Personal Statement:Medicine personal statement 118

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Medicine is the perfect combination of the sciences, the challenges of problem-solving and the constant interaction with people. One of the things that excites me most about medicine is its rapid evolution and the constant development of new treatments. I have experienced this first-hand, watching the transformation of my mother’s rheumatoid arthritis, developing from an extremely debilitating to an almost unnoticeable condition thanks to new biological therapies. I enjoy reading about recent scientific events and keeping my wider knowledge up to date, as well as listening to the variety of science programmes on Radio 4. I follow health stories from the BBC which give me a better understanding of world-wide medical issues and subsequently read the student BMJ to find more detail on the subject. I started investigating a career in medicine when I was 14 and attended a course at Watford Hospital which gave me my first insight into the medical profession and the opportunities available. I went on to complete two courses last year which provided me with a better understanding of the pathway to becoming a doctor and the qualities and skills required to become a successful practitioner.

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

In Year 10, I arranged work experience in a veterinary laboratory where I tested samples for infection, isolated and cultured bacteria and helped to diagnose illnesses. I observed some of the fundamental processes that support the work of the clinicians at the forefront of medicine.

Earlier this year, I organised a week of work experience at St George’s A&E. Whilst there, I experienced the day-to-day life of a doctor and witnessed the importance of communication and teamwork between all levels of staff and departments. One patient was taken into the resuscitation unit after passing out on the street due to alcohol intoxication, with a heart rate of over 250bpm. I was struck by the efficiency and professionalism of the multi-disciplinary team that worked to stabilise the patient and the care and consideration that they showed for his well-being.

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

In August, I volunteered for Vitalise, a charity that provides respite care for people with disabilities. I thoroughly enjoyed the week and learnt the nuances of communicating with people with certain disabilities and the daily problems that they encounter. I also volunteer weekly in a care home for the elderly, conversing with the residents and making cups of tea; I realise the value of this work as many of the residents have few visitors and love the opportunity of having someone different to talk to.

School life has always been important to me and I frequently help out with events and activities, leading to my selection as Senior Prefect. I am Project Manager within the sustainability group, working to raise its profile and introduce more sustainable equipment. I was a member of Scouts for seven years and then became a young leader for two, regularly running and leading activities at the meetings. This required me to work effectively as part of a team of adults and amongst children, skills that are essential for every doctor. My roots as a scout have inevitably led to my participation in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme; I am currently working towards my Gold Award.

I began pole vaulting in Year 7 and now train three times a week and compete at national level. This has necessitated excellent time management skills to enable me to continue competing whilst maintaining a strong academic record.

My fascination with the workings of the most complex machine that is the human body, from the intricacies of cellular respiration to the complex structure of the human brain, has left me with no doubt that I want to learn more about the problems that it can encounter and how to address them. The variety of experiences I have gained through working with people of all ages and from all backgrounds, as well as my investigations into the profession, have cemented my wish to study Medicine.

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.