Personal Statement:Medicine111384

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

An anatomy exhibition gave me insight into the complexity of the human body: even the simplest of actions require a number of different organ systems and chemical processes. From immune responses triggered by foreign antigens to cholinesterase preventing over stimulation of certain neural pathways, it seems as if nature has equipped us with a vast array of natural mechanisms to ensure our survival. Being able to understand and apply these tools has formed both the basis of modern medicine and my reason for wanting to become a doctor.

I regularly read medical news and with the increasing coverage on NHS cost cutting, attended a lecture on the future of the NHS and the rationing of services. This interested me because guidelines such as NICE will have an impact on who is allowed treatment in the future; a more private healthcare system seems to be the government's preferred solution to ease the recent cost pressures on the NHS.

In light of the aforementioned points, I feel that I am able to work well within a team whilst maintaining a high level of subject knowledge. My experience alongside both junior doctors and consultants taught me that being a doctor is a challenging and rewarding career throughout, complementing my interests in both problem solving and science.

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

Undertaking an extended project regarding the prospects of nanotechnology with regard to deep space exploration has taught me how to effectively research a topic and gain a critical insight into it. It focuses on both medical and physical issues encountered in space and how they can be overcome. I read "How we die" by S. Nuland, which captivated me because it scientifically explains the results of certain diseases such as HIV and discusses current ethical issues such as euthanasia. He focuses on the fact that different diseases may fabricate in different ways and therefore patients may not appear with textbook symptoms, warranting a doctor's own judgement.

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

My work experience placement shadowing a consultant surgeon gave me an insight into the daily tasks of a hospital doctor but more importantly, the fact that no two days are the same. I witnessed many surgical procedures which enabled me to grasp the importance of being able to work well under pressure and within a team, two skills which I have developed through regularly representing my school's 2nd XV in rugby. My second placement involved shadowing a neuro-rehabilitation consultant. This was different to the first placement as the main aim of the treatment was to improve a person's quality of life as opposed to curing them. This was exemplified via the intensive care of a tetraplegic patient suffering from transverse myelitis. Medical technology enabled him to gain a sense of independence through the use of portable ventilators, thereby allowing for mobility outside of the hospital. This highlighted the importance of aftercare and within this setting it was interesting to see the symbiotic relationship amongst members of the multidisciplinary team.

The ability to communicate effectively is a key skill for a doctor due to the fact that patients may have different levels of literacy, yet still need to understand their course of treatment. I have developed these skills via a trip to India where I worked with children who suffered from sensory deprivation and mental disabilities, improving my ability to work within a team and communicate with disabled children. Furthermore, I volunteer at a hospital for patients with orthopaedic injuries, where I interact with children suffering from various bone injuries. Being part of the school's workshop program, teaching the sciences to pupils in the lower school, is both enjoyable whilst fairly challenging at the same time since some children don't enjoy the subject. My school duties extend to being a senior prefect, whereby I am a role model for younger students. This has developed my leadership and teamwork skills, both of which are vital for 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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