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Personal Statement:Medicine 71

This is a real Medicine personal statement written by a student for their university application. It has been carefully edited into the new three-question format, with all of the original wording kept. It may have strengths and weaknesses, but it can be used as inspiration for writing your own UCAS personal statement. Ensure your personal statement is entirely your own work, copying from this example or other sources is considered plagiarism and can affect your application. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements.

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

In Jonathan Kaplan’s book; “The Dressing Station”, he gives a touching and detailed description of his life as a medical student through to becoming a war surgeon. His narration emphasises some of the qualities of a good doctor; empathetic, self-motivated, able to make sound decisions and able to communicate effectively. This, together with my two-week work experience during which I shadowed an anaesthetic has given me a realistic idea of what is involved in the medical profession. And I believe that my experiences, coupled with my desire to help people and interest in biology and chemistry have developed the needed skills for me to be a good doctor.

I know that I have the commitment, work ethic, ambition and discipline to be an excellent doctor, and I would relish the opportunity to start the process of becoming one. I know that it will be a massive commitment, and that I am dedicating years of my life to this end. However, I know that this is my goal, and that I have the academic and intellectual skills, the interpersonal skills, and the necessary energy levels to make a real success of this, as my chosen career. I want to use my skills and expertise to make a real difference to peoples lives, and give them the high quality medical care and attention that they deserve.

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

I enjoyed chemistry, especially the organic units because I was fascinated by the structure of carbon and how it played a role in its versatility in being able to form so many different compounds with very different chemical properties. I also enjoyed learning about Aspirin and how its active ingredient was produced synthetically based on the active ingredient present in the willow bark tree. Studying physics and mathematics enhanced my problem solving abilities. I enjoyed the application of physics to medical and biological settings, for instance, in the making of equipment like the PET scanners which have proven so useful in the study of the brain and how it functions. Via biology I have gained a better understanding of human anatomy and the role of genetics and evolution on the human species-something I find rather fascinating.

Since completing my A-levels last summer, I have been employed in St Mary’s Children’s Hospital as a healthcare assistant on an orthopaedic ward. I work together with the other health-care staff in ensuring that patients are well cared for and in a conducive environment by assisting with feeding, sanitation, mobility and medication. This has been an eye-opener to me in that I have worked with the different hospital staff and learnt to appreciate what they do. It has taught me the importance of working together effectively as part of a team, and the contribution each person makes to make sure the hospital functions smoothly.

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

In preparation for a degree in Medicine, I will continue to work at the St. Mary’s Hospital. I will continue volunteering with St. Johns Ambulance as a first aider because I enjoy the insight it gives me into ailments and their possible prognosis and the measures that can be taken to reduce fatalities. It has also enhanced my communication skills. I will also be working with a voluntary organisation called the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre which is affiliated to the Hope Hospital in Manchester, an organisation which aims to help individuals recover from brain and spinal injuries using a more holistic approach. Their services include providing patients with a gym, offering music lessons, aromatherapy and assisting individuals who would like to go back to work after a brain injury. I will be assisting with mobility on and off the gym equipments and teaching music classes.

Aside from working at the hospital, I have been teaching a group of primary and high school children as part of an ‘Aim Higher’ programme. The scheme which is aimed at improving their skills in mathematics and science has enhanced my ability to empathise with people. It has allowed me to appreciate their thoughts and to empathise with them. I have also worked with Connexions for the past eight months, trying to encourage young people to participate more fully in physical activities, and to follow healthy lifestyles.

AI generated feedback

This feedback is AI-generated, based on the text of this personal statement:

This personal statement clearly demonstrates a strong motivation for studying medicine, grounded in both literary inspiration and practical work experience. The inclusion of specific examples from the applicant's academic subjects and hands-on roles adds valuable detail and shows well-rounded preparation. To strengthen this statement for the 2026 admissions cycle, the applicant could improve cohesion further by explicitly linking their qualifications and experiences more clearly to skills needed in the medical profession. Additionally, addressing any future learning goals or anticipated challenges in the course would provide more forward-looking insight and maturity. Overall, the statement has a sincere and authentic tone aligned with best practices for the new UCAS personal statement format.

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.

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