Personal statement

Question 1

Spark from autistic patients

Answer 1

My interest in medicine initially developed through exposure to UCL’s MINIMA research, which introduced me to medicine as a research-led discipline focusing on identifying gaps in care and improving patient outcomes. It appealed to my curiosity and showed me that medicine is a field that continually questions itself and evolves through evidence

In my personal statement, I focused on observing a doctor communicate with autistic patients because that experience made this interest very tangible and personal and watching the adaptability in communication highlighting how research, guidelines and best practice only become effective when they are applied to the individual in front of you

Together these experiences helped me understand that medicine uniquely combines scientific inquiry with meaningful patient interaction and it was this balance that confirmed my motivation to pursue it.

Question 2

Stroke MDT meeting -> what did you see?

Answer 2

So during my work experience I observed a stroke MDT meeting involving consultant, nurses, physiotherapists, OTs, speech therapists, radiology and how different branches of medicine collaborate to acutely manage the symptoms of the patient and focus on the rehabilitation and planning of the treatment plan of the patient

• I specifically observed the role of the senior consultant and how he actively invited input from different professionals
• Asked open questions rather than giving instructions
• Listened and adjusted understanding based on others’ perspectives
• Clear, respectful communication across disciplines
• Nurses highlighted how the patients responded to the treatment, physiotherapist commented on how bad the paralysis and stroke was and this showed how non-medical input directly impacts clinical decisions and safety

This is important because;
- stroke affects cognitive, communication and motor functions
- no clinician has a picture single-handedly
- MDT communication reduces risk and improves outcomes, supporting holistic care

The senior consultant demonstrated;
- humility and openness despite seniority
- refining judgement through listening
- showed strong leadership requires contribution than hierarchy

Reflection:
- Challenged idea that senior doctors always have the final word and reinforced that effective communication is active learning
- Doctors role is a co-ordinator as well within a team

Would emulate:
- inclusive and clear communication using prompts to try and include everyone
Which are essential qualities for safe, patient-centred care

Question 3

Psychiatrist talking with SA victim

Answer 3

I had the opportunity to observe a psychiatrist supporting a patient with a history of trauma, and what really struck me as the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication. The psychiatrist carefully adapted their approach based on the patient’s body language, using a calm tone, open posture and allowing silence when the patient struggled to speak. They checked understanding, asked open-ended questions and ensured the patient felt in control throughout the conversation

This experience showed me that communication isn’t just about what is said, but how safe and supported a patient feels while it’s being said. It highlighted the importance of of trauma-informed care, patient autonomy, and sensitivity to non-verbal cues - skills that are essential across all areas of medicine

Observing this reinforced for me that as a future doctor I need to be attentive to both verbal and non-verbal signals from patients, and to adapt my communication to their needs. I would aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all patients, being aware of body language, pacing conversations appropriately and checking understanding to ensure that care is both effective and empathetic.

Question 4

Homerton Biology Challenge research

Answer 4

For the Homerton Biology Challenge, I wrote an article exploring the evolution of human behaviour, with a focus on how individuals often conformed to the strategies of more successful people even nowadays. While many participants concentrated on physical races like footprints, I examined the underlying social behaviours and why certain behaviours persisted over time. This required abstract thinking, to connect observable evidence with broader behavioural theories, and critical reasoning, to evaluate the reliability of different interpretations using the hierarchy of evidence.

The project strengthened my ability to analyse complex information, weigh evidence critically and synthesise abstract ideas into coherent conclusions. These skills are directly relevant to medicine: doctors must interpret research critically, consider patient behaviours and social contexts, and make evidence-based decisions in situations where info is incomplete or ambiguous.

This experience that success in medicine requires both the ability to think abstractly about complex systems and the capacity for careful, critical reasoning - skills i aim to carry into my future, ensuring i can assess evidence rigorously while considering the human factors that influence patient care.

Question 5

Medsoc Presidency and teaching science to students

Answer 5

As MedSoc president: organised events, mentored yr12 students and coordinated a peer team, applied insights from the stroke MDT team to delegate tasks according to team members strengths and encourage them to
Also networked on LinkedIn to invite speakers and organise presentations

Developed skills in leadership and encouragement using skills I’ve learnt from doctors, adapted communication depending on the audience, mentoring of year 12 students with applications, professionalism and networking - liaised with professionals respectfully and prioritised tasks ensuring smooth execution

Would ensure that in the future to emphasise empathy, guidance within mentoring as it can apply to helping juniors in medical field and using the communication to tailor explanations using simple, clear language which is transferable to patient care

Question 6

Supporting elderly patients

Answer 6

Physical support - helping patients with mobility issues, ensuring they are comfortable in the consultation room
Communication - speaking clearly, avoiding jargon, checking understanding
Pace - allowing more time for explanations or for patients to answer questions
Respect & Dignity - using gentle tone, asking for consent before any examination
Awareness of comorbidities - being mindful of cognitive, sensory or functional impairments

Reflection:
- elderly patients may need more time, reassurance and patience
- small adjustments can significantly improve care
- communication isn’t just words but body language, tone and presence matter and importance of listening carefully to understand concerns and priorities

Link to future practice:
- Plan to adapt communication and approach for patients with physical or cognitive limitations
- demonstrate empathy, patience and professionalism
- Prepares me to work with vulnerable populations across all specialities