Graduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Warwick (Laura)

Whilst exploring the area of transplantation in biology, I opted to do an EPQ on the subject and managed to organise work experience shadowing an anaesthetist. I watched various procedures including a tumour resection from the abdomen. I was impressed with how the multidisciplinary teams worked together and how the different departments combined to provide quality patient care from admission until discharge. However, I did become aware of the number of cancelled elective operations; it was a shock to see the number of patients turned away due to shortages. This showed the importance of not only good medical care but time management and the ability to work under the pressures of an under-resourced NHS.

Alongside A levels, I volunteered at a school for children with additional needs, studying for their GCSEs. With some patience and clear communication, I was pleasantly surprised how rewarding it was to help them understand maths and see them progress. In my gap year, I shadowed a consultant psychiatrist diagnosing and treating hospital in-patients. Having read ‘We are our brains’ by Dick Swaab, I had a better understanding of the impact and causes of different neurological disorders, such as dementia. Spending time in these settings reinforced my desire to study medicine and taught me the value of empathy.

During my degree, I have enjoyed learning about disease, diagnostics and therapeutics, as well as genetics and cellular biology. In anatomy I created a website featuring a 3D model of the heart with augmented reality, showing how prosthetic heart valves can be used as a treatment for stenosis. I was also challenged to carry out an RCT, choosing to focus on the link between mobile devices used by healthcare workers and hospital-acquired infections and, more specifically, examining the efficacy of disinfectant wipes on removing bacteria from mobile phones. Through this I learnt not only how to synthesise information and use statistical software, but how to collaborate effectively as a group. To further improve my critical analysis, I opted to volunteer on a summer research project, where I was invited to co-author a paper regarding the failure of psychological and behavioural interventions for children. This improved my ability to critically appraise scientific literature and understand what can be learnt from ‘failed’ interventions.

Last summer, I volunteered at a care home and saw first-hand the effects of Parkinson’s, a disease I had studied previously. During this period, I observed a resident struggling to walk during the ‘freezes’ in which she could not seem to initiate movement and I could sense her frustration when struggling to control her dyskinesia. I shadowed a GP later that week, which demonstrated the diversity of daily work and how within a short space of time, the ability to problem solve, diagnose and treat is needed. The week finished with visiting a care home, I saw how end of life care was provided and although very sad, it gave me an understanding of the impact this part of the care process has on the patient and their relatives. 

Outside of my studies, I have been involved in athletics for six years, both competing and coaching. I was recently elected track and field captain for the university club which involves organising teams and competitions, as well as arranging weekly training sessions. Another hobby of mine is powerlifting, in which I recently finished third at the British University Championships and have taken on the role of women’s team captain. Additionally, achieving a martial art black belt gave me a good foundation for both physical and mental strength. These experiences have enhanced my leadership, teamwork and confidence, essential skills when working in healthcare. Working as a fitness advisor allows me to show people how exercise can improve wellbeing and I would like to follow a career path where I can continue to use my knowledge of health and disease to improve others’ quality of life.