Personal Statement on Why I Want to Be a Doctor

Motivated by a keen interest in anatomical science and the problem-solving aspect of medicine I have long been convinced that I must become a doctor. This is why I want to be a doctor essay where I will explaine my passion in studying medicine. I am excited by the stimulating opportunities offered by a medical degree which will provide me with clinical expertise to enhance wellbeing, quality of life and minimise suffering.  

Attendance at a Medical Symposium in my local hospital, a swotUp course and a medical Open Day reinforced my decision to study medicine as I developed my knowledge of what the career entails. Work experience with a GP highlighted the intrinsic rewards associated with providing high quality primary care within a multi-disciplinary setting. I realised that patients often required emotional and psychological intervention combined with physical medicine; and how receiving a diagnosis of illness can often trigger more mental anxiety than the disease itself. Witnessing holistic care in action increased my motivation to study medicine - that is one of the main causes that is needed to be mention in “I want to become a doctor' essay. During a GP house call, I recognised the necessity of maintaining a positive mental attitude. I believe this is a vital attribute for a prospective medical student. 

While completing Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition my mental positivity, determination and resilience were key to the success of my team. Observing an A&E doctor in a fracture clinic at a community hospital setting taught me the importance of empathy. His genuine concern helped maintain the trusting patient-doctor relationship throughout the consultation. Clear communication was vital as he addressed sensitive issues with patients with various levels of understanding; showing respect for their vulnerability. As a camp counsellor I established good rapport with children and exercised effective listening, adapting my communication style to children of different ages. I am excited to improve this skill in an interprofessional medical context. I acknowledge the principle of beneficence in healthcare and have developed this in my role as a volunteer meal-support assistant. Assisting patients to eat taught me to promote patient independence and autonomy with empathy. I am sensitive to the needs of others; and provide respite for carers by sitting with patients. I communicate competently with elderly patients on my ward. Within the essay about doctor work I want to mention that this interaction motivates me as I recognise that loneliness is a problem many older people face. Such encounters reinforce for me the incredible privilege it would be to become a brilliant doctor. 

As an optical assistant I document case history information on patients with eye injuries which then forms part of the triage process. Interviewing a patient with subconjunctival haemorrhage due to strangulation, in a context of physical abuse developed my ability to act with professional integrity, maintain patient confidentiality and keep concise yet relevant records. I have experience handling difficult customers with patience and am able to remain calm under pressure. As a leader at a children’s club, I engage the children with enthusiasm. Absolute teamwork and organisation are necessary as I maintain order and take responsibility for digital media while teaching is in progress. I provide musical accompaniment for the children, a skill I developed through years of dedicated practice and effort, achieving Grade 8 piano at age 15. For this work needed skills and attributes such as: communicating and listening patience staying calm in an emergency and dealing with challenging behaviour - these skills can be a part of “Reasons to become a doctor” essay. The idea of working under pressure is satisfying as it causes the best possible job to be fulfilled whether it is reassuring a stressed patient or treating serious conditions.

I appreciate that the study of medicine is a challenging option. An article in the BMJ by Abi Rimmer, June 2019 alluded to the mental and physical demands of medicine as a career. The need for support networks was identified where the wellbeing of peers is paramount. In the context of unbiased patient centred care the General Medical Council’s document on Good Medical Practice encourages us to “support (all) to live as well as possible, whatever their illness or disability”. To end up why I want to become a doctor essay, with a wide variety of specialisms to choose from I am convinced that my set of skills can be applied to this noble career and I will find my place in Medicine. This is why I want to be a doctor.