Medicine Personal Statement: Structure Of The Statement

The Structure

1. Introduction

A good introduction is one that explains logically and clearly the route that led one towards a career in medicine. If possible, it should be kept personal and unique to the individual. Think about what experiences happened in your life that led you towards medicine, what made you interested in medicine in the first place? Did something then happen afterwards that drew you closer to that decision?

2. Work Experience and Volunteering

This is a good opportunity to show that you took initiative and explored whether medicine is truly for you. The volunteering aspect also shows your commitment towards medicine.

3. Academics

Academics should always be included in your personal statement, but more specifically from a research/initiative perspective. Was there something you found particularly interesting in A-Level Biology that led you to research it in more detail or even read a book on it? Or something you saw on the wards during your work experience such as a common condition or the way the doctors behaved, is this something you wanted to explore in further detail?

This is also a good opportunity to mention any academic awards.

4. Extra Curricular

Extra-Curricular allows you to showcase your interpersonal and soft skills such as leadership, communication and empathy. This is also your chance to talk about any awards such as Duke of Edinburgh.

5. Conclusion

The conclusions should only be maximum 2-3 lines and should summarise your character, your personal statement and why you truly want to do medicine. If you could summarise and give three top reasons as to why you want to do medicine, what would they be?