Becoming a Doctor, Personal Statement Example

From a very young age, I was always fascinated with the human body and how it worked. To me, the human body was like a machine.  It was compiled of many systems that completed diverse tasks each day. The most fascinating endeavor of the human body is the fact that it can produce life-something that has yet to be duplicated artificially. I believe my interest in the medical field was initially sparked when I saw a video of a child birth. I felt I had witnessed a miracle and for me to be a part of that world someday would be even more of a miracle.  I know that becoming a doctor will be a challenge that requires many years of dedicated study, but I know that in the end they gratification I feel with be worth all the hard work.

I come from a long line of doctors, so I have had the opportunity shadow the profession.  My father and grandfather were both doctors in the UK. I have had the opportunity to speak to them about the career and gain unbiased feedback about the everyday challenges. My father has even allowed me the opportunity to follow him for a day in his clinic. I had the opportunity to observe many patients receiving care. My father did not tell the patients that we were related because he felt it might make them partial to me. I agreed. My confidence level was raised tremendously during this tour. I also believe my communication skills improved as I was allowed to speak to patients and nurses. As a result of this experience, my father allowed me to participate in a volunteer program for aspiring doctors at his clinic. I had the opportunity to speak with other students who have the same aspirations that I have. Although I did not have the opportunity to do much related to medicine, it was still a great experience. I observed blood pressure and insulin levels being checked, I made some beds and assisted a few people to the bathroom, but most of all I was able to observe the daily routines of the doctors and nurses.

I know that becoming a doctor requires a certain type of personality. I am a very determined individual who is self-motivated and driven by a goal. The most important character trait for doctors is their ability to care. Great doctors are caring and genuinely have the patient’s best interest in mind. Next, doctors must be able to communicate well. I have learned that communicating is not just what you say, but how you say it and the body language you use while saying it. I observed my father and other nurses communicating in difficult and stressful situations. They were able to remain calm and ensure that the patient received the best care possible. It was amazing to watch them in action.

My love of the medical field has stemmed directly from my love of science. I have always been great in math and physics. My teachers always asked me to tutor students who were having problems. After taking chemistry and biology, my interest in the medical field was heightened. All of the subjects I mentioned require analytical and critical thinking skills. After taking courses in these subjects, these skills are greatly improved. Being able to analyze and think critically are crucial to every doctor. In the medical world, things aren’t always what they appear to be at first glance.

Being a doctor means that you are under the societal microscope daily. People expect doctors to be healthy because they are advising them to get healthy. Consequently, I believe people in the medical field should be the pictures of great health. Doctors should make a conscious effort to exercise and eat the proper diet. They should not smoke or use any other substances that could harm their bodies. After all, that would be an oxymoron and people would not take your advice seriously. To ensure that I am treating my body like the miracle it is, I have many hobbies that keep me healthy and fit. I ensure that I exercise each and every day. I limit the amount of carbs and sugar I eat each day. I also make sure that I get enough rest each night to fuel my body for the next day.

I want to practice medicine in the UK because I want to assist other doctors in eliminating the health disparities.  It’s no secret that the quality of healthcare delivered to people from various socioeconomic groups is not always standard. Many people in the UK are suffering from disease and illness that can be eliminated or controlled with regular medical attention.  Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity can be controlled. As a result, when I began practicing I want to take a holistic approach to each person. Being free of disease does not equate being healthy. Many people do not have chronic illnesses, but they are still not healthy. The best way to eliminate these disparities is through education.  This educational program must be started with the youths of the UK. When children are taught to value health and their bodies, they will become adults who value health and their bodies.  Those adults will have children and teach them to value health and their bodies. Over time, the health disparities will disappear. In the UK, many people wait for months to get needed surgeries. Sadly, in that wait time many die.

The gap between the rich and poor in the UK is ever widening. It’s only normal to think that those people from wealthier families will live longer because they have access to adequate healthcare and they do not have to work as hard. The life expectancy for the poor is nearly 10 years less than that of the wealthy. The government and policy makers must work to reduce this inequality.  Healthy people can only add to the economy of the UK. When a person is healthy, he/she will be productive in the home and community in which they live.

I have an I can save the world attitude because I have seen the sorrows of health disparities in the UK. People are suffering and dying from ailments that can be controlled. Health should be something that is guaranteed to each human being, regardless of economic status. Being poor does not mean that one should have to suffer from ailments that the rich would never have to suffer from. Doctors are advocates of living healthy. We don’t just advocate to the rich, but to every person. Health disparities can be eliminated if doctors, educators, and other stakeholders work together. This will be a long journey and results will not be seen over night, but if we are diligent and continue results will be seen.