Personal Statement:Medicine 71

Medicine Personal Statement

In Jonathan Kaplan’s book; “The Dressing Station”, he gives a touching and detailed description of his life as a medical student through to becoming a war surgeon. His narration emphasises some of the qualities of a good doctor; empathetic, self-motivated, able to make sound decisions and able to communicate effectively. This, together with my two-week work experience during which I shadowed an anaesthetic has given me a realistic idea of what is involved in the medical profession. And I believe that my experiences, coupled with my desire to help people and interest in biology and chemistry have developed the needed skills for me to be a good doctor.

Since completing my A-levels last summer, I have been employed in St Mary’s Children’s Hospital as a healthcare assistant on an orthopaedic ward. I work together with the other health-care staff in ensuring that patients are well cared for and in a conducive environment by assisting with feeding, sanitation, mobility and medication. This has been an eye-opener to me in that I have worked with the different hospital staff and learnt to appreciate what they do. It has taught me the importance of working together effectively as part of a team, and the contribution each person makes to make sure the hospital functions smoothly.

I enjoyed chemistry, especially the organic units because I was fascinated by the structure of carbon and how it played a role in its versatility in being able to form so many different compounds with very different chemical properties. I also enjoyed learning about Aspirin and how its active ingredient was produced synthetically based on the active ingredient present in the willow bark tree. Studying physics and mathematics enhanced my problem solving abilities. I enjoyed the application of physics to medical and biological settings, for instance, in the making of equipment like the PET scanners which have proven so useful in the study of the brain and how it functions. Via biology I have gained a better understanding of human anatomy and the role of genetics and evolution on the human species-something I find rather fascinating.

In preparation for a degree in Medicine, I will continue to work at the St. Mary’s Hospital. I will continue volunteering with St. Johns Ambulance as a first aider because I enjoy the insight it gives me into ailments and their possible prognosis and the measures that can be taken to reduce fatalities. It has also enhanced my communication skills. I will also be working with a voluntary organisation called the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre which is affiliated to the Hope Hospital in Manchester, an organisation which aims to help individuals recover from brain and spinal injuries using a more holistic approach. Their services include providing patients with a gym, offering music lessons, aromatherapy and assisting individuals who would like to go back to work after a brain injury. I will be assisting with mobility on and off the gym equipments and teaching music classes.

Aside from working at the hospital, I have been teaching a group of primary and high school children as part of an ‘Aim Higher’ programme. The scheme which is aimed at improving their skills in mathematics and science has enhanced my ability to empathise with people. It has allowed me to appreciate their thoughts and to empathise with them. I have also worked with Connexions for the past eight months, trying to encourage young people to participate more fully in physical activities, and to follow healthy lifestyles.

I know that I have the commitment, work ethic, ambition and discipline to be an excellent doctor, and I would relish the opportunity to start the process of becoming one. I know that it will be a massive commitment, and that I am dedicating years of my life to this end. However, I know that this is my goal, and that I have the academic and intellectual skills, the interpersonal skills, and the necessary energy levels to make a real success of this, as my chosen career. I want to use my skills and expertise to make a real difference to peoples lives, and give them the high quality medical care and attention that they deserve.

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