Personal Statement:Medicine 32

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Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine combines everything which I want in my career - teamwork and leadership, the application of scientific knowledge, lifelong learning, and the opportunity to use my abilities to help others. I have a great passion for the related subjects at school - scoring the top mark in my AS class, both in Chemistry, and in Biology, in which I scored over 99%. I look forward to extending my scientific knowledge, relating it specifically to human physiology and anatomy, and to the practical aspects of a medical career.

For my work experience, I went to the fracture clinic in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. There, I shadowed a consultant orthopaedist, noticing how each member of staff was part of an integrated team, as doctors interacted with other clinicians, the hospital laboratory and even sources on the internet in order to diagnose a rare bacterial infection in a patient's femurs. I also accompanied another orthopaedic surgeon into theatre where I closely observed a number of surgical procedures taking place. To see a skilled surgeon at work is an enthralling experience, and it truly hardened my resolve to become a doctor. Finally, I spent a few days shadowing dentists in a dental surgery, finding that those aspects of the job in which I was interested were only those which paralleled medicine - e.g. x-rays and anaesthesia.

I am a strong independent learner and taught myself web design and programming from an early age; financial reporting software which I created is in daily use by many companies - some with annual turnovers in 8 figures. Working on these projects, I need to carefully plan my work - multitasking across several projects at once, ensuring that work is prioritised, and completed efficiently, and all the time liaising with others, working as a team to a deadline and a budget: skills which will surely serve me well as a doctor.

At school I am involved in quiz teams, a traditional music group and charities such as the St Vincent de Paul society, which raises money and food hampers for the local needy, and has given me a greater insight into medicine: through it I make regular visits to a local nursing home to engage and play games with residents. This small act requires little effort, but makes a big difference to the lives of the residents, and is a great pleasure. In 2006, I was chosen to be part of the School Aid Romania team from our school. On the trip, we visited a children's hospital and tuberculosis clinic, and homes for children and young adults with severe disabilities. As my sister has Down's syndrome, it was a harrowing experience to see the disgusting conditions under which countless children with similar circumstances were forced to live, and one which has further inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.

Outside of school, I have a passion for reading and correspondence, which I feed with my Russian penpal, and for music. Through music I have made many friends, played live on the radio, for a CD, and in concert with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, in Glasgow. After only 3 years of playing traditional music, I was chosen by the club's management, over more senior members, to teach children in their second year of tuition. I found it immensely rewarding to work with young people, and see the improvement in their playing brought about by my efforts. I enjoy using my skills to help others and get a great sense of self-worth from knowing that the talents I use at work can be used for the benefit of others. For example, I used my web design abilities to create a website for a local Special Educational Needs school, and sold websites to local companies to raise money for School Aid Romania.

I believe I have the ability, dedication, empathy and resolve to make a great doctor. I am caring, earnest and can keep my cool in stressful situations. I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with open arms, a willingness to sacrifice and a thirst to prove myself.

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