My decision to study medicine cannot be pinpointed to one single moment. Books such as 'The
Epigenetics Revolution' by N. Carey, exploring the role of environment in alteration of DNA, have led to
my questioning of how something as complex as consciousness can arise from discrete molecular
interactions, and the treatment methods employed by doctors when these systems malfunction.
Medicine offers me the opportunity to seek answers to these questions, and apply them to improve the
lives of those rendered vulnerable by illness.
To explore an application of medical science, I attended a seminar outlining development in ovarian
cryopreservation; a treatment to preserve fertility in people undergoing cancer therapies.
Understanding how knowledge of intricate cell pathology can be applied to develop new treatments for
infertility was fascinating, presenting medicine as progressive and constantly evolving to incorporate
cutting-edge science. Current research into natural antibacterials inspired my research essay on the
biochemical properties of essential oils, allowing me to gain valuable research and experimental skills
that I believe will be transferable to a medical career.
To gain a realistic insight into the diversities of medicine, I have undertaken work experience within
settings ranging from a neurorehabilitation centre to a delivery theatre. On a neonatal ward, although
inspiring to see technological developments improving survival rates of premature infants, more
poignant was the irreplaceable role of doctors in consoling parents during such uncertain times.
Assessing how difficult decisions were made prompted a debate about the ethics of abortion and
disability at my school medical society. A doctor's ability to deal with emotionally challenging situations
was also evident on a geriatrics ward, during discussions about end of life care. Through talking to
patients here, as well as care home residents whilst volunteering, I have begun to comprehend not just
the physical, but also the psychological impacts of illness, dependence and old age. I have learnt there
is a limit to what medicine can offer, and regarding patients' dignity and comfort, palliation is often
more compassionate than curative treatment.
Through volunteering at a school for disabled children, I have forged friendships with the students, and
it is satisfying to see my encouragement boost their enthusiasm. Working alongside non-verbal
students has also improved my adaptive communicative skills. Organising and managing science
classes for young adults with learning difficulties, alongside being responsible for trainees within my
job in customer service, enables me to interact with and lead varied groups of people.
Work experience within wider areas of healthcare, including physiotherapy and district nursing, has
shown me how interdisciplinary teamwork is necessary in the execution of successful care plans. I
gauged the importance of it myself during a project in Malawi, where working collaboratively with the
locals to build a classroom required an appreciation of foreign custom, in order to overcome language
and cultural barriers. Witnessing firsthand the difficulties arising from an underdeveloped healthcare
system led me to read 'Better' by A. Gawande, outlining how healthcare standards have been
improved in developing countries, for example through the introduction of the polio vaccine in India. To
raise money for the local community, I trained and ran my first half-marathon. This, along with playing
tennis competitively, has instilled in me the need for perseverance and self-motivation in achieving
personal goals. Joining a running club has driven me to improve further; seeing the successes of
others inspires my own. Learning the complexities of piano has reinforced my problem-solving
approach, also providing a stress release.
I am under no illusion that medicine is easy, yet I believe overcoming the challenges is what will make
it rewarding.
Epigenetics Revolution' by N. Carey, exploring the role of environment in alteration of DNA, have led to
my questioning of how something as complex as consciousness can arise from discrete molecular
interactions, and the treatment methods employed by doctors when these systems malfunction.
Medicine offers me the opportunity to seek answers to these questions, and apply them to improve the
lives of those rendered vulnerable by illness.
To explore an application of medical science, I attended a seminar outlining development in ovarian
cryopreservation; a treatment to preserve fertility in people undergoing cancer therapies.
Understanding how knowledge of intricate cell pathology can be applied to develop new treatments for
infertility was fascinating, presenting medicine as progressive and constantly evolving to incorporate
cutting-edge science. Current research into natural antibacterials inspired my research essay on the
biochemical properties of essential oils, allowing me to gain valuable research and experimental skills
that I believe will be transferable to a medical career.
To gain a realistic insight into the diversities of medicine, I have undertaken work experience within
settings ranging from a neurorehabilitation centre to a delivery theatre. On a neonatal ward, although
inspiring to see technological developments improving survival rates of premature infants, more
poignant was the irreplaceable role of doctors in consoling parents during such uncertain times.
Assessing how difficult decisions were made prompted a debate about the ethics of abortion and
disability at my school medical society. A doctor's ability to deal with emotionally challenging situations
was also evident on a geriatrics ward, during discussions about end of life care. Through talking to
patients here, as well as care home residents whilst volunteering, I have begun to comprehend not just
the physical, but also the psychological impacts of illness, dependence and old age. I have learnt there
is a limit to what medicine can offer, and regarding patients' dignity and comfort, palliation is often
more compassionate than curative treatment.
Through volunteering at a school for disabled children, I have forged friendships with the students, and
it is satisfying to see my encouragement boost their enthusiasm. Working alongside non-verbal
students has also improved my adaptive communicative skills. Organising and managing science
classes for young adults with learning difficulties, alongside being responsible for trainees within my
job in customer service, enables me to interact with and lead varied groups of people.
Work experience within wider areas of healthcare, including physiotherapy and district nursing, has
shown me how interdisciplinary teamwork is necessary in the execution of successful care plans. I
gauged the importance of it myself during a project in Malawi, where working collaboratively with the
locals to build a classroom required an appreciation of foreign custom, in order to overcome language
and cultural barriers. Witnessing firsthand the difficulties arising from an underdeveloped healthcare
system led me to read 'Better' by A. Gawande, outlining how healthcare standards have been
improved in developing countries, for example through the introduction of the polio vaccine in India. To
raise money for the local community, I trained and ran my first half-marathon. This, along with playing
tennis competitively, has instilled in me the need for perseverance and self-motivation in achieving
personal goals. Joining a running club has driven me to improve further; seeing the successes of
others inspires my own. Learning the complexities of piano has reinforced my problem-solving
approach, also providing a stress release.
I am under no illusion that medicine is easy, yet I believe overcoming the challenges is what will make
it rewarding.
