Medicine Personal Statement
Medicine combines the two factors I consider attractive in a career; the satisfaction of applying complex science and the pleasure of improving people's quality of life.
Academically, I find the greatest satisfaction in linking every layer of human biology, from the molecular scale of enzyme and drug structure, to the organisation and function of organ systems. It is undeniably fascinating to understand how the smallest alteration in the chemical structure of a molecule can significantly affect the health, or even survival, of a person. An example I have researched in depth is Tay-Sachs disease. It is amazing that the addition of a mere four base pairs in a genome of three billion base pairs leads to an inability to break down GM2 ganglioside, resulting in early death. These links not only allow me to apply combined extended chemistry and biology knowledge to interesting, practical situations, but also illustrate to me the importance of fully understanding the workings of the body on every scale. I used and referenced a wide range of sources, including websites and reference books concerning the disease, to produce a detailed report that was well-received.
A week in a university biochemistry laboratory gave me a prime opportunity to utilise and expand my knowledge. I performed intricate procedures such as electrophoresis and spectrometry, and analysed the results in order to isolate a specific protein. This gave me a taste of the precision and rigorous attention to detail required for laboratory work, an important factor in diagnosis and monitoring patients, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I have gained invaluable experience and understanding of geriatric care from the six months of voluntary work I organised at a dementia care home. I greatly developed my bedside manner and maturity by talking with residents, and also performed vital basic tasks such as helping patients to eat at mealtimes, often despite protest. Learning how to do so was emotionally challenging, but has improved my resilience and aptitude for working in consideration of a communication barrier. It shocked me that some of the residents did not have a single visitor during the six months I helped at the home. This made me more aware of the significance of caring for patients emotionally as well as physically.
For the past two years I have had a regular part-time job on a dairy farm, working independently and in a team to milk cows, and keep the herd in good health. This requires commitment, coping well under pressure, and teamwork, which I believe are essential attributes for a medical student. My National Pool Lifeguard Qualification training has further strengthened my capacity to respond to crises, as well as giving me a firm foundation in the recognition and treatment of various conditions and injuries. It has also improved my capacity to remain calm and make the right decisions in rushed or emergency situations.
I have learnt by speaking with a practising doctor that a career in medicine involves dealing with people at some of the most traumatic times in their lives, making hard decisions and sometimes admitting that no matter what you do, it may not be enough. I understand the reality of caring for people from my voluntary experience - frustration about incurable conditions, the sometimes hostile media representation, and antisocial hours. However, I believe I have the understanding, dedication and communication skills to complement my enthusiasm and academic potential to become a good doctor. I am highly resilient and I want to work in this challenging, demanding and ever-changing profession where my efforts will serve to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Universities Applied to:
- University of Cambridge - Offer (A*A*A) Firm
- University College London - Offer (A*AA) Insurance
- Imperial College - Offer (AAA)
- University of Bristol - Rejection
Grades Achieved:
- Biology A2 - A*
- Chemistry A2 - A*
- Maths A2 - A*
- Physics A2 - A*
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