My Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

This is the personal statement I used when I applied successfully to Cambridge Medicine.

A quick note before you read it: UCAS has since changed the format, so applicants now answer three questions rather than writing one continuous personal statement. I still think this is useful as a reference for the kinds of experiences, super-curriculars and reflections that can strengthen an application.

I perceive medicine as a fulfilling career that resonates with my curiosity for human physiology along with my socially conscious nature, yet what excites me most is the unique application of science in a social context that medicine will foster. Through the school Genome Project, I gained insights into the properties of the human whipworms’ genetic code whilst helping researchers to find a cure for Trichuriasis. Allured by this prospect of genomic and precision medicine, I used the caDNAno software to design nanoscale DNA models which could deliver drugs to target cells - shaping my ideas about delivery methods of exogenous substances into the body. Attending weekly school science seminars drove my passion for cell biology: ‘Receptor-mediated Endocytosis’ was of special interest to me. I learnt how the selective nature of ligand-receptor interaction can be used for targeted anticancer therapy, limiting toxicity to healthy cells. My fascination in modern medicine led me to perform a collaborative presentation on COVID-19 vaccines to my peers, thus refining my communication skills. Engaging in discussions about the ethical dilemmas of medicine in the school Medical Society increased my awareness of the moralities around acting in the patient’s best interests, leading me to explore the case of Alfie Evans, where I grasped the controversies surrounding autonomy and justice. Performing a dissection of a synthetic cadaver improved my dexterity skills, also giving me the chance to witness a graphic view of anatomy. Leading the school in the ‘Top of the Bench’ chemistry competition and winning gold in the Mathematics Olympiad reveal my growth mindset and helped polish my problem-solving skills, which are imperative when making diagnoses. To augment my leadership skills, I became an ambassador for my Sixth Form where I represent the school at local events, receiving a Gold Leadership Accreditation Award in recognition. Watching the journey of an anxious meningitis patient through secondary care, in my six-day virtual work experience, highlighted the importance of empathy and respect. I was impressed by the gentle and holistic approach taken by the doctor to break the bad news of the diagnosis to the patient after a lumbar puncture. This helped to reduce anxiety and allowed cooperation with the patient, by keeping a positive doctor-patient relationship, to construct a management plan; aspects I hope to mirror in my career. Amid the pandemic, I enjoyed volunteering for seven months as a vaccinator, enabling the application of the skills I learnt in my work experience. Assisting a paramedic manage a collapsed patient, due to anaphylaxis, enhanced my problem solving and quick decision-making skills, key attributes needed in a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Embracing activities outside academia yet achieving academic excellence has enabled the development of my effective time management skills. Guitar playing has helped me unwind at times of stress, and routine practice enabled me to achieve a merit in Grade Eight. Winning silver at the European Badminton Championships resulted in my selection for the England Junior Squad, which required sheer determination integrated with an outstanding work ethic to complete the long training hours, traits needed to cope with stressful scenarios in medicine. Receiving the Sports Personality of the year award by Sheffield Council, in addition to my role as a Sports Leader in school, motivates me to act as a role model to others, finessing my leadership qualities. Cultivation of such skills will help me to stay focused whilst mentally energized to overcome the challenges of medicine by retaining my sound work-life balance. Only medicine will allow me to pursue my scientific passions, mixed with my conscientious character, to improve patient lives. From my learning and experience, I am enthused by the dynamic nature of medicine, and I look forward to the lifelong learning offered by this vocation.