motivation for medicine

Question 1

Why have you applied to study medicine?

Answer 1

I have applied to study medicine because of a combination of personal experiences and my growing passion for both science and patient care. Throughout my life, I have witnessed many family members struggle with serious illnesses, and seeing their suffering in the hospital had a profound impact on me. This motivated me to explore the medical field further and understand the science behind treatment and recovery.

One particularly formative experience was when I had a life-saving intervention for a severe peanut allergy reaction. It was a pivotal moment that made me realize the direct and profound impact healthcare professionals can have on people’s lives, which further fueled my interest in pursuing a career where I could make such an impact on others.

While studying biomedical science, I gained a solid understanding of the scientific principles behind medicine. However, I quickly realized that my true interest lies not just in understanding the science, but in how that science translates into patient care. Medicine is unique in that it combines a deep understanding of human biology with the opportunity to directly improve people’s lives, and that balance is what excites me.

My volunteering experiences in a care home and working on an oncology ward have given me invaluable insight into patient care and the human side of medicine. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, communication, and compassionate care. I have also observed how crucial teamwork is in healthcare settings—whether it’s collaborating with nurses, doctors, or other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for patients. I am a strong team player, and I enjoy working with others to solve complex problems and find solutions that benefit the patient.

I am hardworking, committed to learning, and I thrive in environments where problem-solving is essential. The opportunity to combine my passion for science with my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives is why I am so motivated to pursue a career in medicine. I believe my empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, along with my deep commitment to patient care, make me well-suited to become a compassionate and effective doctor.”

Question 2

tell me about yourself?

Answer 2

I’m originally from Kent, and growing up in a close-knit community, I’ve always had a deep interest in science and a strong desire to help others. A pivotal moment in my journey toward medicine occurred when I experienced a severe anaphylactic shock. This life-threatening event made me realize the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have on a person’s life, and it ignited my passion for medicine. The way the medical team responded with skill, quick thinking, and compassion inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a similar difference in people’s lives.

To explore this further, I volunteered in a care home, where I gained invaluable experience working with elderly patients. This taught me not only the importance of compassionate care but also how crucial it is to understand the individual needs of patients. I also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on an oncology ward, which further solidified my desire to pursue medicine. In that environment, I saw the emotional and clinical challenges that both patients and healthcare professionals face, and I learned how to communicate with empathy and support those facing serious illnesses.

Alongside this, I’ve been actively involved in mentoring younger students, helping them with their academic work. This experience allowed me to develop strong communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to explain complex concepts clearly—an essential skill for a doctor when interacting with patients and colleagues.

I’m also currently completing a degree in Biomedical Science, which has allowed me to appreciate the scientific foundations of medicine. However, I’ve come to realize that my true interest lies in patient care and the application of scientific knowledge in clinical settings. I believe that my academic background, combined with my volunteer and mentoring experiences, have equipped me with a strong foundation for a career in medicine. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue learning, develop my skills, and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients’ lives.”

Question 3

here are many great medical schools in the UK. Why St georges?

Answer 3

reputation for excellent clinical exposure: aligns with my goal of becoming a well-rounded and practical doctor. The close proximity to St George’s University Hospitals provides opportunities to learn in a real-world setting.

emphasis on patient centred care: The focus on patient care in St George’s curriculum resonates with my passion for understanding and addressing individual patient needs, not just the science behind medicine.

learning style: combination of problem-based learning (PBL) and traditional lectures is appealing because it allows me to develop both critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills, which are vital for a future doctor

Supportive student culture: The emphasis on pastoral care and a collaborative atmosphere among students at St George’s is important for my well-being and personal growth throughout my medical journey

Question 4

If you couldn’t study medicine, what else would you do instead?

Answer 4

Healthcare Work Experience: I would seek roles within healthcare settings, such as a healthcare assistant or roles that involve direct patient interaction, to deepen my understanding of the medical profession and gain further exposure to patient care.

Reapply to Medical School: My commitment to becoming a doctor is unwavering, so I would spend the next year improving my application by addressing any weaknesses. I would reapply to medical school with a clearer understanding of what is required and how I can strengthen my profile.

Seek Feedback & Reflect: I’d actively seek feedback on my previous application, whether from mentors, interviewers, or medical school admissions teams, and work on areas where I could improve, such as interview techniques, personal statement, or gaining more relevant work experience.

Resilience and Determination: While it would be disheartening not to be accepted on my first attempt, having to reapply would only reinforce my passion for medicine. It would make me more determined to pursue it as a career and show my resilience in overcoming setbacks.

Refining My Motivation: The experience of reapplying would solidify that medicine is the career I am truly passionate about, and this second attempt would make me more certain that I want to pursue this path long-term.

Question 5

What do you think would be the worst part of a career in medicine?

Answer 5

Dealing with death and loss: Witnessing patients, particularly those young or close to you, pass away can be emotionally challenging.
Burnout and stress: The demands of medicine can sometimes lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, particularly when balancing long hours and high expectations.
Difficult decisions: Having to make life-and-death decisions, especially in emergency situations, is a significant responsibility that can weigh heavily on you.

Question 6

What excites you most about a career in medicine?

Answer 6

Helping others: The ability to make a real difference in people’s lives, offering healing and hope, is what excites me most.
Constant learning: Medicine is a dynamic field with continuous developments in science, technology, and treatment, offering lifelong learning opportunities.
Variety of specialties: The vast range of medical specialties means that I will always be challenged, and I can find a niche that suits my interests and skills.

Question 7

What scares you most about a career in medicine?

Answer 7

Making mistakes: The fear of making an error, especially one that harms a patient, is something that weighs heavily on medical professionals.
Emotional toll: Witnessing suffering and dealing with patients’ trauma and loss can be psychologically demanding.
Responsibility: The immense responsibility of making decisions that affect patients’ lives and wellbeing can be overwhelming at times.

Question 8

Why do you want to be a doctor instead of a nurse?

Answer 8

Medical knowledge and diagnosis: I’m passionate about understanding the science behind diseases, diagnosing them, and having the authority to initiate treatment.
Leadership role: As a doctor, I can lead patient care teams, making a broader impact on healthcare outcomes.
Direct impact: I value the role of a doctor in making crucial medical decisions and interacting with patients in a way that influences their treatment plans.

Question 9

What is the difference between a doctor and a nurse?

Answer 9

Role and responsibility: Doctors focus on diagnosing, prescribing treatment, and making medical decisions, while nurses provide direct care, monitoring, and support to patients.
Training and scope: Doctors undergo extensive training in medicine and surgery, while nurses are experts in patient care, often with a focus on hands-on clinical skills and patient advocacy.

Question 10

How has your understanding of healthcare policy influenced your decision to pursue medicine?

Answer 10

Access to healthcare: I’m passionate about addressing healthcare inequalities and ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to all.
Resource allocation: Understanding the challenges around healthcare funding and resource distribution has motivated me to work in a field where I can make a difference in patient care.

Question 11

Can you discuss a significant healthcare innovation that has inspired your career choice in medicine?

Answer 11

Telemedicine: use of telecommunication technology to provide medical care remotely - e.g. video consultations, remote monitoring, e prescribing

The rise of telemedicine has been a game-changer, making healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas, and inspiring my interest in how technology can enhance patient care.

Genomics: Advancements in personalized medicine, particularly in cancer treatment, have shown me how innovation can dramatically improve patient outcomes. - since theyre tailored to the patient, they are more likely to work - despite being expensive they may reduce the length of stay of the person - another solution for bed shortages

Question 12

Describe a moment or event that solidified your decision to pursue a career as a doctor.

Answer 12

Personal experience: A moment when I received immediate medical care for a life-threatening allergy left a lasting impression on me and ignited my desire to pursue a career where I could help others in critical situations.

Definitely put the importance of emergency medicine into perspective for me - consequently that is definitely the field I am most interested in at the moment

Question 13

What experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine?

Answer 13

Volunteering: My time spent volunteering in a care home, as well as observing the dedication of medical staff on an oncology ward, solidified my desire to work in healthcare and focus on patient-centered care.

Oncology Ward Shadowing: Shadowing a doctor on an oncology ward further solidified my passion for medicine. I was able to observe how doctors interacted with patients facing incredibly difficult diagnoses, often delivering challenging news with both professionalism and compassion. One particular moment stood out: a doctor had to explain to a patient that their cancer had spread despite treatment. I was struck by how the doctor was able to provide not only medical expertise but emotional support, offering hope and comfort while being honest about the situation. This experience showed me the delicate balance that doctors must strike between scientific knowledge and emotional intelligence, especially in fields like oncology where patients face uncertainty and fear. It also reinforced my commitment to patient-centered care—ensuring that a patient’s emotional and psychological needs are just as important as their physical health.

Question 14

What do you think are the most important qualities for a doctor to possess?

Answer 14

Empathy: The ability to connect with patients, understand their concerns, and provide compassionate care.
Resilience: Medicine is demanding, so doctors need to be able to cope with stress, setbacks, and emotional challenges.
Communication skills: Doctors must be able to clearly explain diagnoses and treatment options to patients and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Question 15

How do you plan to balance the demands of medical school and a future medical career with your personal life?

Answer 15

Time management: Prioritizing tasks and managing my time effectively will be key to balancing study, clinical work, and personal commitments.
Self-care: Taking time for self-care and engaging in hobbies will help prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

I will have done 3 years of a biomedical science degree which has its own demands so I have developed ways to cope with academic stress and burn out

Question 16

What do you think sets you apart from other applicants to medical school?

Answer 16

Diverse experience: My background in biomedical science gives me a solid foundation of the science and pathology behind diseases - specifically my pathology module - gave a non exhaustive lists of symptoms and pathogenesis of different tumours and diseases
- understanding the disease means understanding the patient

Resilience: I’m driven and proactive, having used challenges as opportunities to grow, which I believe sets me apart from others.

Question 17

Can you discuss any obstacles or challenges you have faced in your pursuit of medical education?

Answer 17

Academic challenges: I’ve faced challenges balancing rigorous coursework in biomedical science with extracurricular activities, but this has taught me the importance of discipline and time management, organisation.

Personal setbacks: Overcoming personal health challenges, e.g. my eczema flare ups - i feel they have made me more resilient in my work and It also made me complete my work in good time in case my skin does flare up - also taught me to control stress and cortisol levels as eczema and cortisol go hand in hand

Question 18

Can you discuss any experience you have had working with patients or in a healthcare setting?

Answer 18

Volunteering in a Care Home: During my time volunteering at a care home, I was able to witness the profound impact that compassionate, patient-centered care can have on individuals. It was not just about providing physical care, but about creating an environment where residents felt valued, respected, and heard. I assisted with daily activities, offering companionship to the elderly, and I quickly realized the importance of building trust and strong relationships with patients. This experience taught me that care goes beyond just treating the body; it’s about treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and making patients feel like they are at the heart of everything we do as healthcare professionals.

Oncology Ward Shadowing: Shadowing a doctor on an oncology ward further solidified my passion for medicine. I was able to observe how doctors interacted with patients facing incredibly difficult diagnoses, often delivering challenging news with both professionalism and compassion. One particular moment stood out: a doctor had to explain to a patient that their cancer had spread despite treatment. I was struck by how the doctor was able to provide not only medical expertise but emotional support, offering hope and comfort while being honest about the situation. This experience showed me the delicate balance that doctors must strike between scientific knowledge and emotional intelligence, especially in fields like oncology where patients face uncertainty and fear. It also reinforced my commitment to patient-centered care—ensuring that a patient’s emotional and psychological needs are just as important as their physical health.

Question 19

What are your long-term career goals in medicine?

Answer 19

Speciality - emergency medicine - having experienced first hand the intervention I know exactly what the stakes are - I believe sometimes it’s quite unimaginable how much pressure there is in those situations

Advocacy: I aim to be involved in healthcare policy and advocacy, addressing healthcare disparities and contributing to medical research.

Question 20

Can you describe a time when you had to make a difficult ethical decision?

Answer 20

Volunteering in a care home: I faced situations where patients expressed their wishes not to receive certain treatments. Navigating these sensitive conversations while respecting their autonomy and ensuring their comfort was a challenging but insightful experience.

Question 21

What do you think is the most important role of a doctor in a patient’s care?

Answer 21

Holistic care: A doctor must provide not only medical treatment but also emotional support, clear communication, and consideration of a patient’s overall wellbeing and preferences.

Question 22

How do you plan to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in medicine?

Answer 22

Continual learning: I plan to engage with respectable medical journals, attend conferences, and participate in peer learning groups to ensure I stay informed about new treatments and research.
Networking: By collaborating with colleagues, I’ll be able to share insights and keep up with developments across specialties.

my biomed degree exposed me to a lot of respectable article pages such as pub med and med journal so I have a solid idea of where I should look in those cases

Question 23

How do you plan to contribute to the diversity of the medical school class and the healthcare workforce?

Answer 23

Cultural understanding: My experiences volunteering with diverse communities will allow me to bring a unique perspective to discussions around patient care and cultural sensitivity.
Active involvement: I plan to participate in initiatives that promote diversity, such as mentorship programs and outreach activities for underrepresented groups in healthcare.

Leadership in the Islamic Society: As a leading member of the Islamic Society (ISOC), I was involved in organizing and fostering a welcoming environment for people from various religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. This role required me to collaborate with individuals from different walks of life, ensuring that everyone felt included and valued. I was able to engage with diverse student groups, facilitating discussions on interfaith dialogue and creating a space for students to share their unique perspectives. This experience not only broadened my understanding of different cultures and belief systems but also taught me the importance of communication, empathy, and respect for diverse viewpoints—qualities that are crucial in the medical profession.

Charity Week Organiser: I also had the opportunity to lead and organize a charity week event for ISOC, which involved coordinating efforts between multiple groups and raising awareness about important causes. The event brought together students from different cultural backgrounds to work towards a common goal of fundraising for various charitable initiatives. This experience demonstrated the power of collaboration and how bringing people together, regardless of their differences, can lead to meaningful impact. It also gave me the opportunity to engage with a broader community and understand the challenges faced by underserved populations, further motivating me to pursue a career in medicine where I can help address disparities in healthcare.

Question 24

Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient or situation in a medical setting

Answer 24

Situation: While volunteering in a care home, I encountered a patient who was reluctant to take her medication due to a previous negative experience.
Action: I listened to her concerns, empathized with her situation, and explained how the medication would help manage her symptoms. I reassured her and suggested she speak with the nurse if she felt uncomfortable.
Result: The patient eventually took the medication with greater trust in the process, and I learned the importance of patience, empathy, and clear communication in addressing difficult situations.

Question 25

Tell me about a time when you had to use critical thinking skills in a medical setting.

Answer 25

Situation: While shadowing an oncologist, I observed a case where a patient was experiencing unusual symptoms, and their prognosis wasn’t improving as expected.
Action: I watched the doctor assess the case by critically reviewing the patient’s full medical history, re-evaluating test results, and considering possible alternative diagnoses.
Result: The doctor adjusted the treatment plan based on new insights, which improved the patient’s condition. This taught me the importance of critical thinking and re-evaluating situations to make informed medical decisions.

Question 26

Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure in a medical setting.

Answer 26

Situation: While volunteering in an oncology ward, I assisted a nurse during a busy shift where multiple patients were in need of attention simultaneously.
Action: I helped prioritize tasks, maintained clear communication with the team, and ensured that patients were comfortable while waiting for their treatments.
Result: Despite the pressure, we managed to support all patients effectively. This experience reinforced my ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain focus on delivering patient-centered care

Question 27

How do you foresee the integration of holistic medicine approaches in conventional medical practices?

Answer 27

Recognition of Benefits: Holistic medicine can complement conventional practices by addressing the emotional, mental, and social aspects of health alongside physical care.
Collaboration: I see the future of healthcare as one where medical professionals work in multidisciplinary teams, integrating practices like mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management into conventional treatment plans.
Challenges: The key challenge will be ensuring evidence-based practices and clear communication with patients about the role and benefits of holistic approaches

Question 28

What happens to medical students after they graduate?

Answer 28

Foundation Year 1 (F1): After graduation, medical students begin their Foundation Year 1 (F1) as junior doctors, where they work under supervision to gain practical clinical experience.
Foundation Year 2 (F2): In F2, doctors take on more responsibility, working in different specialties and refining their clinical skills.
Specialization: Following their foundation years, doctors can apply for specialty training in areas such as surgery, general practice, or internal medicine, eventually leading to full registration and specialization.

Question 29

What are you looking forward to most about studying here? (st georges)

Answer 29

Clinical Exposure and Early Patient Interaction: St George’s is known for its strong focus on clinical placements early in the course, which is something I’m particularly excited about. The opportunity to interact with patients from day one will allow me to develop clinical skills and communication abilities more rapidly.
Diverse Patient Population: The diverse demographic of patients in St George’s catchment area is another reason I’m drawn to the school. I believe that this diversity will provide invaluable exposure to a broad range of medical conditions and patient backgrounds, helping me grow as a compassionate, adaptable doctor.
Interdisciplinary Learning and Research: St George’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, with opportunities for collaboration across healthcare sectors, is something I’m really looking forward to. The integration of research into the curriculum is also exciting, as it allows students to engage with cutting-edge developments in medicine and healthcare.
Commitment to Global Health: I’m also inspired by St George’s focus on global health and international outreach, which aligns with my own interests in working with underserved populations and making a broader impact on healthcare access.