background + motivation qs Flashcards
Why do you want to study medicine?
I want to study Medicine as I feel it is a good way for me to combine my passion for science with my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve always had a fascination with the way that the human body works and just how medical advancements can change an individual or a community’s life. Whilst I was shadowing the general surgery team in my local hospital, I had the opportunity to witness the impact of a compassionate doctor, which occurred not just through the offering of treatment, but also through support and understanding, showing me that medicine is not just about knowledge but also about being able to make connections with others. The intellectual challenge of solving and diagnosing health issues is also an aspect of medicine I am drawn to and is why I am passionate to pursue a career in medicine as well.
If you weren’t offered a place to study Medicine, what would you do?
If I weren’t offered a place to study medicine, I would take it as an opportunity to reflect, grow, and strengthen my application. Medicine is my long-term goal, and I’m committed to pursuing it. I would seek feedback on how to improve and use the time to gain more experience, such as volunteering in healthcare settings, shadowing physicians, or furthering my knowledge in science through related studies. Additionally, I would explore parallel paths, such as biomedical science or public health, that align with my passion for helping others and understanding health systems, which may widen and deepen my perspective, to reaffirm my dedication to medicine
What aspects of the working life of a doctor appeal to you?
What appeals to me most about the working life of a doctor is the combination of intellectual challenge, variety, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Medicine constantly evolves, which means doctors are lifelong learners, staying at the forefront of scientific advancements and applying them to patient care. I also value the human connection inherent in the profession by building trust with patients, supporting them through difficult times, and making decisions that can significantly improve their quality of life. Throughout my time shadowing a general surgery team, although i saw how fulfilling and interesting the working life of a doctor is, i also found that it can be a very demanding and mentally taxing profession, as having to break bad news and working long hours are very real aspects of being a doctor. By seeing the junior doctors and surgeons i shadowed during my work experience be able to balance both aspects of being a doctor successsfully, i found that the combination of these aspects motivate me, by reflecting the privilege I have to be in such a position to be able to help others
What aspects of the working life of a doctor don’t appeal to you?
While I am deeply committed to pursuing a career in medicine, I recognize that there are challenging aspects to the working life of a doctor. The long hours and unpredictable schedules, especially during training and in certain specialties, such as emergency medicine, can be demanding and may make maintaining work-life balance difficult at times. The emotional weight of the job, such as delivering bad news to patients or facing unfavourable outcomes can also be tough to process, but I see them as areas that I would be lucky to experience, if I would be able to make a difference to individuals. To manage these areas, I would plan to have a good network of support, with my friends and family, and self-care, and I believe that my commitment and passion for medicine would help me manage these areas.
Can non-scientific hobbies add to a person’s ability to be a good doctor, and why? Can you think of any examples in your own case?
Absolutely, non-scientific hobbies can play a significant role in developing skills that contribute to being a good doctor. Medicine isn’t just about scientific knowledge; it’s also about communication, empathy, teamwork, resilience, commitment and creativity—qualities that can be cultivated through diverse interests and the importance of which are emphasised by the 6 core values of the NHS. For example, I enjoy baking, which has taught me patience and the importance of precision. When I bake, I must carefully follow steps while also being adaptable when things don’t go as planned. Also, during my work experience week i shared similar interests with a junior doctor i met, who also found baking and cooking were good ways for them to destress, but also learnt valuable lessons, such as patience, and i found that these lessons translate to medicine, where being detail-oriented and resourceful is crucial for patient care. Engaging in non-scientific activities can also provide balance and stress relief, which are important for maintaining mental health in a demanding career like medicine.
What do you find interesting about medicine?
What I find most interesting about medicine is the way it bridges science, problem-solving, and human connection. I’m fascinated by how the human body functions and how medical knowledge is constantly evolving through research and innovation. Being able to use this knowledge to help an individual be treated and recover from illnesses is incredibly inspiring to me. The problem-solving aspect of medicine—working through complex cases to uncover the underlying cause and find the best treatment is also very interesting to me. This intellectual challenge, combined with the opportunity to directly improve people’s lives, makes medicine unique.
Why a doctor and not a nurse?
I have great respect for the nursing profession and the understand vital role nurses play in healthcare, which i saw first hand, during my time shadowing the general surgery team and realising the prevalence and importance of working in a multidisciplinary team, and the value of every individual in that team, in the succesful treatment of the patient. However, I am drawn to the responsibilities and challenges specific to being a doctor. I want to take on the broader scope of decision-making involved in diagnosing and managing complex medical cases, leading treatment plans, and contributing to medical research and advancements. What excites me about being a doctor is the opportunity to combine deep scientific knowledge with problem-solving and leadership. While nurses often focus more on direct patient care and advocacy, which is incredibly important, I feel that my skills, interests, and long-term goals align more closely with the role of a doctor and the challenges it entails.
What excites you most about a career in Medicine?
What excites me most about a career in medicine is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while engaging in continuous learning and intellectual growth. The idea of diagnosing and solving complex medical cases, then applying that knowledge to improve or even save someone’s life, is incredibly motivating. The chance to build long-term relationships with patients, support them through difficult times, and celebrate their successes is deeply fulfilling to me, and the idea of variety in medicine, where each patient presents a unique story also interests me greatly. Furthermore, I’m excited by the constant advancements in medicine. Being part of a field where new discoveries and innovations can directly transform patient outcomes is both inspiring and humbling. Having the potential to make a lasting difference, and being able to combine science and human connection are the aspects that excite me most of a career in medicine.
What do you think you would find most challenging about being a doctor?
One of the most challenging aspects of being a doctor would likely be balancing the emotional and mental toll of the profession with the need to remain focused and objective. Witnessing patients suffering, delivering difficult diagnoses, or facing situations where outcomes are beyond your control can be emotionally taxing. Additionally, the pressure to make life-altering decisions under time constraints while maintaining compassion and professionalism is a significant challenge
