home exposed me to the effects of dementia. I befriended a resident who was often confused and distressed. Despite her reluctance to interact, I always took the time to calm her down and eventually gained her trust. I find similar satisfaction when teaching: the difficulty of coaxing an unwilling child to learn is nothing compared to the reward of helping them improve.

In my leisure time, I enjoy co-editing and writing for the school newspaper. This allows me to both lead and participate in a team, as does my role in the yearbook committee. Performing in dance shows and with choir has boosted my confidence, as have public speaking competitions. The Gold DofE expedition was proof of my determination and enthusiasm, as a group member fell ill and we had to move campsite many times, once walking three kilometres to do so. After my experiences, I have gained insight into the hard work and sacrifice required for a medical career. I have faced setbacks: I was initially rejected by WRVS due to my age and had to call a care home for months before I was accepted. However, I did not let these obstacles deter me from my goal. Due to my diligence and tenacity, I believe I will succeed in medicine.

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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