Personal Statement:Medicine 81

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

A combination of real life events and personal beliefs has made me determined to become a doctor. At the age of twelve I designed a torch which to my amazement won me a semi final place in the national AUDI Technology Awards. I was invited to the Audi factory and the visit made me realise the life changing impact that well developed technology can have on mankind. As I gained more knowledge in biological sciences applying technology to health care intrigued me. I have also been fortunate to observe society in a developing country and to compare and contrast it with a developed one. The prevailing poverty and sickness and the need for well organised health care to change society becomes startlingly obvious.

A life changing moment was when my father nearly succumbed to Tuberculosis. Determined to learn more about the disease, I embarked on some research which led to an experiment under the guidance of my teacher. My team was able to represent my school at the CREST award based on the results of this project. We won the silver category for Scotland. It earned us the honour of representing Scotland at a national level. The experience of meeting scientists young and old from all over the country will forever remain in my memory. Apart from giving me confidence in communicating to an audience, this project has given me the confidence to pursue innovative ideas in the hope that one day these ideas will make a real difference to humanity.

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

I have had great success in my academics gaining the maximum eight grade1s in intermediate 2 and all five Aband1s in the higher exams. Emphasis on hard work, planning and goal setting has paid great dividends.

Whilst pursuing my studies, I started volunteering in Rachel house a hospice for children. This was my very first foray into helping people much less able then me. I started work in the kitchens and came into contact with terminally ill children and their carers. I have learned to admire the fortitude displayed by the children and their parents in trying circumstances. I have observed the kindness and affection shown by the staff and the enormous impact it has on the patients and carers. This summer I have extended my role and helped in planning activities for the children. I want to keep contributing to this well organised institution and consider it a privilege. The impact of professional care on the ill was further reinforced when my frail granddad was nursed at home with the help of doctors, nurses and carers. But for their kindness and care my grandfather’s last days would have been unbearable.

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

I have acquired some firsthand experience of communicating with patients. I shadowed doctors for two weeks in St Martha’s hospital, Bangalore, India in the summer of 2008. As I am bilingual I was able to freely communicate with patients being treated for Tuberculosis, AIDS and other diseases. Although emotionally draining, the experience taught me to relate to patients in a sensitive manner. The overwhelming need to provide health care from the very basic to the very complex was very apparent. On my return I decided to enrol myself in a First Aid course, so that I could be of help in a crisis.

For the summer of 2009, I approached my local NHS hospital for some exposure to hospital medicine. I was offered a week of shadowing during which I spent time in Renal ward ICU, HDU, dermatology, general medicine etc. I came out with the impression that hospital medicine was interesting, hectic and very rewarding. The most exciting experience was when I saw a stone being removed from the gall bladder with the help of a scope. The doctors made me aware of the wide range of opportunities to apply skill and knowledge with the help of technology. The variety of people and patients I met taught me the importance of communicating at several levels. During the same period I was interviewed successfully for a volunteering post in the hospital.

I arranged to visit a local GP practice. I felt the emphasis on community care as soon as I saw the mother and baby clinic. The role of the GP was further brought home when I visited a patient crippled with MS for several years, leading a life with the help of carers and the GP. I learnt from the doctor that being a GP meant that a lot of time and patience was devoted to addressing the needs of a variety of patients. However a good work life balance was achievable despite the demands.

My sense of fun and adventure made me participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award. It was refreshing to enjoy the company of good friends in very natural settings. There wasn’t a dull moment during these trips, but the importance of team work and organisation was keenly felt. I am really proud to have participated in this venture. I am always mindful of academic pursuits and the commitment it entails, but made time to learn playing the violin and some martial arts. I always enjoy swimming and cycling but cross country running has never been my idea of fun! Furthermore, being a fundraiser in the school yearbook committee has broadened my organisation skills and my ability to meet deadlines. Being a school prefect has allowed me to enhance my leadership qualities in helping the younger children at my school.

Grades achieved:

• maximum eight grade1s in intermediate 2
• all five Aband1s in the higher exams

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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