Personal Statement 4
A doctor once told me that medicine has a half-life of 10 years. Therefore in 10 years half of what you know would be irrelevant or forgotten. Medicine is extremely dynamic, new ideas, technology and doctors will be needed and it excites me that I can be part of it. As a doctor I would have the opportunity to evolve with medicine. I will be continually learning which will lead to personal growth and help me improve the quality of life of others.
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Whilst studying biomedical sciences for 8 sessions at the Access to Bristol course in year 12, I became more confident in my decision to read medicine. Given the opportunity to shadow nurses and doctors on the lower gastrointestinal ward, I felt as if the role of a doctor suited me best. It was great to shadow a consultant surgeon and view three operations in theatre since it is a unique experience. The teamwork involved in surgery between the surgeons, scrub nurses, runner, anaesthetists, porters and ward staff was amazing to watch. I learnt how crucial communication is in every job in the NHS.
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Being elected as a governor for the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust has given me the opportunity to learn about how the NHS functions. Attending board meetings and writing reports has enhanced my verbal and written communication skills. As part of the role I will be attending a National Conference in Birmingham for Foundation Trusts where I will talk about how I, as a young adult, became involved in the Trust. I am part of the Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) where we learn about research and advise researchers. I attend the youth council in the Trust monthly; we try to make the hospitals as ‘young people friendly’ as possible. Fate led me into the Trust and my drive and determination will enable me to reach my full potential within the NHS.
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Achieving the Duke of Edinburgh award introduced me to volunteering which is now part of my weekly routine. I notice the difficulties many disabled children face daily which has taught me to appreciate even the smallest things in life. My ‘Vinvolved’ certificate for over 100 hours volunteering with the charity Time2share and St. Barnabas Primary School shows you my commitment and dedication to my voluntary work.
At Medlink 2009 and the Southmead Hospital ‘Pathways into medicine’ conference 2009 I had a great opportunity to learn more about a career as a doctor. These experiences have confirmed my decision to become a doctor.
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During my five years at secondary school I was part of the netball team where we won two medals for winning the tournament and an award for dedication. Teamwork, commitment and my competitive attitude were necessary to make the team every year.
In my spare time other than reading the BMJ I enjoy calligraphy, nail art and writing poems. For all of my hobbies you need patience and creativity which is important in medicine and many aspects of life. I find these hobbies a lovely way to relax after school and relieve stress since I can be more imaginative. I would also like to join a sign language or Spanish society since both allow you to communicate with a wider population.
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Medicine offers variety; I could branch into medical research and teaching at a later stage in my life. Seeing a young boy of 2 years of age with cerebral palsy progress through his treatment to fight leukaemia has made me more determined to become a doctor. It will be a demanding and challenging career; knowing I can use my knowledge of science to benefit others will make everything worthwhile. Medicine would be a fascinating degree and being a doctor would give me the greatest job satisfaction. Talks from many health professions made it clear that a doctor would definitely be the right career choice. Knowing I can choose a career which suits me and the fact that I will be the first generation of my family to go to university makes this opportunity incredible.
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Offers: Manchester, Liverpool, Peninsula & St.Georges
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