Personal Statement:Medicine 66

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Combining my interest in the sciences and my commitment to caring for others, studying medicine will give me a greater insight into the complex workings of the human body and how to apply that knowledge in ways that will be able to benefit patients and society. I fully understand that being a doctor is not just a career choice, but also a way of life which requires commitment to working my hardest and to care for people to the best of my ability.

I spent a week shadowing at a GP's surgery where I observed the workings of the practice including sitting on consultations with various GPs, observing multidisciplinary meetings and watching nurses during practice. I had the opportunity to follow a GP on home visits for the patients who have difficulty coming to the practice. I came to appreciate that the information from seeing sick patients in their own home environment can help the doctor provide the best care for the patients. Shadowing a GP has given me an insight into the life of a doctor that confirmed my choice of career as it has shown me the extent of how being a doctor can beneficially affect patients' lives. I have also had the opportunity to shadow a public health consultant in Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland for several days during the summer holidays. I observed a group of doctors and other health care professionals working together to improve the quality of health of the people in their county. While at Kilkenny I was fascinated to find that sections of my A-Level biology was linked into their work on disease control, with diseases that I covered such as tuberculosis and cholera being tracked and dealt with on a wider scale. From my time in Kilkenny I gained an insight into a different aspect of medicine and came to see that a doctor's role can be about improving the health of the community as well as the personal doctor-patient relationship.

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

While studying for my A-Level biology, I was intrigued to see direct links between the theory and practical applications witnessed during my shadowing in Kilkenny with disease control. This connection strengthened my understanding and enthusiasm for the subject as it clearly underpins medical practice. The knowledge I gained from biology has helped me appreciate the complexity of the human body and diseases.

In addition, I undertook a first aid course with St. John Ambulance where I learnt how to resuscitate and help people in cases of emergency. This practical qualification enhanced my readiness to respond in health-related situations and gave me confidence in emergency care skills.

My academic environment also provided opportunities to develop soft skills; as a Sixth Form Mentor, I have practiced counselling and advising new students, which parallels the empathy and communication skills necessary in medicine. Similarly, serving as a member of the Sixth Form committee, I have taken responsibility for organising events, developing teamwork and leadership capabilities valuable for a medical career.

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

I enjoyed volunteering for three weeks at a local care home where I served refreshments, planned activities, assisted with taking orders and served lunch to the residents. Talking and listening to the elderly made me realise that living in a care home can be quite lonely. A good listening ear and a caring attitude definitely helps to improve their quality of life, a skill that I hope to bring forward into future use as a doctor. Since last September, I have been volunteering for a charity with my local hospital where I help to serve drinks and talk with patients who may be lonely or distressed at times. In my time at the hospital I was able to observe and converse with the medical staff on the wards and noticed that being a doctor requires a high level of dedication, understanding and teamwork, exemplified in their long hours, the relationship between the doctors and other medical professionals and the dedication to building a personal rapport with all the patients on the ward.

My year working at Morrisons has increased my confidence in communicating with the public that would help me deal with a wide variety of patients. Working here has also made me understand the necessity of teamwork in a very busy environment while also being able to work independently during the late shift.

From my experiences I have come to understand that the role of a doctor is a tough and challenging one, but at the same time an enriching experience which touches the lives of not only their patients but the circle of friends, relatives and co-workers who surround the patient. It is a path that I aspire to, and will dedicate myself towards.

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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