Personal Statement:Medicine 59

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My diagnosis with Non–Hodgkin’s Lymphoma meant that I relied on doctors to improve my health and as support for myself and people around me. Improving the health and quality of life of so many individuals are the most rewarding aspects of medicine. This is my motivation to become a doctor. I am committed to being able to combine my dedication for human science and emotion. I feel that over the last year this has grown as I have discovered more about a career in medicine and I believe it will provide me with the opportunities and challenges I thrive on.

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

At school I missed several months of GCSE work. I taught myself modules of work in various subjects studying independently. I gained skills in time management and independence that I would need in my education and career. I pursue performing arts in college, taking part in the annual productions. Playing the piano detaches me from my studies and I have attained Grade Six, though finding time to play is challenging.

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

I have spent time on a stroke rehabilitation ward. I found this physically and emotionally challenging, due to the long days and the reality of seeing patients who have suffered a stroke. I assisted taking a patient’s history and I began to understand more about the patient’s feelings and how they wished to be treated. My communication skills were tested as stroke patients can find hearing and understanding information difficult. Teamwork is vital between members of staff, they must each realise their roles in the care of the patient and when this happens the care of the patient improves. Communication between staff also matters greatly; a patient can progress faster when everyone is informed of the care plan. Witnessing the dedication of the doctors on the ward, and as a patient, has inspired me to become part of such a devoted team.

I have been volunteering at a hospital for nine months. I work on an orthopaedic ward serving food, drinks and assisting in non-medical tasks. I can speak to patients and this allows me to regard them as people rather than medical problems. I can see the other side of a doctor’s job; the mundane jobs have not put me off because it is necessary for the care of the patient.

I have the St John Ambulance Young Life Savers Award; learning basic emergency medicine was interesting and it is a practical skill to have. I work in a National Trust café; the job is varied like the people you meet and I find this makes it a fascinating place to work. When it is busy the pressure to keep customers happy adds excitement.

I take an active role as an elected member of the college council and charity committee. I relish representing my peers as it is important that young people are given the chance to speak out. The charity committee organises events in college to raise money for various causes. This year I am organising a bone marrow donation clinic. As a patient I saw many children who lost their battle to cancer when they did not receive a transplant. I am going on an Operation Wallacea expedition to South Africa to survey biodiversity. Time and imagination are needed to devise and hold as many fundraisers as possible.

For the past three years I have been junior representative of a youth theatre. I am also an assistant teacher for junior and infant dance classes. Both roles allow me to interact with children of all ages, this requires responsibility and allows me to act on behalf of others to make changes for the better. It allows me to develop my interpersonal, communication and leadership skills and my commitment has won me awards. Working with others to create an enjoyable performance gives me great satisfaction.

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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