Biomedical Science Personal Statement Example 17

The human body is incredible, the product of millions of years of evolution, slowly shaping us into what we are today. I am fascinated with the human body and its ability to use its intricate and unbelievably complicated structure to perform functions that we carry out subconsciously, to keep us in equilibrium. I am determined to broaden my knowledge of the subject, particularly microbiology, and therefore believe that my interests and strengths are well-matched to a Biomedical Sciences course.

I was shocked by the recent outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa and after researching the disease in some depth, I read "No Time to Lose: A Life In Pursuit of Deadly Viruses" by Peter Piot. This book describes the true story of the author on his travels to Africa as part of a research group to discover and research firstly the Ebola virus and then later on the AIDS virus. This gave me an insight into a biomedical career and the issues in isolating and treating these viruses. I spent a week undertaking work experience at Church View Surgery where I was tasked with organising patient notes and updating information onto the electronic database. This was interesting as it allowed me to gain an insight into patients' medical history and introduced me to medical terminology.

I recently started a volunteering placement at the Royal Sussex County Hospital where I assist the nurses in the Surgical Ward once a week. I help however I can, by making and stripping beds or by giving emotional support to patients who are having difficulties before or after surgery. This taught me the importance of nurses on a ward and that sensitivity is hugely significant in a hospital setting. I attended a lecture by Dr Christopher Liu on a new technique used to cure blindness in patients by using their tooth to hold a lens in place as it will not be rejected by the body unlike plastic. This showed that biomedical science is always progressing and new ideas and procedures are constantly being discovered, which I find particularly exciting. The story of Darek Fidyka, a Bulgarian man who had surgery to enable him to walk again after four years of paralysis, using the olfactory ensheathing cells of his nose to repair the severed spinal cord, made me curious about the nervous system; therefore I subsequently read the relevant chapters of the Oxford Handbook of Neurology by Hadi Manji. It was a fascinating read and included a great deal of information which helped me to begin to understand neurology.

In my free time I am a leader of the school Biology Club, which focuses on educating the younger pupils in biological studies, particularly dissections. I have gained confidence and skills in dissection through leading the club. I enjoy volunteering at events such as the Brighton Full and Half Marathons and most recently the Colour Run.

I spent a winter's night earlier this year sleeping rough to raise awareness with Worthing Churches Homeless Project to the plight of those who are homeless. I have been an active member of the army section of the CCF for 3 years; during this time I have been promoted to the rank of Corporal. Being in a leadership role has given me invaluable confidence and taught me the importance of working in a team. I enjoy watching documentaries about the human body, such as a video on BBC4 which showed the dissection of a human hand, which was incredibly intriguing. I enjoy playing chess,which I believe to be useful in everyday life as it requires a great understanding of logic, foresight and planning.

I have always been inquisitive about the physiology of the human body, and there is only so much that can be learnt through A-Levels and GCSEs. I will relish the opportunity to study Biomedical Sciences at university and I feel that I would greatly benefit from further education in the subject. We are now in the height of scientific breakthrough in many fields and it would be a great privilege to be a part of this groundbreaking progress.