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Successful Personal Statement For Medicine At Cambridge

Last Updated: 31st March 2020

Author: Rohan Agarwal

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Medicine applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Medicine Course at Cambridge aims to educate students to become compassionate, thoughtful, skilled members – and leaders – of the medical profession.

Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that demonstrates the qualities to work in a medical profession. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Enrolling on our Oxbridge Medicine comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

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Medicine Personal Statement

I realise that medicine may not always have positive outcomes, having witnessed two deaths at a young age. However, the inevitable fallibility of the human body has driven my desire to acquire a better understanding of the complicated processes and mechanisms of our body. I am captivated by the prospect of lifelong learning; the rapid and ceaseless pace of change in medicine means that there is a vast amount of knowledge in an astonishing number of fields.

Work experience and volunteering have intensified my desire to pursue the profession; it gave me the chance to observe doctors diagnosing problems and establishing possible routes of treatment; I found the use of monoclonal antibodies in kidney transplantation fascinating. A doctor needs to be skilled, dexterous and creative. Medicine is a scientific discipline that requires a profound understanding of the physiology of the body, but the application of medicine can be an art, especially when communications between the doctor and the patient can influence the outcome of the treatment. I admire the flexibility of doctors; an inpatient needs to be approached with sensitivity and reassurance, whereas an acute admission patient would benefit more from hands-on assessments. I have been volunteering at Derriford Hospital since 2010. The most valuable part is taking time to converse with the patients to alleviate their stress and appreciate their concerns, demonstrating my understanding of the importance of listening. I appreciate that the quality of life is more important than the quantity of years, as a recent death at the ward made me realise that despite all the technological advances and our increasing understanding of the human body, there is a limit to what we can achieve.

My Nuffield Bursary project was based on finding potential medical treatments for sepsis by working on the molecular genetics of bacteria-infected cells. Using theory to interpret laboratory experiments allowed me to show how an enzyme was involved in the inflammatory response mechanism. My skills of organisation and time management were recognised by the Individual Achievement Award for my role as Finance Director in the Young Enterprise team. I used my leadership skills to assign team members to tasks to which their talents were best suited and demonstrated effective communication and teamwork to meet the deadlines. I took part in the British Mathematical Olympiad after receiving the Gold and Best in School prize for the Senior Maths challenge last year. Regular participation in the Individual and Team Maths Challenge enhanced my lateral thinking. The numerous awards I have won such as Best Results at GCSE and Bronze in the Physics Olympiad not only show my ability in a range of subjects but also my commitment to my academic career. As a subject mentor, I developed my ability to break down problems, explaining them in a logical, analytical yet simpler way. I cherished the opportunity to work with the younger pupils; enabling them to grasp new concepts, and I believe that discussing ideas, problems or case studies with colleagues will be even more rewarding.

A keen pianist, I have been playing for 14 years. At the age of 12, I became the pianist for the Children’s Amateur Theatre Society. Perseverance was essential as I was learning numerous songs each week showing commitment, resilience and attention to detail, which are transferable skills applicable to medicine. Playing in front of 300 people regularly helped me to build my confidence and taught me to stay calm under pressure. Playing the piano is a hobby that I love and I will continue to pursue it to balance my academic life.

I believe I possess the ability, devotion, diligence and determination required for this course that demands a holistic understanding of both the sciences and the arts. I will relish the challenges on an academic and personal level and I look forward to following this vocation in the future.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

A well-written statement that guides the reader from one point to the next, delivering good insight into personal development and the motivations to becoming a doctor. The student shows that they have a very diverse background, both academically as well as work experience. One of the strongest parts of the statements is that the student recognises the limitations of medicine and acknowledges the challenges in delivering medical care under those limitations. The student is also able to demonstrate experiences made in non-medical fields and how they contributed to their personal development. This is important as some of the skills necessary to becoming a good doctor are transferable from other professions.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student provides extensive detail on awards and prizes won. This part is somewhat unnecessary as it does not add anything to the quality of the statement itself. Most, if not all students applying for medicine will have a history of academic excellence, therefore, listing awards and achievements is less relevant. This space could be better used to provide more insight into lessons learned from work experience.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

A strong statement with a lot of information on the student’s development and academic achievements. The statement succeeds at raising interest in the student and providing an overview of the individual’s development. There are a few minor weaknesses that could be optimised in order to improve the overall strength of the statement even further.

And there we have it – a Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Cambridge, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Our Free Personal Statement Resources page is filled with even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Cambridge Medicine application.

With our  Oxbridge Medicine Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect  Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive BMAT and UCAT score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

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Top Tips for your University of Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine Oxbridge Personal Statement

Last updated: 10 October 2023

Are you considering applying to study medicine at the prestigious University of Cambridge ? If so, you're undoubtedly aware of the stiff competition and the importance of a well-crafted personal statement. Medicine at Cambridge is highly sought after, attracting some of the brightest and most ambitious students worldwide. Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application, allowing you to stand out and demonstrate your passion for medicine and suitability for the course.

In this article, we'll provide you with the best tips for creating a personal statement for medicine at Cambridge that grabs the admissions team's attention, showcases your qualities, and maximises your chances of being invited for an interview.

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Understanding the Cambridge Medicine Programme

Before diving into the specifics of crafting your personal statement , it's essential to understand what the Cambridge medicine programme entails. Cambridge's medicine course is unique, with an integrated approach combining clinical and basic sciences from the beginning. The course is designed to produce highly skilled and adaptable medical professionals capable of dealing with the challenges of modern healthcare.

Key Features of the Cambridge Medicine Degree Include:

• Preclinical and Clinical Phases : The course is divided into preclinical and clinical phases, with students gaining early exposure to clinical practice.
• Problem-Based Learning : Cambridge emphasises problem-based learning, where you'll work in small groups to solve clinical cases, promoting critical thinking and teamwork.
• Research Opportunities : The university encourages research and offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge medical research.
• Supervision System : You'll benefit from the renowned Cambridge supervision system, which provides personalised teaching and support.
• Early Patient Contact : Students have early patient contact, allowing them to develop clinical skills and gain valuable experience.

Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your personal statement to align with the Cambridge medicine programme's philosophy and expectations.

Personal Statement for Cambridge Medicine

Crafting a standout personal statement for Cambridge medicine requires careful planning and ample time. You should start well before the application deadline to allow for multiple drafts and revisions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Self-Reflection

Begin by reflecting on your motivations for studying medicine and why you want to study it at Cambridge specifically. What experiences have shaped your interest in the field? What qualities and skills do you possess that make you a suitable candidate for the course?

Step 2: Research the Course

Thoroughly research the Cambridge medicine course's structure, teaching methods, and core values. Familiarise yourself with the university's ethos and what they look for in prospective students.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Outline the key points you want to include in your personal statement. Consider how you can demonstrate your passion for medicine, commitment to learning, and suitability for the course.

Step 4: Draft and Revise

Start drafting your personal statement, keeping it concise and focused. Aim for a compelling introduction, a clear body that addresses the key points, and a strong conclusion. Review and revise your draft multiple times to ensure clarity and coherence.

Step 5: Seek Feedback

Share your draft with teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive feedback. Consider their suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Step 6: Final Touch

Before submitting your personal statement, perform a final review for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that it adheres to Cambridge's guidelines and word limits.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

Your personal statement's introduction is your chance to captivate the admissions team's attention. Here are some tips to create a compelling opening:

1. Start with an Anecdote

Begin with a brief, relevant anecdote or personal experience that illustrates your passion for medicine. This could be a moment that sparked your interest in the field or a meaningful encounter with a healthcare professional.

2. Use a Thought-Provoking Quote

Consider opening with a thought-provoking quote related to medicine or a broader issue in healthcare. Ensure that the quote is relevant to your narrative.

3. Showcase Your Enthusiasm

Clearly convey your enthusiasm for the subject and your eagerness to embark on the journey of becoming a medical professional. Show that you are genuinely passionate about the field.

Demonstrating Your Suitability

The body of your personal statement is where you should demonstrate your suitability for the Cambridge medicine programme. Here are essential points to cover:

1. Academic Achievements

Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant subjects or courses you've excelled in. Mention any academic awards or distinctions that showcase your commitment to learning.

2. Work Experience

Discuss any work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings. Describe what you learned from these experiences and how they influenced your decision to pursue medicine.

3. Extracurricular Activities

If you've been involved in extracurricular activities related to medicine or healthcare, such as medical societies, research projects, or first aid training, emphasise them. Show how these activities have enhanced your skills and knowledge.

4. Personal Attributes

Highlight your personal qualities that make you well-suited for a career in medicine. These may include empathy, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. Provide specific examples that demonstrate these attributes.

5. Motivation

Explain why you are specifically interested in the Cambridge medicine programme. Discuss how the programme's unique features align with your aspirations and how you plan to make the most of these opportunities.

Reflecting on Your Experiences

In addition to listing your achievements and qualities, reflecting on your experiences and what you've learned from them is essential. Admissions officers want to see evidence of your self-awareness and your ability to learn and grow. Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Show, Don't Tell

Rather than simply stating your qualities or achievements, provide concrete examples and anecdotes that illustrate them. For instance, instead of saying, "I am empathetic," you could describe a specific patient encounter that showcased your empathy.

2. Discuss Challenges

Don't be afraid to discuss challenges or setbacks you've faced and how you've overcome them. Admissions teams appreciate resilience and the ability to learn from adversity.

3. Link Experiences to Medicine

Whenever possible, link your experiences to your motivation for studying medicine. Explain how each experience has shaped your understanding of and commitment to the field.

Addressing the Ethical Dimension

Medicine is not just a science; it's also an ethical and moral pursuit. Cambridge places significant emphasis on ethical considerations in medical practice. Therefore, it's crucial to address the ethical dimension in your personal statement, Cambridge:

1. Ethical Dilemmas

Discuss any ethical dilemmas you've encountered during your experiences in healthcare or medicine. Describe how you navigated these dilemmas and the ethical principles that guided your decisions.

2. Ethical Reflection

Demonstrate your capacity for ethical reflection. Share your thoughts on the importance of ethical considerations in medicine and how you plan to approach ethical challenges as a medical student and future practitioner.

The Importance of Genuine Passion

While it's essential to include all the necessary elements in your personal statement, being genuine is equally important. Admissions teams can spot insincerity from a mile away. Your passion for medicine should shine through every word and example you provide.

Avoid clichés and generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, focus on your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Be authentic in sharing your journey and why you are truly committed to pursuing a career in medicine.

Tailoring Your Personal Statement for Cambridge

Cambridge has its unique ethos and expectations, and your personal statement should reflect these. Here are some specific points to consider when tailoring your statement for Cambridge:

1. Embrace the Challenge

Highlight your willingness and enthusiasm for tackling the challenges of the Cambridge medicine programme. Discuss how you thrive in a rigorous academic environment and your capacity for self-directed learning.

2. Supervision System

Mention your excitement about the Cambridge supervision system. Emphasise your belief in the value of personalised teaching and mentorship and how you plan to make the most of this opportunity.

3. Interdisciplinary Approach

Cambridge's medicine programme is known for its integrated approach to learning. Show that you appreciate the benefits of combining clinical and basic sciences and how this aligns with your educational goals.

4. Research Focus

If you have a keen interest in medical research, highlight it. Discuss any research experiences or projects you've been involved in and your enthusiasm for contributing to medical knowledge.

Proofread and Polish

Once you've written your personal statement, it's crucial to proofread and polish it to perfection. Here are some tips for the final stages:

1. Proofread for Errors

Thoroughly check your personal statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Typos and mistakes can detract from your overall presentation.

2. Ensure Clarity

Make sure your writing is clear and concise. Avoid overly complex language or jargon that might confuse the reader.

3. Stay within Word Limits

Adhere to the word limits set by Cambridge. Going significantly over or under the word limit can negatively affect your application.

4. Seek Feedback

Ask teachers, mentors, or trusted friends to review your final draft. Fresh eyes can catch issues you might have missed.

5. Format Properly

Ensure your personal statement is formatted correctly. Use a legible font, appropriate spacing, and a professional layout.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling personal statement for the Cambridge medicine programme requires careful planning, self-reflection, and attention to detail. Remember that your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion for medicine, your suitability for the course, and your alignment with Cambridge's values.

Be genuine, provide concrete examples, and demonstrate your ethical awareness. Tailor your statement to Cambridge's unique features and emphasise your willingness to embrace the programme's challenges. With dedication and the right approach, you can create a personal statement for medicine admission that stands out and increases your chances of securing a place in the prestigious Cambridge medicine programme. Good luck with your application!

Which is better for medicine, Oxford or Cambridge?

Oxford and Cambridge are both excellent choices for studying medicine, and the quality of education at both universities is top-notch. It's essential to consider factors such as the specific program, faculty, and your personal preferences. You might want to research each university's curriculum, teaching methods, and available clinical opportunities to determine which aligns better with your goals.

Is it hard to study medicine at Cambridge?

Yes, studying medicine at Cambridge is challenging. Medicine is a rigorous and demanding field everywhere, and Cambridge is no exception. You'll have a busy schedule with lectures, practicals, and clinical placements. It requires dedication, time management, and a strong work ethic. However, the support and resources available at Cambridge can help you succeed if you're committed to your studies.

How do I get a full scholarship to Cambridge?

To secure a full scholarship to Cambridge, focus on academic excellence, early application, and a compelling personal statement medicine. Seek scholarships aligned with your field of study, gather strong letters of recommendation, and prepare well for interviews if required. Explore external scholarship options, and contact Cambridge's financial aid office for guidance. Be persistent and dedicated, as competition is high.

Can I get into Cambridge with AAA?

Getting into Cambridge with AAA can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Cambridge University is highly competitive, and they often require top grades. AAA is a good start, but it also depends on the specific course you're applying for and other factors like your personal statement, interview performance, and any additional tests or requirements. So, while AAA is a strong foundation, you should also focus on other aspects of your application to maximise your chances.

Is Oxbridge better than the Ivy League?

Comparing Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) with the Ivy League universities in the United States is tricky because they have different strengths and specialities. Both are prestigious and offer world-class education, but it depends on your field of interest and personal preferences. Oxbridge is known for its tutorial-style teaching and rich history, while the Ivy League has a broader range of universities with various strengths. Ultimately, it's a matter of which suits your academic and career goals best.

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The Aspiring Medics

Cambridge medicine personal statement (ayanfe).

In this series of blogs, medical students and medicine offer holders share and explain their personal statement so that you can learn from our experiences and reflections. Ayanfe is an undergraduate medical student at the University of Cambridge.

Disclaimer: Please do NOT be tempted to use our personal statements as a model/foundation/plan. UCAS is very strict about plagiarism, more information can be found here .

Please remember that there is no such thing as a model personal statement. By definition, it is supposed to be unique and there is no "golden formula".

The largest known mystery bestowed to humanity is one we are most familiar with: the human body. I would like to venture into the vocation of medicine and accept the challenge to explore the infinite complexities of the body and to use it for the benefit of others.

The intro was the last part of my personal statement that I wrote and required the most editing. It states why I want to study medicine concisely while being engaging . This final sentence expresses that my interest in medicine has 2 components; my intrigue in science and the human body , as the duty to care .

To gain an understanding of the different roles of a doctor, I spent time observing a wide range of specialists at my local hospitals. During my time in the operating theatres and the Intensive Care Unit, I witnessed the importance of teamwork between the multidisciplinary team in a highly pressured environment, in which they all work interdependently in perfect collaboration with the ultimate goal to ensure the best care for the patient as possible. On the final day, I was especially inspired by the special relationship between the doctors and the patients; built on the foundation of trust and respect. I observed this after the result of a cystoscopy prompted the patient to say, “Do whatever you want, I trust you”. As I watched this truly humbling scene, I could not help but smile as it revealed to me the responsibility that a doctor has. However, rather than a burden, it is a privilege. There is no greater honour than for someone to wholly trust you with their life and to have confidence in your ability.

This paragraph focused on my work experience. I reflected on what I saw and always linked it back to the role of a doctor. The multidisciplinary team is important to mention whether in your personal statement or at your interview. It is important to convey that you know that doctors do not work in isolation but as part of a team. I chose to highlight the interaction between the surgeon and the patient because it was a particularly memorable part of my work experience. It was an example of the relationship in which the doctor has a duty of care , as well have control over the life of the patient.

Through volunteering at a local care home, the importance of the emotional and physical care of patients was illuminated. It was also a stark reminder of the mental and physical decline accompanying ageing, one of the prominent challenges to our health care system. With about 80% of residents with dementia and the loneliness it can lead to, I learnt the ability to adapt to all challenges faced, but more importantly, to remain emotionally intelligent and sensitive, especially to the most vulnerable. As an inquisitive person, this particular experience sparked a fascination in the fragility of the human mind and the study of neurodegeneration, allowing me to broaden my knowledge by seeking answers independently. I am particularly fascinated by the work of Bennet Omalu on CTE and the effect of contact sports on these conditions.

This paragraph includes my volunteering, as well as some extra reading and research that I did. As I mentioned before, I made sure to link everything I saw, experienced and read back to the role of a doctor/ skills needed by someone to succeed as a doctor. I also made sure to highlight the soft skills of emotional intelligence and being sensitive , as being a doctor requires you to also communicate with people who were at their most vulnerable . I linked this to a specific neurodegenerative disease that I was very interested in at the time. When it came to interviews, I made sure that I could answer questions on  Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy CTE , as well as other diseases that affect the elderly such as dementia and Alzheimer’s . Mentioning specific interests or books you might have read are encouraged  to add to an Oxbridge personal statement, but a few lines will be enough, due to the restricting character limit .

Whilst volunteering at my local GP as an assistant receptionist, I gained an insight into the NHS beyond patient contact and recognised the importance of efficient management and teamwork. This is vital for all healthcare professionals to work in tandem in order to provide the best possible care.

Teamwork is an important skill to have as a doctor, as shown in the above paragraph, so I further emphasised it. When mentioning work experience or volunteering , I used a structure of mentioning where I did it, what I saw and learnt during my time and then linked it back to the role of a doctor or skills needed as a doctor.

I have refined my time management skills in order to pursue extracurricular activities and responsibilities while maintaining my academic focus. In school, I act as a leader in the prefect team and have been a member of the school council committee for 3 years. These leadership positions have honed my organisation skills and developed my leadership skills, which are essential to a doctor’s role. As well as my A-levels, I spent the last year volunteering in my local primary school, which has developed my ability to communicate and engage with people of all ages, by adapting my tone and body language to whoever I am speaking to and the situation, just as a doctor would.

This paragraph was dedicated to my academic extracurriculars and volunteering . I made sure to explain how the skills developed in doing activities to express how they made me a suitable candidate for medicine.

After speaking to many doctors, I understand the stressful nature of medicine and the importance of maintaining a balance between my social and working life. Engaging in athletics and netball has proved as a useful outlet in which to release stress, as well as teaching me diligence and determination. In addition, I have been a dedicated member of my church choir for the past 10 years performing in numerous concerts and events. These activities have developed my ability to work effectively in a team as well as an individual.

The purpose of this paragraph is to show that I understood the medical field and I wasn’t looking at it through rose-tinted glasses and having unrealistic expectations . However, as well as acknowledging this, I was important to show how I would resolve it and this is the perfect opportunity to mention non-academic extracurriculars and hobbies. It also allowed me to show other skills that are beneficial to a doctor, such as long-term commitment (choir) , diligence and teamwork , which also links to the importance of teamwork that I had stated in an earlier paragraph.

I am aware of the demanding and arduous nature of medicine, with the lifelong commitment to continuous learning and devotion to helping others. Nevertheless, I am unwavering in my belief that my experiences have developed the social and emotional nature, academic ability and drive required to be successful in this extremely rewarding profession.

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Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

A finely-crafted Cambridge medicine personal statement could mean the difference between acceptance and rejection. Play your cards wrong, and you might wind up asking yourself the question, “ Should I reapply to medical school next year ?” If you’re looking for success, you need to put in time, effort, and careful consideration – this is a critical part of your application, after all.

Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious, and competitive, medical schools in the UK , so it is absolutely imperative that you put tremendous effort into your application.

Advice is good, and information is helpful, but both are best used in combination with examples. Your mind learns faster with multiple types of information. So, looking at UCAS personal statement examples will make a big difference with how to make your medical school application stand out . To that end, we will include a statement example in this article as well, to be paired with the advice sections.

In this article, we will see what a personal statement’s purpose is, talk about Cambridge’s medicine personal statement specifically, and go over a sample personal statement. Plus, we will include notes on the sample statement so you know why it should look that way.

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Article Contents 12 min read

Purpose of a personal statement.

In the first place, the main thing to do with your personal statement is to, essentially, answer the question, “ Why do you want to become a doctor ?” This should be the main argument you put forward throughout your personal statement. However, there are nuances to the statement you also should pay attention to.

The nomenclature of that phrase, “personal statement,” is well chosen. Each word tells us something about what is looked for in the object itself.

First, it must be personal. Statements must reveal something of yourself to the application committee. They don’t want you to tell them about anybody else but you, so your statement should be about key aspects of who you are. Anything you write about yourself should be something unique. Go past your test scores, past your a-levels, beyond something you’d just put on your C.V.

What is it about you that makes you special or stand out? Let’s consider some ways your personal history and life’s story can – and should – affect your statement.

Did you grow up in a rural area – a farm, or deep in the country? If so, you have had a unique experience that you can talk about. Conversely, you might have been shaped by growing up in an urban environment. What effects has your urban upbringing had on your life? How has your environment shaped your goals and who you are?

Who are your family? Your family background can provide excellent fuel for your statement.

For example, if your family are first-generation immigrants, you probably have faced a lot of adversity to get where you are, and you have a unique perspective to offer the institution you are applying to. Many colleges have diversity requirements, and Cambridge is no exception.

A personal statement should have the same structure as an academic essay. The content differs, to some degree, but there is a lot of overlap in terms of how you will construct both a traditional, academic essay and your personal statement. Generally speaking, it follows the same standard used in most personal statements for UK medical school applications .

You don’t need to be recreating the idea of structure itself here. Keep in mind your goal: to introduce yourself to the application committee in such a way that you stand out from other applicants. If you start messing around with structure, your “innovations” might get in the way of your reader understanding what you’re saying and appreciating who you are. Avoid this by sticking to an essay format.

There isn’t much of a difference between writing a Cambridge medical school personal statement and a personal statement for another medical school. You will speak about roughly the same things, emphasizing the same points, and if you can write a personal statement that is only applicable to one institution, then you will find yourself struggle while applying to multiple schools, anyway.

With that said, there is a technical word count you need to pay attention.

UCAS – University and College Admissions Service – is the system used by Cambridge University to apply to their institution, and the personal statement section in UCAS is capped at 4,000 characters and/or 47 lines. That’s roughly 850 words, but very roughly, and of course lines matter.

Keep this in mind while formatting because sometimes you might be tempted to set a line apart for emphasis on a particular paragraph.

But that eats up multiple lines for very little content. Be economical with both your characters and your line usage. Remember that spaces count! Don’t measure your characters without spaces or you’ll wind up with an overlong essay.

You should also consider Cambridge’s specific values while writing your essay. Cambridge is highly competitive, as any look at medical school acceptance rates in the UK will tell you. So you should make sure your statement aligns with Cambridge’s values. They list their core values as freedom of thought and freedom from discrimination. They also promote the encouragement of a questioning spirit; a quality and depth across subjects; and an inter-relationship between teaching, scholarship, and research.

However, at the end of the day, your primary consideration should be to worry about the efficacy of your personal statement through these tips:

Reflect on everything you put down. When you write out something in your personal statement, it should be richer than just a fact. Bare facts are sparse and unhelpful. To really make an effective personal statement, you need to expand on those facts.

Reflection means taking those facts and talking about them with a little more depth to make sure a reader knows why they are important to you and your journey. Focus on their importance and relation to you.

Winning an award or contest is a fact. Showing why that win changed you, and how that change moved you to become a doctor is reflecting on that event; that shows a reader how the fact – winning an award – ties in to your message – why you want to become a doctor.

“In high school I took a university-level course in chemistry and another in biochemistry. I enjoyed them very much and they will be useful in medical school.”

“I challenged myself with chemistry, taking both chemistry and biochemistry at the university level while in high school. At first, I resented these courses because of their difficulty, but I used that adversity to strengthen not only my scientific knowledge but my study habits. Once my studying improved, I could relax and enjoy the courses more. In my biochemistry lab, I wound up creating an experiment which further pushed me to my limit.”

Presumably, “B” will move on to discuss the experiment next. But do you see how that relates to the author? They explain how they moved through the course, what they learned, and how they are moving forward due to that experience. Reflect instead of just relating.

Tell a Well-Rounded Story

When selecting your experiences to highlight, choose major events, but try and think of ways that these signposts highlight your diverse experiences and capabilities, as well as how they tie together into a story, instead of just being disjointed events that happened in your life.

This plays into reflection as well, because the same events can be emphasized in different ways. Some events might be used to just constantly remark on scientific or medical interest, but if you use the same events to speak of expanding your palette of experiences, you can show that you are a well-rounded person.

For instance: let’s say that the person was drawn to medicine by an elderly grandparent needing care, volunteered at a care facility, and then studied geriatric medicine.

If those points are delivered emphasizing medical science each time, the writer has presented themselves as one-note. If, on the other hand, they highlight the importance of hands-on, personalized care for the first point, a frustration and difficulty that they had to overcome – or lesson learned – with the second point, and intellectual achievement – such as an award won – with the third point, they will come across as more diverse in their background.

Throwing in oblique or direct references to your life – outside interests, sports, intellectual pursuits, family background, etc. – will underline how well-rounded you are.

Most importantly, you need to tie all of these events together to tell a complete story. They cannot be disparate, but must be connected, to show why you will be a great doctor and why you want to be one.

Can you show a progression of important skills?

If you have skills outside of pure academics, make sure to mention them. Of particular interest will be communication skills, how well you organize or lead a team, and your abilities in teaching others.

Full Circle

Bring your essay around full circle. You have set up an expectation with your introduction and you must pay that off at the end of the personal statement. You are making an argument, through a story, that you will be a great doctor someday. The conclusion ends the story – thus, it must connect with the introduction – and must also tie together the story to show what you hope to achieve as a medical student and future physician.

If your hook talked about, as we did above, your rural upbringing, pay it off by talking about how you will be a doctor in a small community, that your goal is to be a family doctor where it is often difficult to get great medical care. The more altruistic and thoughtful the goal the better, but remember that it also must continue to be meaningful specifically to you . This is your goal that you are using to show the admissions committee why you are the best candidate to select for admission.

Example Statement and Breakdown 

I grew up across the street from a sheep that the family named Ned, and far enough away from a city that I didn’t think that was unusual. We were farmers, and all of my early experiences with medicine were a combination of scrapes and bruises – from my siblings and myself playing rough – and veterinarian sciences. In fact, I first wanted to be a vet, changing to medical doctor only after my family’s hardships with my grandfather’s illness.

When my grandfather was sick and needed care, my family went to stay with relatives so we could visit and support our Grandad. While visiting, I interacted with the expert staff, who made us comfortable, answered our questions, and most importantly, clearly took their jobs as care providers very seriously.

After our stay to support Grandad, I volunteered at a care facility, dedicating a few hours a week throughout high school to helping with elderly patients. My job was to help with food, cleaning, and physical mobility, but I found that the real job was just offering my time. Spending extra time with each patient to look at pictures of grandchildren with them, to hear a reminiscence, or just to talk and joke was appreciated by the residents of the facility.

My joy in the healing power of medicine through care workers was strengthened and reinforced every time I worked there. I learned that healing came not only through medicine, but truly holistic care. I learned empathy skills by observing the staff and interacting with the residents. Furthermore, I read on the history of care and how far we have advanced, particularly in terms of ethical care; this has made me extremely interested in medical ethics.

One of the facility’s nurses recommended the book Medical Ethics and the Elderly. I loved the book, particularly its essay on informed consent, and began writing my own thoughts and ideas down. I eventually wrote several essays of my own on the topic. One of these papers, Who Speaks for Who? An Ethical Consideration of Power of Attorney, was first runner-up in two different essay competitions. I appreciated the recognition, but being able to get my thoughts down and work my way through thorny issues has been invaluable.

Last year, I stopped volunteering at the elderly care facility and started a part-time job at a hospital. Although I am on the janitorial staff, I have approached the health care professionals there and asked, as a student, for help. Most have replied positively and are giving me insight into a wide array of medical areas and specialties. Some have allowed me to shadow them, others have answered my questions about specialties like oncology and pediatrics, and shown me around the different units in the hospital.

A big surprise for me was in the hospital’s pathology lab. I was shadowing a pathologist and I was fascinated by her work. She was testing tissue samples and concluded that her patient’s problems were stemming from an auto-immune disorder – probably genetic.

Since that time, I have spent more time in the laboratory myself, taking lab-specific courses at school. I enjoyed my bio-chemistry lab the most. My enthusiasm for the subject led me to doing extra readings and experiments, and ultimately led to my highest score in my a-levels in chemistry.

My journey started as a farm boy with dreams of being a veterinarian, but I have wound up as somebody interested in a wide variety of medicinal areas. At the moment, geriatric care still holds a strong place in my heart, but I am more and more drawn to pathology. I want to explore all options, but ultimately I want most of all to help people and contribute to their health.

A good introduction hook connects this student’s past and personal life to their present goals. It also introduces their medical interest, and shows us the start of a journey where they did not envision themselves as a physician. That’s okay! Don’t feel the need to say that being a doctor was a lifelong dream. Be honest to your real story. Just because you have changed your mind doesn’t make your dream less evocative in the eyes of an admissions committee. The main thing is to hook them on your story, whatever that is. Something compelled you to change, so hopefully it will compel them, too.

The writer moves chronologically, using the body of their personal statement to cover their switch to human medicine, followed by examples of work, academics, and volunteer positions that have brought them closer to their goals, let them grow as a person, and have shown several desirable attributes. Notice that we can see that this person is enthusiastic, engaged, proactive, hard-working, dedicated, open-minded, curious, intelligent, and thoughtful through their stories.

For instance, they don’t have to say , “I’m curious,” after speaking of their love of laboratory experiments. Open-mindedness comes from their ability to change opinions about medicine or learn about ethics – which also displays conscientiousness.

In short: show, don’t tell – that old maxim – is on full display here. You get a feel for this person without them needing to say anything directly. How do you know they’re intelligent? They placed in two essay competitions. How do you know they’re proactive? They reached out to hospital workers for help and advice to advance their goals.

The conclusion references the beginning of the story, bringing the whole thing to a neat close in such a way as to finalize their journey.

Want to hear expert admissions consultants share medical school personal statement introduction examples that impressed them? Watch this video:

Make sure that your personal statement is unique to you, says something important about yourself, and sticks to a structure that increases readability and coherence. Put yourself out there, show your best side, and take your time to get it right. It is just one aspect of your medical school application, but it is just as important as any other. That is to say: it’s very, very important.

UCAS is the system that Cambridge University uses for students to apply to their medical program. Most UK schools use UCAS, which is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and helps students apply to post-secondary educational institutions.

If you want to know more, check out some UCAS reference letter examples .

There are two limits imposed on a UCAS personal statement: 4,000 characters and 47 lines. Never exceed those limits. Triple-check that your word processor hasn’t added a line you don’t know about and do not type the 4,001 st character expecting it to be read. 

Focus what you’re writing about and pare down. If you have too much, pick the events of paramount importance to your journey and use only those to form “signposts” of your journey to medical school.

Uplifting is good; you don’t want a downer statement. Of course, a professional tone – one which avoids colloquialism and slang – is required. However else you construct your tone, make sure that it is professional and academic. The only exception is that most essays aren’t written in the first-person and your personal statement will be. This is acceptable because it’s understood that you are writing from a personal place.

We recommend that you give yourself enough schools to cast a wide net but not so many that you cannot fill out that many forms. Between six and eight is a good number.

UCAS allows five applications, so do all five, and if possible, one or two outside of the UCAS system. If you cannot, just do those five.

More time is better, and we recommend taking six-eight weeks to work on the statement. Write and re-write, optimize your drafts, and come up with the best possible work to show yourself off.

No. Don’t push the “submit” button until you’re ready.

Ideally you will have a mix of experiences in medicine and in your personal life, or you can blend them together. If you only talk about personal experiences, you won’t look like a candidate with a meaningful understanding of medicine. If you only talk about medicine, you might stray too close to the “resume in paragraph form” mistake.

Think about what medical school requirements are, or about extracurriculars for medical school . That will help you know which experiences to highlight.

The best experiences to highlight are the ones that moved you forward on your journey as a person and why you have grown along that journey. Remember to reflect on your journey and experiences to show your best qualities.

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Medicine Personal Statement for Cambridge

Use this real personal statement example for medicine as an inspiration. This is an example from a student who applied to medical school at the University of Cambridge . Read below.

Personal Statement Example for Medical School

As a future medical professional, I am excited to pursue a career in medicine where I can use my passion for science and problem-solving to improve the lives of others.

Growing up, I was always drawn to the medical field and volunteered countless hours at local hospitals and clinics. These experiences further solidified my desire to become a doctor and help those in need.

In high school, I took advanced science and math courses and excelled in my studies. I also participated in various extracurricular activities such as the robotics team and the science club, where I developed leadership and teamwork skills.

I am ready to take the next step in my academic journey and attend medical school. My strong academic background and dedication to helping others will make me a valuable asset to the medical profession.

I am excited about the opportunity to study at Cambridge University and become a part of your prestigious program. I am eager to learn from your world-class faculty and contribute to the vibrant academic community. I am confident that the University of Cambridge will provide me with the education and experiences necessary to become a successful and compassionate doctor.

In addition to my academic abilities, I am also compassionate and empathetic, and I have a strong desire to help others. I have always been drawn to careers that allow me to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and I believe that medicine is one of the best ways to do that. I am excited about the prospect of studying medicine and becoming a doctor, and I am confident that I have the abilities and drive to succeed in this field.

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Medicine Personal Statement Example 2

Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example. The applicant received offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

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Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example for inspiration to help you plan and structure your Personal Statement .

Shadowing surgeons racing against the clock to save a kidney was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. With only twenty-five minutes to resect an extensive tumour before the entire kidney was lost, I was moved by the surgeons’ determination and synergy. However, the limitations of medicine were demonstrated when I was told the patient had an additional unresectable tumour. This experience illustrated the responsibility entrusted to medical professionals; not always to save a life but to treat patients with a biopsychosocial approach. Reflecting on this, I knew I wanted to learn more about medicine. However, it was after observing the communication skills and empathy of a physician allaying a pre-operative patient’s fears that my decision to become a doctor was confirmed.

In my local hospice I was inspired by a doctor comforting an anxious, elderly patient; adapting his terminology to ensure effective communication. In my eight months there I developed the clarity of my conversation with patients, in a way that benefitted their needs. I used this skill at a GP surgery with an elderly patient who was distressed about waiting times. Using a calm demeanour, I deescalated the situation and sought help from a receptionist, who had previously established a rapport with the patient. My leadership skills were enhanced through the realisation that being a good leader involves asking for guidance. My aim is to further these skills in my future medical career.

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Exposure to multiple GP surgeries highlighted how a large elderly population correlates with the need for more home visits; thereby illustrating the effect of demographic transition in healthcare. The importance of teamwork was demonstrated in the multidisciplinary team meetings I have observed on various placements. The healthcare professionals deliberated in order to ensure the best quality of life for the patient.

One of my responsibilities as head of boarding is to comfort younger students who are missing home and this helped me realise that collaboration within the boarding house helps to improve their well-being. Understanding and empathy comes from staff and students alike and my teamwork has improved. Responsibility and advocating for patients in a team is something I look forward to in my future career.

At the hospice it was moving to witness the composure of a doctor who was delivering news of a patient’s rapid deterioration. This exemplified how emotionally demanding medicine is. However, when facing academic challenges I have developed a positive work-life balance. Running and playing the violin provide stress outlets and I look forward to representing my university’s orchestra. There are many new challenges as a medical student and doctor, however, I know that I have the emotional maturity to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

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Research is a vital element of medicine as it advances patient care. At Nuffield Health an umbrella sticker on a patient’s door is the universal symbol for dementia. This inspired me as it is an innovative way to maintain confidentiality whilst adapting to patients’ needs and I wrote about this in an article I published in Mentor Magazine. After reading ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ by Wendy Mitchell, which details her experience with dementia, I researched dementia treatment. This topic was further explored within my EPQ where I investigated socially assistive robots that improve behavioural and psychological dementia symptoms, through social exchange. This experience helped me to appreciate the importance of research in evidence-based medicine. I look forward to improving my research skills at medical school.

The empathy and compassion I have seen in healthcare professionals has helped me confirm my commitment to holistic, patient-centred care. I appreciate the academic, emotional and practical challenges of a career in medicine and feel well prepared to meet these as I enter medical school next year.

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Top Tips for a Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement – Top 10 Tips : Dos and Don’ts

The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You should be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your Cambridge Medicine interview . 

They can tailor questions on your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. Our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Medicine Personal Statement Cambridge tips. This includes dos and don’ts– for your Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for your Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine is a course that integrates both the theoretical aspect of sciences as well as the human aspect of everyday life. Hence, it is a potential choice for scientists who is passionate in wanting to apply research findings to improve the lives of people and patients. However, Medicine also offers a breadth of experiences beyond that. With that comes realistic and not as glamorised aspects of the profession. It can be stressful, arduous, bureaucratic and frustrating. 

Hence, it is important for you to demonstrate in your Cambridge Medicine personal statement that you have a realistic understanding of the profession and that Medicine is the right choice for you. This means that you should demonstrate how you are a good fit for the subject. Not because it is expected of you, or that you are attracted to the prestige of it. Your motivations have to be well-reasoned and thought through. 

Moreover, when planning out your Cambridge Medicine personal statement, make sure you research the University’s achievements in their relevant fields. Use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Medicine. 

Additionally, when you are crafting your Cambridge Medicine personal statement, you would most likely also be applying to four other university courses. This may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such and will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’. This is shortly after submitting the UCAS application, so make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Cambridge personal statement that you can directly submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for your Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Explain why you are interested in medicine.

Cambridge tutors are looking to teach students with genuine interest and passion for their course. Hence, make this the focus of your Cambridge Medicine personal statement. Explain why you want to study your chosen subject. Especially for a course such as Medicine, you would have to ensure that your motives are well reasoned and well thought through. This means that your motivations should not be rooted around the fact that it is secure, well-paid, or prestigious. You should explain to the tutor that you want to study Medicine because you are innately interested in the course and that you are a well fit for it. For example, stating that you want to pursue medicine because you are passionate about the sciences and find that the application of it to help people is meaningful and fulfilling, is a solid reason for wanting to apply to the Medicine course. Using concrete examples that display your interest will go a long way in demonstrating this interest. For example, this could include participating in biology or chemistry competitions or partaking in research projects. It could also be reading up on the latest innovations published in articles or books. Do not worry if you do not have a specific example or time where your ambition became crystal clear to you. Your decision in choosing to study Medicine can be illuminated through an amalgamation of your experiences or understanding of yourself and your strengths. Take your time in explaining why you align well with the course!

Display a good understanding of the course

Understand the course that you are applying for, and ensure that you do not have a superficial or misguided view of what the course entails. Most people’s perception of a course is from what they see in the media or through their high school subjects. Particularly in the case of medicine, most people’s impression of the course is shrouded by its prestige and the fact that it is well-paid. However, this is not always the case – there are difficult aspects of the course! It leads to a one-dimensional view of the course.  Try to talk to graduates or people currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of the course and your options post-graduation. You can demonstrate this understanding in your Cambridge Medicine personal statement by linking similarities in your past experiences to aspects of Medicine (if applicable). Or you can elaborate on personal qualities or traits that make you suitable for Medicine. For example, Medicine also aims to cultivate students to be clinician-scientists, where research work would be involved. Hence, perseverance is a good quality for an applicant to have when partaking in research or difficult aspects of the course. Furthermore, medicine in particular favours medicine-related experience. It signals to the tutors that you have a realistic understanding of your future profession. Try and include any hospital attachment or medical-related work that you were involved in. Also reflect on your experience. Volunteering is also another key experience to mention.

Read around the subject you’re applying for

Of course, in your medicine personal statement Cambridge does not expect you to be an expert in your field of study. You are going to university to study the material after all. However, being well-read in your course and reading ahead is a great way of demonstrating your interest in it. If you are genuinely interested in your course, you would also naturally want to learn more and explore the topic on your own. Reading does not only include books. This could also include podcasts, magazine articles, or even Netflix documentaries. Listening to a podcast on your ride home from school can be a nice way to ease such material into your lifestyle. There are some good articles in Nature, Scientific American and New Scientist that publishes the latest innovations in Medicine. You can also visit Cambridge’s recommended reading list for some book inspirations: Cambridge Medicine Sciences You can include the books in your Cambridge Medicine personal statement by reflecting on the ideas and drawing similarities to your personal life or experiences. This would show a deep understanding of the content that you read through. Actually reflect on the material as you are reading through it.

Have a good structure for your Cambridge Medicine personal statement

The points listed above give you a lot of content to write about. However, all of that information can be difficult to get through for the reader if it’s not organised well! Try and follow a fixed overall structure for your Medicine personal statement Cambridge. Also include paragraphs to enhance readability. For example, your introduction could be a short 2-3 lines outlining your interest in Medicine. Or your starting point could show how you first started considering it as a potential career. In your body paragraphs, you can use it to explain specific traits that you have that make you suitable for the course. For example, if you are empathetic, or if you enjoy academic rigour. You can also use some body paragraphs to explain specific aspects of medicine that you are drawn to. Explain how you pursued this interest. You can conclude by wrapping up the points mentioned above! For individual paragraphs, start off the paragraph with a point (such as your interest in the research aspect of medicine). Next, use concrete real-life experiences and examples to support this, before reflecting on these examples.

Ask your friends and family to proofread your Cambridge personal statement

Sometimes, we are not able to be objective about our own work, especially when we are telling our own story. Oxbridge Mind offers a medicine personal statement check . You can also try and approach friends, family, or seniors to proofread your Cambridge Medicine personal statement. They can provide you with feedback. They can comment on the structure and readability of your Cambridge Medicine personal statement, which could be really valuable! That being said, don’t share your Cambridge personal statement in case it gets plagiarised by someone else.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Even though one might assume that Cambridge wants to choose the most decorated candidate that applies, this is not necessarily the case. They are looking for students who are genuinely interested in the course, and students who are a good fit for it. This means that you could have started a non-profit and dedicated 10,000 hours to volunteering. But if you don’t show how this is relevant to your study in Medicine, the Cambridge tutors may not necessarily think you are suited for the programme. When talking about your achievements, always link back to how this is relevant to either your interest or your suitability for Medicine. Hence, try not to make your Cambridge Medicine personal statement a laundry list of all your previous experiences. Less is more in you taking more time to explain and elaborate on a couple of experiences.

Valuing vocabulary over conciseness

Some students feel the need to use bombastic words or flowery language in order to impress Cambridge tutors and use it as a way to demonstrate their strong command of the English language. However, this usually works against them. The Cambridge Medicine personal statement comes off as sounding unnatural and difficult to read. Try and understand that the Cambridge Medicine personal statement is a medium for you to tell your story and your passion. If using a thesaurus is getting in the way of that, opt for simple language. Cambridge tutors value ones they can read with ease and understand! If you’re not familiar with certain words, don’t use them as it might work against you instead!

Not showing the link to medicine

When it comes to your medicine personal statement Cambridge tutors are not looking for students with the most awards. They are looking for students who are a good match for the course. Hence, try and focus on relevant experiences that would be useful in you studying medicine. When you mention these experiences, don’t assume that the tutors can immediately understand why it is relevant or impressive. Always elaborate on how it is relevant to your passion for medicine or how it makes you a good fit for the course.

Misunderstanding what the course is about

Make sure you thoroughly research the course. This includes the course syllabus, what the career would entail, and so on. You can find out more information by attending seminars or speaking to seniors who are currently studying medicine (preferably at Cambridge!) or have graduated from the course. A simple google search and thoroughly reading all university brochure materials is a good start on understanding what you are in for! Try to forget all previous assumptions you have about the course. Make sure you thoroughly understand what you would be studying. Furthermore, especially for medicine, it would be good if you can involve yourself in any hospital or clinical attachments, and to mention such experiences in your personal experience. This is because it is a direct way of showing that you have first hand experience in what you would be studying.

Being cliché

When talking about your interest and passion for medicine, try to explain it in a genuine and authentic way. You don’t need a movie-like moment, such as your whole life changing because of applications in medicine. Don’t feel the need to mention a close family member who was saved because of medicine, or the like. These anecdotes are often overplayed– so definitely do not mention them unless it is authentic to your story. A simple explanation of how unique aspects of medicine intrigues you or draws you in, although seemingly simple and ordinary, would be even more valuable if explained well. Try to be authentic and original, and really understand why YOU would love to study medicine!

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alistairlkv

Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement Example

This personal statement is the one i used in my ucas application back in 2018. i applied to cambridge, imperial college london, sheffield and leicester-receiving offers from all four medical schools. this personal statement is just an example to be used for inspiration, and you should not try to copy it or model your own personal statement after it ucas are very strict with plagiarism and honestly, crafting a personal statement around your own strengths and qualities is probably much more effective. i’ve first included the full text of my personal statement so give it a quick read, then below i’ve broken down each part with comments and the thought process as to why i decided to include it in my personal statement..

The past few years have been a tempestuous experience as I helped to care for my grandfather after ureter cancer surgery, journeying between remissions and relapses during chemo and radiotherapy. Through my constant interaction with doctors I learned how important commitment, empathy and guidance are to build trust and instil hope. More recently immunotherapy has kept my grandfather alive and although I aspired to be a doctor from a young age due to a strong desire to help others, this revolutionary therapy has further inspired me and reinforced my determination to study and partake in the research-driven, constantly developing field of Medicine. During an attachment at KPJ Hospital I followed a patient admitted to A&E in severe pain who had a scan before consultation with a gynaecologist, who then performed emergency keyhole surgery for a twisted ovarian cyst. The clear communication and understanding of each team member’s role were essential for the successful treatment, reiterating the multidisciplinary nature of Medicine. I saw the stress and pressure placed on doctors working long hours and making difficult decisions during vulnerable patient care, making me realise the resilience a medic requires. However, I could share and understand the satisfaction gained through successful patient treatment. Hard work and performance under pressure are traits I have developed in both my academic life and through competitive sports which culminated in multiple medals including gold at district and state-level athletics. A placement at UMMC haematology unit emphasised to me the complex challenges in treating leukaemia patients, illustrated by a haematologist informing a family of their young daughter’s diagnosis at which the mother broke down in tears. I was most impressed by the doctor’s care and skill as she calmed the parents and clearly explained treatment options. Compassion and good interpersonal skills are essential for Medicine and I have sought to develop mine by conducting PSHE lessons for lower school classes, volunteering at a mentally disabled children’s centre and a home for refugee children. It was a genuine pleasure to see the refugee children smile and laugh as we led games and activities such as baking, despite not speaking the same language. My grandfather’s treatment piqued my interest in immunotherapy, hence I did an EPQ on the recent CAR T cell breakthrough in acute leukaemia. The challenge of applying the technique and success of adoptive cell therapy to other diseases is something I hope to study and explore in the future. Reading ‘The Philadelphia Chromosome’ gave me insight into the difficulties in establishing new treatments and the rise of targeted therapy for cancer. Last summer my laboratory attachment at Cancer Research Malaysia let me observe the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in locating tumour cell survival genes and help to prepare blood and cancer tissue to test a new immunotherapy peptide vaccine. This experience made me understand how doctors lead medical research and collaborate with scientists to develop new therapies. I have immense interest in science and my capability is evidenced by my Intermediate Biology Olympiad Gold and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Roentgenium Awards. I was honoured to be made prefect and Sports House Captain, which developed my leadership skills. As part of the school editorial board I learnt how teamwork is necessary to produce a joint publication. Being involved in LEO community service for two years and fundraising for charity enabled me to give back to society. To unwind from the pressure of study, I enjoy playing piano, tennis and football. My exposure to Medicine thus far has demonstrated how demanding yet rewarding it is, whereby dedicated doctors enabled my grandfather to enjoy his favourite food with loved ones today. The chance to put a smile on someone’s face whom may have previously lost hope drives my determination to pursue, succeed and excel in a medical career.

Breakdown and comments

The past few years have been a tempestuous experience as I helped to care for my grandfather after ureter cancer surgery, journeying between remissions and relapses during chemo and radiotherapy.

The opening line serves a few purposes. First, I tried to make it interesting and more personal-by using an example closer to my heart, so that it wasn’t a ‘generic’ opening about wanting to help people/loving science etc. This was also one of core ‘motivations’ for my wanting to study medicine, and I would revisit my grandfather’s treatment more in the rest of my personal statement, as I wanted to craft it such that each idea and experiences I had linked together nicely.

Through my constant interaction with doctors I learned how important commitment, empathy and guidance are to build trust and instil hope.

This line mainly dropped some keywords. I also wanted to show that I had experienced interaction with doctors throughout my visits to the hospital, thus implying I had a better understanding of the work they do. Commitment and empathy are important qualities in doctors, and I wanted to show that I appreciated it and understood it was necessary to succeed as a doctor.

More recently immunotherapy has kept my grandfather alive and although I aspired to be a doctor from a young age due to a strong desire to help others, this revolutionary therapy has further inspired me and reinforced my determination to study and partake in the research-driven, constantly developing field of Medicine.

Linking back to my grandfather’s case as a motivation for wanting to study medicine, I also wanted to emphasise that my decision was one which I had known for a long time, since I had wanted to study medicine for pretty much my entire life. I also included the phrase ‘strong desire to help others’, and as cliché as it is, nearly everyone in medicine has a passion for helping other people-and it’s important too. Immunotherapy is a very emerging field of cancer treatment and is part of the reason I am very keen on going into medical research in the future. Immunotherapy and my interest in research are also recurring themes throughout my personal statement, and I wanted to place more emphasis on them especially since I was applying to Cambridge and Imperial, two medical schools known to be very science-focused and brilliant institutions with cutting-edge research. I was also quite lucky in the fact that 2018 was the year immunotherapy (more specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors) won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, thus it was more likely to spark questions and interest during interview. The phrase ‘constantly developing field of Medicine’ also showed my appreciation of the changing nature of illness and treatment, thus my interest in different fields of medicine may very well change in the future.

During an attachment at KPJ Hospital I followed a patient admitted to A&E in severe pain who had a scan before consultation with a gynaecologist, who then performed emergency keyhole surgery for a twisted ovarian cyst. The clear communication and understanding of each team member’s role were essential for the successful treatment, reiterating the multidisciplinary nature of Medicine.

Work experience. There’s no way around it, and everyone will have to include it in their personal statement. Hence, I had to try to make it stand out and be unique from all the thousands of other personal statements out there. Though most people suggest otherwise in order to save on word count, I included the name of the hospital I was attached to, firstly because it added credibility and also because it was a hospital in Malaysia rather than the NHS that most people would have experienced. I used a case I witnessed (so that it wouldn’t be like anyone else’s) and tied it to more keywords-communication between doctors and the multidisciplinary nature of medicine. It is important not only to mention what you have witnessed, but also what you have learnt and understood from watching the doctors work. Of course, I was also fully prepared to elaborate and talk about the procedure in length should I be asked about it in interview, hence I didn’t want to delve into the details of what happened too much here.

I saw the stress and pressure placed on doctors working long hours and making difficult decisions during vulnerable patient care, making me realise the resilience a medic requires. However, I could share and understand the satisfaction gained through successful patient treatment. Hard work and performance under pressure are traits I have developed in both my academic life and through competitive sports which culminated in multiple medals including gold at district and state-level athletics.

More keyword dropping! I needed to show that I understood the difficulties of medicine and didn’t take the work of doctors for granted. I also wanted to show that I understood what it was like to be a doctor, having observed them for two weeks and watching how they handled their patients. I also linked this back to my own experiences, using this as an opportunity to demonstrate that I had the qualities to be a doctor, and included some of my extra-curricular achievements as well.

A placement at UMMC haematology unit emphasised to me the complex challenges in treating leukaemia patients, illustrated by a haematologist informing a family of their young daughter’s diagnosis at which the mother broke down in tears. I was most impressed by the doctor’s care and skill as she calmed the parents and clearly explained treatment options. Compassion and good interpersonal skills are essential for Medicine and I have sought to develop mine by conducting PSHE lessons for lower school classes, volunteering at a mentally disabled children’s centre and a home for refugee children. It was a genuine pleasure to see the refugee children smile and laugh as we led games and activities such as baking, despite not speaking the same language.

Another paragraph of my work experience. I had chosen and applied for the haematology department as my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) was in a haematology topic, and I could do my work experience while also learning more and doing a bit of primary research for my EPQ. I focussed on an example which portrayed the difficulties of being a doctor-there are so many challenges involved, and it is important that aspiring medical students know what they are signing up for. Again, keywords like compassion and interpersonal skills were mentioned, and I wanted to show that I not only knew these were important, but I myself had developed them through my own experiences. Just knowing the important qualities of a doctor is not enough-you have to demonstrate you have them too. I included my experiences from my volunteering work and added some examples to make it more personal. After all, it is a ‘personal’ statement and you must try and get across what kind of a person you are too!

My grandfather’s treatment piqued my interest in immunotherapy, hence I did an EPQ on the recent CAR T cell breakthrough in acute leukaemia. The challenge of applying the technique and success of adoptive cell therapy to other diseases is something I hope to study and explore in the future.

I talked about my EPQ here, having chosen my topic based on the treatment my grandfather had undergone. The topic of my research was ‘Is immunotherapy a turning point in the treatment of paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?’, hence linking back to my work experience in the haematology unit observing leukaemia patients. I also wanted to show that I was proactive and had keen interest in learning about things which appealed to me, thus my wanting to learn more about a treatment after seeing its effects on a close relative. I also hinted at my desire to partake in medical research in the future, more specifically on a topic I had already been capable of researching extensively.

Reading ‘The Philadelphia Chromosome’ gave me insight into the difficulties in establishing new treatments and the rise of targeted therapy for cancer.

Books are quite tricky. Most people want to include at least one title in their personal statement to show that they have interest in medical literature and are widely read. In my experience, find one book that you really enjoy and taught you something-that’s more than enough. I actually spent an awful lot of time trying to scour medical books to find something relevant to immunotherapy, leukaemia or research, and as it turned out this book was all three. It’s an amazing book which talks about the story of researchers and the breakthroughs made in developing one of the first immunotherapy drugs for leukaemia. Again, it tied together really well with the rest of my content.

Last summer my laboratory attachment at Cancer Research Malaysia let me observe the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in locating tumour cell survival genes and help to prepare blood and cancer tissue to test a new immunotherapy peptide vaccine. This experience made me understand how doctors lead medical research and collaborate with scientists to develop new therapies.

Yet another paragraph on work experience (last one, I promise), this one on my internship at a research lab. Not many people have work experience in research, so if it’s something which interests you, you should definitely try to get some in order to stand out from everyone else. I also hoped that by applying to two medical schools famous for their research I would attract some questions during interview on what I had learnt. Once again I also linked my experience back to immunotherapy, wanting to demonstrate that after researching and reading about it, I had the opportunity to see what the research was like first-hand. The last line also emphasised that I wanted to be a clinical researcher and not just a laboratory scientist, as if I placed too much importance on research, I might invite the question ‘why not just be a scientist instead of a doctor?’

I have immense interest in science and my capability is evidenced by my Intermediate Biology Olympiad Gold and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Roentgenium Awards. I was honoured to be made prefect and Sports House Captain, which developed my leadership skills. As part of the school editorial board I learnt how teamwork is necessary to produce a joint publication. Being involved in LEO community service for two years and fundraising for charity enabled me to give back to society. To unwind from the pressure of study, I enjoy playing piano, tennis and football.

‘I love science’. Everyone wanting to study medicine probably does, but everyone has to mention it at some point as well. I included some of my academic competition achievements to make my ability seem a bit more credible, despite them already being mentioned in my college reference. I added a bunch more of my extra-curricular activities and interests, after all medical schools want someone who is going to contribute to student life as well. I also used them as a springboard for even more keyword dropping. Leadership and teamwork are definitely important traits in doctors, and I had to demonstrate that I was capable of them.

My exposure to Medicine thus far has demonstrated how demanding yet rewarding it is, whereby dedicated doctors enabled my grandfather to enjoy his favourite food with loved ones today. The chance to put a smile on someone’s face whom may have previously lost hope drives my determination to pursue, succeed and excel in a medical career.

I wanted to end on a positive note and tie it back to my opening paragraph, while concluding and reinforcing my desire to study medicine again. The ending doesn’t have to be too special, just a way of wrapping things up nicely.

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Published by alistairlkv

I'm a fifth-year medical student studying at St. Catharine's College, University of Cambridge. View all posts by alistairlkv

One thought on “ Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement Example ”

Ffs how to write like this

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Medicine Personal Statement Inspiration – Jonathan (Cambridge)

Home » Application Guide » Medicine Personal Statement Inspiration – Jonathan (Cambridge)

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This is part of a series of blog posts wherein members of the 6med team attach and comment on their own medicine personal statements. Jonathan (contributor to the  BMAT Crash Course ) applied to Cambridge, Southampton, Manchester and Sheffield, and received offers from Cambridge, Southampton and Manchester. Here is his personal statement and analysis.

Please be aware that these examples are meant purely for the sake of inspiration, and should absolutely NOT be used as a model around which to base your own personal statement. UCAS have a rather strict system that detects plagiarism .

Medicine Personal Statement Analysis

I first became interested in Medicine when my teacher had to give up her job to look after a relative with motor neurone disease; I was shocked to discover the devastating impact of such illnesses. I began finding out about careers in Medicine, asking my GP questions about his work, speaking with university medical researchers, and reading publications such as the Student BMJ. I am fascinated by medical research such as Richard Faull’s work on neurogenesis, as it is exciting to see how the brain’s own repair mechanisms could be used to provide new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. I have also found the human aspects of Medicine to be at least as important as providing a cure. For example, an article in the BMJ on salivation problems in the elderly caught my attention, as it demonstrated how innovative problem solving can complement science to improve the quality of people’s lives. This had a particular impact on me, because by that time I had been volunteering for four years at care homes and I had begun to appreciate the tremendous benefits that even simple medical interventions can bring. I helped to produce an improvement in the motor skills of a resident over the course of six months using ball games, painting and exercises, and it was wonderful to see his spirits rising as his physical ability increased. I believe that a career in Medicine would provide me with an ideal combination of intellectual challenge, problem solving, and interaction with people.

“This is a fairly normal way to open a personal statement: “why did I become interested in Medicine?” Make sure everything you write is true because you’ll be asked about it. In this paragraph, I’ve talked about my inspiration to take Medicine, people I’ve talked to about the career, books/publications I had read (really read them!), and some work experience that I’d had. These are all important parts of an application and although they don’t need to go in your first paragraph necessarily, I think it’s important to put them in early or they will get forgotten.”

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Studying Medicine would allow me to pursue my lifelong interest in science. I am studying Physics and Chemistry to IB Higher level, and won my school’s IB prize for Chemistry in my Lower 6th year. I also enjoy scientific activities outside school; my prize-winning project investigating aerofoil performance taught me about scientific method and the application of physical principles. I also approach my hobbies from a scientific point of view, actively engaging with problem solving aspects and using scientific method to improve my performance: I recently wrote a 4000 word study on methods for solving the Rubik’s cube, and I study the formal theory of chess. This approach, coupled with my determination and commitment, has driven me to set and achieve high goals. I am now ranked in the world’s top 200 Rubik’s cube solvers. Similarly, while participating in a science competition to design a timing device, I began to lead the group proactively, and used mathematical modelling to improve accuracy. Our design went on to win overall.

“In this paragraph, I’m talking about schoolwork and relevant extracurricular activities. I would suggest not lingering on any one point for too long. It’s important to introduce your hobbies as well as explain why you’ve mentioned them, for example, what skills they demonstrate and how they will help you in the future.”

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I am aware that a good doctor also needs to have the right personal qualities. During work experience at The Royal Marsden, I learnt the need for leadership and teamwork, particularly in situations requiring the application of multiple disciplines to a single clinical problem. I have cultivated these qualities through many years of playing in musical ensembles, running the Debating Society at my school, and becoming a School Prefect. I also realise that communicating positively with patients is a vital part of a doctor’s role. I have therefore developed my communication skills by becoming involved in debating, and I chose the IB syllabus to allow me to continue studying two languages throughout Sixth Form. I also have a wide range of extracurricular interests which have improved my time-management and concentration: I play squash, hockey and tennis, enjoy long distance cycling, have completed my silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and I am working towards my diploma on the cello.

“Medicine personal statements differ from other kinds because the end goal is to be a Doctor, and there is a big focus on interpersonal skills when you do clinical training. This paragraph was me attempting to show an interest in working alongside people and the ability to work well in teams.”

My interest in Medicine began at a young age, but as my passion for science and empathy for people developed, it became clear that this really is the career for me. I am sure the skills and determination that have brought me success in the past would stand me in good stead for the rigours of medical study, and I am eager to apply myself to the challenge.

“A good ending in my opinion sums up your important points and lays everything on the table in a short, snappy paragraph. Always think about the person reading it. They’ll remember the beginning and the ending the most, while the middle will be less well remembered. So make sure your first and last paragraphs are top-notch.”

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Medicine personal statement example 48.

Given that over ninety nine percent of the body consists of just six elements, it is hard to imagine the human body as an intricately synchronised and immensely complex machine.

Yet, it has done well to puzzle even the brightest minds in history-but I am drawn to a challenge; I cannot think of anything else more fascinating to work with.

Since young, my natural addiction to ask the key question in science: “Why?” helped my scientific knowledge to flourish. My broad affinity in science covers psychology, natural history and chemistry, and this year, I have undertaken a degree module with the Open University-“Life in the Oceans”, which demands a more vigorous self studying regime.

However, my main fascination lies in the human anatomy; it never fails to astonish me just how much is inside, from the extensive nervous system to the minute glands in the endocrine system. Anatomy books and documentaries such as ‘A History of Surgery’ provide a good but limited insight into this topic.

Growing up also saw my personal qualities mature and strengthen under the good influence of my close relatives. My adaptability and problem solving skills have been pushed to their limits when my family moved country twice in five years; it was a daunting challenge for any child. I was kept afloat by my affability and resilience in a war against language and cultural barriers.

Learning to appreciate diversity and cultural differences also taught me to be a compassionate young adult, which in turn, only amplified my aspiration to become a doctor. I am acutely aware that taking on medicine equates to a life-long learning experience, both intellectually and on a personal level, but this only inevitably makes it more irresistible than ever for an inquisitive mind like mine.

In order to deepen my understanding into what medicine entails, I attended Medlink. For the first time, I began to appreciate the less glamorous demands of being a doctor, but I was not fazed. I later arranged work experience in a local hospice.

In addition to improving my communication skills-the significance of which was very apparent in the hospice-the patients revealed to me the high level of trust they placed in the staff. It was valuable to my understanding but nevertheless distressing to learn that not even the ocean of knowledge that we currently have could cure those palliative patients in the hospice.

The importance of empathy became clear after this realization. Through further work experience in a community hospital, I experienced the breadth of the medical field through working in a diversity of departments from shadowing neurologists to profiling.

More recently, whilst working in the eye clinic of a hospital, ophthalmologists around the county came to present their case studies in a seasonal conference-which I found especially appealing, as it demonstrated the creativity in the different approaches to treating patients.

These work experiences along with others later on, including care home visits, confirmed my chosen career choice.

Outside study, I compete for the A-squad of my tennis club, which has been beneficial to my personal and physical qualities, as it requires intense fitness and fast mental strategic planning whilst under pressure. I am also currently working towards grade eight in piano. Like tennis, it brings the inevitable periodic frustration, but the reward of performing for concerts is worth much more.

I have also enjoyed team working on D of E Gold award; the creative thinking and leadership skills needed for prefect and house captain duties; volunteering at Oxfam; plus taking part and winning awards in a handful of maths and chemistry challenges.

All the experiences thus far and my personal qualities have led me to believe that I have the capacity to confront the emotional and academic challenges, but furthermore, to truly enjoy this uniquely gratifying career that is medicine, whilst being an active and sociable member of the community.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Logan for application in 2010.

Logan's university choices University of Bristol Cambridge University The University of Edinburgh Imperial College London Imperial College London

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree Medicine at Cambridge University

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What do you mean ".."? Doesn't mean anything to me. :S

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Sun, 03/07/2011 - 13:40

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Sat, 01/09/2012 - 18:20

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Fri, 09/08/2013 - 09:07

You have a great talent for writing. How has medicine at Cambridge transpired? Is it what you were expecting?

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