Personal Statement:Medicine 109

Medicine Personal Statement

To help, to heal, to give hope. I can think of no better way to achieve these aspirations than by becoming a doctor. Although all three will not always be possible, the ability to make a difference to patients in their most vulnerable state is undoubtedly an incredible gift.

Studying medicine will be a great challenge. My A-Level studies have provided me with an excellent foundation for the course. Human Biology has shown me the extraordinary power of the human body to resist diseases that have the capability to undermine our every function. Case studies on MRSA and tuberculosis have illustrated the ability of disease to defeat medical treatment, and enhanced my interest in antibiotic resistance. Constant misuse of antibiotics has led to a huge demand for the development of new drugs and treatment methods to combat multi-drug resistant bacteria. Amongst many other issues, this has helped me to shape my views on medical ethics.

I have arranged voluntary work at a residential home for the elderly, which specialises in the care of dementia patients. After taking an induction tour to introduce myself to residents, I have begun to appreciate the level of patience and understanding needed to communicate with them. Having developed an interest in how conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain, I read “The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat” by Oliver Sacks, alongside articles from Science Daily about the treatment and prevention of the condition. I have since acquired a new perspective on mental health and hope that my wider reading will help me to engage with the residents effectively. Prior to this, I spent six weeks working as a voluntary classroom assistant at a local primary school. I particularly enjoyed helping the children with their work and look forward to discovering more about paediatric medicine during the course of my degree. Furthermore, the contrast between working with the very old and the very young has enabled me to realise the significance of being able to adapt to different situations.

My personal experience with palliative care, recently provided for a close family friend, has demonstrated the importance of high-quality care, even at the end of a patient’s life. Health care is often taken for granted and many people seem to believe that a doctor’s sole purpose is to cure. Witnessing palliative care has highlighted that not everyone can be saved, but this does not deter doctors from dedicating their time and attention to each patient. This can make an extraordinary difference to terminally-ill patients, enabling them to retain a sense of dignity in the last days of their lives.

My passion for music plays a significant role in my life; I like to think of music as the perfect way to convey emotions and alleviate stress. For several years, I have used my spare time to teach myself to play the piano and most recently, the guitar. Each new piece is a challenge which brings a great sense of achievement when completed. I play in a musical group with some close friends, and despite initial disagreements about song choices, we now appreciate the value of working together as a team. Finding our way through the New Forest on a recent Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition required a similar level of perseverance and team work. I am aware that a career in medicine will lend itself to similar situations, as the multi-disciplinary hospital environment will inevitably require good communication skills between doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for the patient.

I recognise that medicine is a long and difficult path to follow, demanding a great deal of personal commitment. I believe that the reward gained from having made a positive difference to the lives of patients and the community far outweighs this sacrifice. For me, a career in which I will constantly be learning; with each day holding a new challenge and the opportunity to meet new people, is the perfect future.

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