Medicine Personal Statement Example 11

Medicine is an ever-changing field I believe to be my vocation. I enjoy working in a team but also as an individual and taking responsibility for my own actions in a challenging environment.

For as long as I can remember, I have always felt a particular satisfaction when it comes to helping people. In order to get experience in the medical field, I spent a week shadowing a team from a GP clinic. This gave me the opportunity to observe the workings of a surgery closely, the doctors and district nurses, the receptionists and the ancillary staff.

For me, this emphasised the essential nature of teamwork in all aspects of medicine. I have also undertaken a placement at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital in Kensington. Through this experience, I was able to view different types of cardiovascular surgery and was allowed to accompany doctors on ward rounds and encouraged to talk to patients.

I found this to be extremely valuable because, in talking to the patients, the importance of good communication was reinforced and taught me to value listening carefully and asking effective questions. It also helped me to improve my caring skills. From my academic studies and experiences, I have learned the importance of patience and keeping a sense of humour.

Attending the Medlink and Medsim conferences at the University of Nottingham enhanced my understanding of the rigours of pursuing a career in the medical field. During the Medlink conference, I attended lectures that highlighted the financial, physical and emotional difficulties involved in becoming a doctor. At the Medsim conference, I was introduced to more basic medical skills when I was given the chance to practise suturing, catheterisation and intravenous and cannula injections.

These conferences gave me a chance to see life as a medical student and to interact with others as well as the importance of teamwork in stressful situations. I realised that I can remain calm and rational when working under pressure. I have taken part in a number of First Aid courses and also worked as a First Aider for St. John Ambulance.

I am now confident in the provision of CPR and emergency procedures to victims of trauma. My ambition to be a doctor is reflected in the subjects that I have chosen to study at school.

I am pleased to have achieved a great balance between my studies and social, extracurricular life. I have regularly performed in school concerts, drama productions, charity drives and the school magazine.

I am particularly interested in music and I play the piano (grade 8) and sing (grade 7). I have participated as a member of the senior school choir since 2000 and have gained school colours for singing and playing in ensembles. I was proud to achieve Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award in 2005.

To acknowledge my contribution to school life, I was honoured with the Catherine Aylward Award in 2005, which is presented each year in recognition of a student's interest in the welfare of their fellow students.

I am also Deputy Head Girl. This appointment allows me to demonstrate my confidence and aptitude for leadership in the school community while improving teamwork with my fellow deputies and the Head Girl. In addition to this honour, I was made Music Prefect for the Junior School last year where I had the opportunity to work with the younger girls in the school while also organising activities for them.

My other interests are quite varied. I enjoy travel and have travelled extensively in North America and the Far East. I also enjoy kickboxing and tai chi and have been surfing for two years.

I am hard working and compassionate, but more than anything I am utterly committed to a career in medicine. I understand that this is a career with many demands, both emotional and physical, but I know that I possess the energy, determination and stamina to withstand these difficulties and to become a useful member of the medical profession.