Personal Statement:Medicine 62

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

It was on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award my long term desire to read medicine was cemented; my friend had a sudden drop in blood pressure. We were on the side of Helvellyn in the snow so we wrapped him up and immediately called the Mountain Rescue Division. While we waited anxiously a passing general practitioner offered her help; this woman undoubtedly saved my friend's life. Her professional attitude and the care she displayed were beyond comparison, I wanted to aspire to show the same qualities in my medical future. We worked as a team to return his pulse to normal and stayed alongside as the Mountain Rescue Division stabilised his blood pressure. Both the passing doctor and the Mountain Rescue team displayed the true nature of what a medical professional should be and I believe I have what it takes to do the same. I know I can display all the skills needed as a medical professional; empathy, compassion, professionalism, excellence in communication, intelligence and the ability to work under pressure.

Furthermore my research into the field has only deepened my desire to follow this career; I decided to arrange work experience at Weston Park hospital with Professor Barry Hancock and spent a week there as well as a week in the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. I experienced clinics, radiology, chemotherapy and the cancer support unit. I learnt a lot about how to communicate with patients, specifically those with terminal illnesses. Furthermore I experienced the variety of treatments that can be used on cancers. Moreover I have had 8 months experience in a local Residential home for the elderly; this taught me a great deal in communication, specifically communicating with patients that could be hard to communicate with. My combined experience has opened my eyes to the intense commitment, genuine passion and depth of knowledge the medical field requires and furthermore the difference doctors and nurses can make emotionally, physically and mentally to their patients. This insight confirmed my already passionate desire to read medicine and convinced me I had the caring attitude and determination to do so. I also realise that not all aspects of Medicine are glamorous; long hours, tough decisions and financial troubles can trouble a medic however I feel I can take these in my stride and overcome the difficulties.

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

I feel I can rise to display all the skills needed by a medical professional and furthermore show the dedication required to succeed. I wish to follow in the footsteps of the doctors and nurses I have shadowed on experience and will do everything I can to do so. Reading medicine will be tough and require vast amounts of determination and I look forward to facing the challenges it will bring.

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

Sports and music have been a big part of my life; during my high school years I played rugby for Wisbech Rugby Club, however I had to leave last season due to an injured right knee. Moreover, I have an Open Water Scuba Diving license which I gained in Egypt and I ski with my family regularly in France. Throughout my GCSE years I played saxophone in the school concert band and for the past six years I have played Guitar and Bass guitar and often accompany my father in local pubs. All of these instruments and sports have improved my co-ordination and have helped broaden my interests.

I have a seat on the student council looking after income for the council and played a role in conversation with the school committee about issues within the school as well as being responsible for the main source of income for the council. I have also tried to read around modern issues in the field of medicine often in New Scientist and the Guardian Online.

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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