Personal Statement:Medicine 50

Medicine Personal Statement

The development, diagnosis and treatment of disease intrigue me. I firmly believe that my thirst for knowledge fits well with the life-long learning nature of medicine, and I find its immense diversity really exciting.

Over the last year, I have been fortunate enough to organise long-term voluntary work in a hospital. In Paediatrics, I admired the ability of medical staff to ensure that the children and their families felt calm and relaxed, as I understand that it can be a distressing time for relatives too.

In contrast, volunteering in respiratory medicine allowed me to be more 'hands-on'. I had the opportunity to observe ward rounds with a team of doctors but I mainly assisted the nurses and healthcare assistants to care for the patients, being able to appreciate the multi-disciplinary approach that is so effective in today's NHS. This contact gave me a vivid insight into the demanding task of administering basic care to patients, yet I enjoyed being able to make a personal difference. I am glad I gained a balanced and realistic experience, as it has made me appreciate some of the harsh realities faced by doctors in their work.

In my two weeks of work experience in Orthopaedics and Cardiology I accessed a range of environments, such as outpatient clinics, wards and the operating theatre. I especially enjoyed observing surgery, though it was surreal to reflect that I was looking at the inside of a patient that I had been talking to not long before. Another highlight was when I was able to follow a cardiology patient from when she was admitted to her discharge. It was very rewarding to see the progression throughout her time in hospital as a doctor would. Also, I completed a week in General Practice, where I experienced the interaction between doctor and patient in primary care, and recently I started voluntary work in a school for disabled children.

In Biology, I am particularly interested in genetics. In recent research, patients with Leber's congenital amaurosis, an inherited blindness caused by an abnormal gene, have experienced an improvement in vision after trial operations where the normal gene is inserted into the retina. I appreciate the ethical issues related to such testing, but I think it is a promising discovery that will hopefully lead to other advances in medicine to benefit patients in the future. In French, I am exploring ethics further by writing an essay on euthanasia.

I read the Student BMJ and New Scientist to widen my knowledge of science and medicine, and I like related literature such as "Trust me, I'm a Junior Doctor" by Max Pemberton. I found this entertaining and helpful in confirming an accurate idea of life as a foundation year doctor, having met some myself.

Outside of my studies, I have many interests which help me to relax and deal with stress constructively. Martial Arts has enabled me to gain high levels of self-discipline, confidence and motivation. I find playing the saxophone enjoyable as it helps me to express emotions creatively, and encourages manual dexterity and perseverance, all of which I understand to be important in medicine. I have also completed a course in British Sign Language, helping me to appreciate non-verbal communication.

I am a natural leader and I love working with people; the Duke of Edinburgh Silver award has shown me the significance of determination and good teamwork in difficult situations. The interpersonal skills I have learnt from this are also reflected in my former role of Head Girl at my large state school, as are other qualities such as diligence and responsibility.

It would be a privilege to work in such a worthwhile profession as medicine. It has always been my career focus and I believe I have the right qualities to enable me to become a good doctor. I realise a career in medicine will often be challenging, however this only inspires me further as I know I will thrive on the satisfaction it brings.

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