Thoughts/comments on my PS

**ZoyaZ** · 16-10-2009, 10:47 AM

Although many of my friends have had lifelong dreams of pursuing an education in the health sciences, my interest in this field has developed more recently. It is after having travelled a long road, that I sit here applying for a chance to one day become a physician.
In 2005, my cousin was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. This degenerative muscle condition
eventually left him in a wheelchair. While this had an immediate psychological impact upon me, it also sparked my interest in the health sciences. In 2006, I visited a Muscular Dystrophycamp that brought patients together to create a support system. At first I watched from a distance, but after a while I began interacting with the children. I felt a sense of trust developing between the campers and myself. And I can now appreciate how important it is for a
physician and patient to share a sense of trust, especially in times of hardship.
The next summer, I began volunteering at a nursing home. My job description included playing games, organizing meals, and wheeling members through the building. I left everyday with a sense of fulfillment. I soon came to learn that treating them with respect and putting myself in their situation really helped me deal with their irritability, allowing me to be as amiable
as possible.
Recently, I applied to the WISEST (Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology Program) summer internship program and was accepted. This experience taught me how to think analytically and manage my time effectively. My passion for medicine also influenced the
courses I opted to take in school. I took Latin throughout high school as I knew that it would help me in learning human anatomy.
As a doctor it is imperative to be organized and manage time effectively. Being the Treasurer of UA-WISE (University of Alberta Women in Science and Engineering), my organization and interpersonal skills were constantly being tested. I was responsible for making sure we stayed within our budget. With appropriate planning, I found time to volunteer at a Homework club,
where I taught English and others subjects to the less privileged. I have found that participating in the school community has kept me motivated and disciplined throughout my school years.
As a doctor being able to communicate with one's patients is particularly important. With this thought in mind, I developed my communication skills. I spent a year on the Edmonton Youth Council, where I met with various representatives throughout the city. Whether it was planning for Youth Week or organizing a showcase of young people's talents, I found that initiative and
being able to work as part of a team were a must. In addition, I have participated in city-wide debate competitions and took part in Model United Nations Conferences where I received an award for Outstanding Delegate. The skills I have I have learnt will aid me in my role as a doctor by ensuring that I am able to provide the best possible healthcare for my
patients. The healthcare profession is made up of many team members and excellent communication between team members ensures optimal patient care and maximum efficiency.
It is important to be able to relax and de-stress, especially as a doctor, a role that can be extremely stressful. I find that while I thrive under pressure and perform well in stressful situations, it is essential that I have an outlet to relax. My hobbies include reading, playing basketball, and playing chess. In high school, I was the Assistant Captain of our basketball team in a local tournament. My role included organizing plays and player
availability. I particularly enjoy playing chess with members of my family. I have also played competitively for my school's chess team and on a provincial level.
I really look forward to securing a place on a Medical Degree program and ultimately, becoming a doctor so that I can enter a profession that I believe is rewarding on many different levels.

Any feedback on my statement would be greatly appreciated.

**zhangyuzhi** · 16-10-2009, 02:39 PM

fabulous, in particular to the achievement you got so far. I will add a little bit of my career plan and why I would like to study medicine in this country (coz I am international) if I were you, as to be honest, I think your experience part is slightly flooding the PS and it might be a better idea to focus on several pieces of work rather than listing everything- this will give stronger impression too.

but just my thoughts. My community experience is reasonably less than yours so I am not really too sure how to work with it...

good luck with applications.

**ZoyaZ** · 16-10-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks so much, I really appreciate your feedback! And when you mentioned writing about why I want to study in the UK, I could have just kicked myself for not thinkining of that. It would have done me a great deal of good. Good luck this cycle!

**flarestar** · 20-10-2009, 03:03 AM

Hey excellent ps. Most applicants usually don't have a reason for wanting to do medicine so expect you're reason to come under critical analysis in interviews. Actually they pretty much rip you're whole ps in interviews but as long as you can back up what you've done, how it's relevant to medicine and how it's motivated you you'll have no problem. But honestly I'm jealous of you're personal statement it's really good, you should get you're interviews with no problem (as long as you're grades are fine of course) well done!!

**drjack** · 20-10-2009, 03:09 AM

Where is your medical work experience?

**ZoyaZ** · 20-10-2009, 04:48 AM

flarestar: Thanks for the comments and for giving me a heads up on what to exepct at interviews!

dr jack: I've never worked with a doctor if that is what you're asking. The closest experience I have is at the nursing home.

**ZoyaZ** · 20-10-2009, 04:55 AM

Oh, btw flarestar do not feel jealous at all. I sent it in with the following error:
"The skills I have I have learnt will aid me in my role as a doctor by ensuring that I am able to provide the best possible healthcare for my
patients."

I am sure you did not let such a careless mistake go through. Best of luck