How have you prepared yourself for Medicine?

Absolute Musts

• Highlight key preparation activities (e.g., work experience, volunteering, academic studies).
• Reflect on what you learned about the medical profession, such as teamwork, communication, and patient care.
• Show how these experiences developed relevant skills (e.g., resilience, empathy, problem-solving).
• Link directly to examples from your personal statement to reinforce your narrative.

To Stand Out

• Reflect deeply on lessons learned, not just activities undertaken.
• Mention insights into the challenges of medicine (e.g., long hours, emotional resilience).
• Discuss any unique experiences that demonstrate individuality or exceptional commitment.
• Show evidence of continuous learning and growth (e.g., reading, courses, or projects).

Suggested Structure

• Introduction: Briefly explain your proactive approach to preparing for medicine.
• Key Experiences: Highlight work experience, volunteering, and academic preparation, emphasizing what you learned.
• Skills and Reflection: Link experiences to key skills required for medicine.
• Relevance to Medicine: Show how your preparation aligns with the challenges and demands of a medical career.

Example

"My GP shadowing taught me the importance of communication and empathy, while volunteering at a care home developed my ability to build rapport with vulnerable individuals. These experiences, combined with my EPQ on antibiotic resistance, strengthened my problem-solving skills and commitment to lifelong learning, as reflected in my personal statement."