Decoding a Successful Medical School Personal Statement

Personal Statement Example:

I was one of those kids who always wanted to be a doctor. I didn’t understand the responsibilities and heartbreaks, the difficult decisions, and the years of study and training that go with the title, but I did understand that the person in the white coat stood for knowledge, professionalism, and compassion. As a child, visits to the pediatrician were important events. I’d attend to my hair and clothes, and travel to the appointment in anticipation. I loved the interaction with my doctor. I loved that whoever I was in the larger world, I could enter the safe space of the doctor’s office, and for a moment my concerns were heard and evaluated. I listened as my mother communicated with the doctor. I’d be asked questions, respectfully examined, treatments and options would be weighed, and we would be on our way. My mother had been supported in her efforts to raise a well child, and I’d had a meaningful interaction with an adult who cared for my body and development. I understood medicine as an act of service, which aligned with my values, and became a dream.

I was hospitalized for several months as a teenager and was inspired by the experience, despite the illness. In the time of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, I met truly sick children. Children who were much more ill than me. Children who wouldn’t recover. I met families who were devastated by the loss of their children. I met doctors who were compassionate and caring, and doctors who were not. I met nurses who were overworked and tired, and nurses who were energetic and enthusiastic. I met social workers who were supportive and helpful, and social workers who were not. I met physical therapists who were encouraging and motivating, and physical therapists who were not. I met dietitians who were knowledgeable and informative, and dietitians who were not. I met child life specialists who were creative and fun, and child life specialists who were not. I met hospital administrators who were efficient and organized, and hospital administrators who were not. I met janitors who were friendly and kind, and janitors who were not. I met volunteers who were generous and giving, and volunteers who were not. I met other patients who were brave and strong, and other patients who were not. I met myself, and I was changed.

I returned to school with a new perspective. I was more focused and determined. I was more compassionate and empathetic. I was more grateful and appreciative. I was more aware and observant. I was more patient and tolerant. I was more humble and modest. I was more confident and assertive. I was more responsible and accountable. I was more mature and wise. I was more curious and inquisitive. I was more creative and imaginative. I was more open-minded and accepting. I was more flexible and adaptable. I was more resilient and persevering. I was more optimistic and hopeful. I was more realistic and practical. I was more balanced and centered. I was more peaceful and content. I was more loving and kind. I was more joyful and happy. I was more alive and present.

I pursued my studies with vigor. I excelled in my coursework. I participated in extracurricular activities. I volunteered in the community. I shadowed physicians. I conducted research. I presented at conferences. I published papers. I received awards and honors. I developed leadership skills. I cultivated relationships. I explored interests. I discovered passions. I clarified goals. I prepared for the future.

I am ready for the challenges and rewards of medical school. I am ready to learn and grow. I am ready to serve and heal. I am ready to contribute and lead. I am ready to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor.