Hello guys,I read another guy's personal statement on another thread and I thought that by posting mine on this forum,it might help out some of the guys out there who are applying through UCAS for medicine.Before that,I must say that this statement is very far from perfect, although I did try my best and I would welcome any criticism or praise you guys might have.
For me,the decision to hang a stethoscope around my neck is based on facts,reality and experience rather than just passion for the profession.My childhood admiration for doctors grew into a burning curiosity that prodded me to question doctors who treated me on their work and life.They answered almost similarly.The hours are tedious,the job demands time from family and during the formative years,the pay will not buy a Mercedes. This impressed upon me the reality of the profession which did not put me off medicine but rather, stood as a challenge that beckoned me to accept.To gain insight,I started reading The Free Medical Journals Site,MedBioWorld Medical Journals and the online British Medical Journals which introduced me the global trend of the medicine world. I was hooked.
Matured by the reality of medicine,I sought to deepen my understanding of the profession. Recently,I underwent a 5-day clinical attachment program in the Subang Jaya Medical Centre and observed endoscopies, colonoscopies ,biopsies, angioplasties, cardiograms, pharmaceutical procedures and learnt how the laboratory and diagnostic equipment function. Although I will never claim that I know all about being a doctor,the experience made me realize what to expect of the profession and what the profession expects of me.Happily,I was awarded a full government medical scholarship this year.
I observed that apart from a genuine care for patients, interpersonal communication skills,ability to remain calm and willingness to work under pressure are prerequisites for doctors,attributes that saw me through 5 successful years of secondary school.The post of Secretary for the 5th Petaling Scout Troop,Interact Club and Handball Club trained me to handle paperwork meticulously (another skill important to doctors!).Being Secretary also enhanced my ability to communicate and pay attention to the minute details that others often miss.Also,last June,I led a team of 5 students to become champions in the Annual Young Entrepreneurs Challenge in Singapore and win a cash prize of RM 3150.We were to present and market a business idea to Managing Directors and CEOs who judged the event.This challenged my ability to perform under near-impossible deadlines,delegate tasks to my team-mates according to their strengths and respond to criticism constructively.This culminated my other participations which included organizing scout campfires,installations and fund-raising activities,all of which had an average attendance of 300.This events made me a better organized person with the stamina to work longer hours.
Having observed the mechanisms of a hospital, I realize how the services of hospitals can be improved through the merging of information technology and conventional medical procedures in the new field of telemedicine which can lighten workload and shorten response time for medical staff.Thus,my long-term goal is to establish my very own telemedical hospital, something non-existent in Malaysia
After a hard day,I relax by playing table-soccer and reading novels (Harry Potter!) .I also have a gift for writing and public speaking.Recently this year,I was 1 of 8 finalists in the National Public Speaking Competition sponsored by The Star and I am pursuing the title of Competent Toastmaster under Toastmasters International.
I cannot deny that I will make mistakes,but I will always pick myself up and keep on learning,forever keeping in sight my true purpose in life and never forgetting that I shall,in a way, owe my career to a stranger who read my personal statement and became convinced of my commitment.I thank you in anticipation of a favourable reply.