Personal Statement:Medicine 57

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

“You, as doctors, will be in a position to see the human race stark naked - not only physically, but mentally and morally as well.” Martin H. Fischer. No other career provides an environment where one can relieve suffering whilst also being able to research and apply technology at the forefront of the scientific world. The rewards and demands are unique to this career and thus so captivating to me.

Spending time in several departments shadowing I had the opportunity discuss with Consultants and junior doctors about life as doctor. I have a family background in medicine and appreciate the strain it has on the family if anything. There isn’t always a happy ending for the patient or the doctor and it is physically and emotionally straining. The career allows a great deal of freedom depending on your interests allowing to both spend time in the clinic and doing research in the laboratory, keeping the work varied and interesting. The responsibilities and pressure are there but to be able to see exhausted F1s taking it on the cheek and making sure that they have done everything that is physically possible was awe-inspiring. I attended a lecture by the head of surgery at St Mary’s and his life story as a surgeon proved that this career enables one to travel and do a great deal of good whilst also enjoy the fruits of ones labours, it offers a security where you are able to provide for you family and are protected in society to a degree.

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

I try to keep up to date with the latest scientific news reading New Scientist and BMJ whenever I come by an issue. I am particularly interested in the treatment for strokes and research into rehabilitation such as advanced speech therapy using computer software. After meeting Professor Nadey Hakim I have also spent some time on organ transplantation and the key ethical issues over organ donors.

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

As a prefect I have responsibilities to ensure there is a good example set for the lower school. I spent a year at a primary school nearby working as a mentor. I have represented the school in the Model United Nations, Volleyball team as well as the CCF. I am the chairman of the Science Society, organising lectures and debates, and play an active role in the Newman society. These responsibilities have developed my team-work, leadership, communication, organisational skills as well as having instilled confidence in my abilities. Outside of school I am a qualified first-aider with St John’s ambulance; I go regularly on duties and am eager to learn as much as possible. I spent 3 weeks in Transylvania on a work project in the town of Targu Murés. I am currently completing the Amalfi challenge through St John’s, which is a programme for personal development.

These have been humbling experiences as they were very physically demanding but also very rewarding and have shown me the importance of empathy and patience when working to help others.

I consider myself a budding film director and have learnt to manage my time and budget to produce a number of small projects. I am a determined, dedicated and loyal individual who is eager to learn and to make real difference to the lives of others. Despite the challenges I will face my experiences have only strengthened my desire to endeavour, if I stumble I have the acuity and flexibility to change and achieve.

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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