Free Example of a Medicine Personal Statement
Below is an example of a before and after version of a ficticious personal statement for medical school.
‘Before’ version
I have always been fascinated by medicine so I would really like the chance to study it at university. My father and grandfather are both respected doctors and my ambition is to hold a similarly highly regarded position in the community.
I have thoroughly enjoyed studying A levels in Biology, Physics and Chemistry and I also enjoy reading other books about developments in science and I believe I will enjoy studying medicine at University. To explore the subject further I have been to the Med-Link conference at Manchester University in 2005 and Med-Sim at Nottingham University in 2006.
I have also taken on some work experience in a range of medical areas. I started in 2003 working at Hope House near Reading, which is a residential school for disabled children. I worked there every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon for two years during term-time. Last summer, I went with a group to Ireland for a week to work in a hospice as a volunteer looking after some of the patients there. This was a very demanding experience but it did not discourage me, rather it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I plan to return next year. I have also recently started a permanent position as a ward volunteer at Reading District General Hospital. I have also discussed my future career with family members who work in medicine, and I am confident that I am well suited to this career.
I am a keen member of the school science club and I am also captain of the football team, which has won several local tournaments. Playing football and supporting my favourite team, Arsenal, at matches both home and away has given me the chance to meet new people and develop skills in teamworking and leadership. I have also been involved in other extra curricular activities through completing the Duke of Edinbrugh silver award. I am also a senior prefect. Art is another hobby of mine, and I like to visit various art galleries in my holidays. I love travelling and I have been to Canada, the USA, France, Italy and Spain. For this reason, I jumped at the chance of a gap year, and I will be working in Britain for six months before I set off travelling.
Character Count: 2,153
‘After' version
A career in medicine appeals to me as it combines my enjoyment of science with my desire to contribute towards improving the health and well being of people. As several of my relatives are doctors I have benefited from discussions with them about the realities of a medical career, highlighting both the challenges and the rewards.
At school I have found the practical elements of my science subjects particularly fascinating; for example, learning how to use new equipment and materials during experiments. Within Biology I have especially enjoyed learning about the functions of the human body and how different organs behave in health and in disease. Keeping up to date with advances and breakthroughs in medical science is another keen interest of mine, and I regularly read journals such as New Scientist and BMJ. As a member of the school science club I always look forward to the opportunity to discuss relevant current issues. For example, we had a lively debate about the recent MRSA problems and what might be done to improve the situation; recently, I gave a short presentation on human stem cell cloning. I am really looking forward to learning more about the ethical issues relating to medical advances during my degree course. Attending the Medlink and Medsim conferences was a valuable way to raise my awareness of what training and a career in medicine will involve, including the need for commitment to the continual updating of my skills and knowledge.
A long-term part time placement at a residential school for disabled children introduced me to the basics of providing personal care and the need for a sensitive and empathic approach when talking to patients and their families. This was useful experience for a subsequent position at a hospice in Ireland during which my duties were to befriend and chat to elderly patients. Here I learnt from the nurses about issues such as patient confidentiality and autonomy. My time at the hospice was particularly intense as many of the patients were suffering from mental illnesses associated with cancer. However, I felt inspired by the caring approaches shown by the staff and overall the experience reinforced my commitment towards contributing to this field. Recently, I have obtained a weekend position as a ward volunteer at my local general hospital. This has been invaluable in giving me an understanding of how a hospital is run and the functions of the different members of a medical team. My duties so far have involved helping to serve meals, assisting with the personal care of the more mobile patients, and helping with clerical duties in the ward reception area.
In my leisure time I enjoy sport, particularly tennis and football. Captaining my school football team, which has won several local tournaments, has hugely helped me in developing strengths in leadership and teamwork. Completing the Duke of Edinburgh silver award gave me the opportunity to learn a range of new skills, including playing the piano and organising fund raising events. As a senior prefect I am responsible for organising the duties of other prefects; I also assist teachers in supervising lower school pupils at mealtimes and breaktimes. My gap year-during which I intend to travel around South East Asia - will help equip me to live independently and prepare me for the transition between home and university life. Working in a supermarket for six months before leaving will enable me to save the money required and I am confident that a year out of education will be a maturing experience for me.
In conclusion, I am a self-motivated, enthusiastic and determined student who enjoys close interaction with people. I feel prepared for the demands and challenges that a medical career entails. I look forward to the opportunity to read Medicine, in order both to fulfil my ambition of becoming a doctor and to serve the community.
