Personal Statement:Medicine 24

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My interest in medicine comes from a number of sources. Firstly, I am fascinated by the complexity of the intricate systems in the body. The second source stems from an illness in the family (mother) which motivated me to read up on this particular illness (Sickle Cell Anaemia). This further attracted me to medicine and gave me to a desire to work in this field. I have had discussions with many doctors and their support staff, including my GP, this gave me an insight into the profession and also made me realise how valuable a doctor is as a member of the community. I have been discouraged by many people about how difficult the life of a doctor is, however this has only increased my hunger to practise medicine as I am sure that I will enjoy the challenge of such a varied and ever-developing profession.

The appeal of medicine is not attached to the glamour, wage packet or the status. My real intention is the fact that a doctor has a unique opportunity to do what no other occupation allows, the chance to save lives on a daily basis and hopefully make a difference, making it without doubt the most rewarding vocation.

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

I have completed several periods of work experience, in Birch Hill hospital I spent my time patrolling the wards offering my services to all the patients who ranged from the young to the very old. I spent a week in a Co-Op pharmacy where I helped make up the different drugs/medicines, so I learnt the use of many drugs, however there was limited contact with patients. In my community I have worked with both mentally and physically disabled patients in a nursing home which is literally at the end of my street, this was definitely the best work experience that I undertook. From this nursing home I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience; from talking to the staff I learnt about different illnesses. From spending time with the residents I became familiar with any difficult situations that arose and became acquainted with working under pressure.

My contact with the disabled has been furthered as I am currently volunteering with Gateway Leisure that runs a disco weekly for the disabled. My longest-running experience is looking after my own mother and my younger brothers (as she frequently visits the hospital), from this I have realised patience and the ability to use my own initiative. Lastly, I have shadowed 3 GPs (including my own) at Bailie Street Health Surgery which offered me insight into how an efficient clinic is run and the organisational skills required.

At school I took part in a project "Boys are Bright" that was encouraging boys to reach their full potential; this project involved co-ordinating with the manager of Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre and organising a presentation that was to be performed in front of many of Rochdale's influential people (mayor, etc). This obviously improved my communication skills and made me very confident leading to other positions of responsibility such as class representative in the student council and captain of the football/cricket team.

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

I have been an active charity worker; at the Islamic Relief Games in NEC, Birmingham, I assisted in running a stall selling books which raised money for the homeless in Bosnia.

In my spare time I like to read all types of books/literature particularly Islamic. I am intrigued by religion, causing me to do research on Medical Ethics which is of particular interest to me. As I am a Muslim, I am in the process of learning Arabic which will help me to understand the teachings of Islam. I also enjoy travelling; I have been to Pakistan where I acquired knowledge of my culture, and also I have journeyed to France and Germany and trekked up Mount Snowdon in Wales. I am a very outgoing person who likes to socialise and meet different types of people who is a valued member of any team/form. I listen to a varied range of music from thumping house to slow Indian and regularly train at the gym with friends, as well play football in a Sunday League.

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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