Personal Statement:Medicine 93

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My determination to study medicine has motivated me throughout the last 4 years. I want to become a doctor because of the human dimension, the opportunity to apply my scientific ability to the diagnosis and curing of illness, or at least to ease suffering. Failure to secure a place at medical school last year disappointed me deeply, but has given me more resolve than ever.

My vocation was reinforced by two weeks' work experience at a local hospital. Time spent with a resilient young girl on dialysis especially impacted upon me how medical advances can bring happiness into people's lives. However, witnessing the communication of a cancer diagnosis provided experience of the emotional challenge in medicine. I observed that a good doctor-patient relationship can combat the frustration and panic felt by patients. While I feel capable of such empathy and composure, I hope that my training will allow me to use these qualities to equal good effect. I also saw the importance of working with fellow professionals, such as the clinic nurse, in delivering effective care.

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

Since first making paracetamol during a BA CREST project with NTU in 2008, I have taken every opportunity to extend my knowledge of medicine and clinical practice, including summer schools at the universities of Nottingham and Cambridge. A clinical skills workshop on radiology instigated my A* Extended Project, during which my opinions of the NHS regarding funding were challenged when I discovered that a lack of departmental funds could sometimes be attributed to 'compensation culture'. This and completing a module from The Open University have allowed me to sharpen the independent study skills that will be vital as a medical undergraduate. I enjoy studying at a high level and find the prospects of life-long learning, professional development and possibly teaching to particularly appeal to me about medicine.

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

My 17 months' volunteering at a hospice has given me insight into palliative care from a patient's perspective. Many patients and their families impressed me with their perseverance to enjoy life. Helping a patient with a brain tumour to paint allowed me to appreciate that basic tasks become remarkable achievements for some patients. It also stimulated my interest in neurology.

I thrive on being active. In school, I led a student research project into study support opportunities and our team presented our findings at a national conference. I was later elected Head of House and Chairman of the School Council. I have twice won The Coronation Trophy for School Citizenship in recognition of the responsibility I have assumed, the leadership I have displayed and for supporting student voice, for instance in seeking opinions and managing changes to the school uniform. Outside school I have continuing employment with Superdrug, where I have dealt with difficult customers and have learned to apply teamwork to resolve such situations. In May 2010, my entry to a national competition with NASA - an experiment to detect microbes in air - won me a place in the final 6 out of 121. To relax, I play the piano. I have played for 9 years and find it a rewarding way to express myself. I performed a piece of Chopin at the school's Awards Evening in June.

This year I am working as a teaching assistant with special educational needs pupils and continue to volunteer at the hospice - caring roles that I find very fulfilling. Meanwhile, I am studying Further Maths and English Literature to keep my mind active. Next summer, I hope to spend some time abroad in Asia volunteering, with a focus on teaching.

I am aware of the demands of a career in medicine. However, my passion for medicine outshines that for any other potential career and I that feel I must make a significant contribution to it. This being my second application, I remain in no doubt concerning my vocation and would be thrilled to take my first steps towards becoming a doctor.

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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