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Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine Personal Statement In the summer of 1998, my grandfather fell terminally ill with gastric cancer and it was at that time I came in contact with St. Mary's Hospice. This was a traumatic experience for me, I found the staff to be supportive, encouraging and extremely understanding, it was then that I decided to work as a voluntary helper at the hospice, on weekends. I spent time talking to patients, playing cards, reading to them, as well as organising fund raising events. Even though at times I found it distressing, I enjoyed my time there

I did however feel that I needed a more in depth view of Medicine to make a firm decision as to whether I would be suited to a career as a doctor. I found a placement at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Liver Unit

This experience showed me how effectively the medical profession combines its clinical and palliative duties. This was apparent when observing the junior house officer offer support to patients on taking their history. I observed the more clinical aspects such as surgery and liver biopsies too. My long-standing interest in medicine was fostered further by my placement. During my work experience it became apparent to me that medicine needs a caring, dedicated and committed approach alongside the ability to communicate with others and work as part of a team

I have a keen interest in science in general and therefore subscribe to the 'New Scientist' magazine. I especially enjoyed topics such as genetics in Biology and nuclear fission and fusion in physics and therefore read around these topics further. My enthusiasm for the subjects I studied at A level and at GCSE was rewarded by commendations from school

In the sixth form, I attended a local primary school as part of Community service. I would help supervise nine to eleven year olds, teaching arithmetic and English to children. This role was challenging yet rewarding as the children reacted positively to the individual attention

Other activities that I was involved with, inside of school was the, Debating society, which I attended regularly, discussing topics such as euthanasia, democracy and animal rights. The school magazine, 'Forward', here I worked as part of a team to write, edit and produce a termly issue comprising of a mixture of poetry, short stories, school trips and sporting achievements. My peers also voted me as one of the school prefects at the end of the lower sixth. This position of responsibility meant helping out at formal school functions and acting as an ambassador for the school

Some of the interests I pursue outside of school include reading, photography and participating in sports. I have recently enjoyed reading 'Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance' and 'Man and Boy' by Tony Parsons. However, it is the tragic irony and the compelling style of 'The Great Gatsby' that makes it one of my favourite books

Some of the places I have been to include China, Turkey and the Kaghan Valley, I enjoy travelling as it enables me to interact with different cultures and experience different values. I play Badminton and Cricket and especially enjoy going out to gigs with my friends, my favourite band is 'The Smiths'

Medicine appeals to me due to its unique combination of problem solving, teamwork and that it allows me to pursue my interest in science and combine it with my wish to care for people. I was extremely disappointed at not having achieved the results needed to get to Medical school, though, I feel that as I was ill with Glandular fever at the time, my studies did suffer. However, my ambition to read medicine has not been dampened in any way

I have contributed to school activities on a regular basis throughout my school career and I would seek to bring this participation to university life. I believe that I have qualities, which are suited to medicine, including a great level of commitment to medicine, and the ambition to become a good doctor.

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