Coming across Joshua Mezrichs' 'How Death Becomes Life' is what first got me interested in medicine. The book provided a captivating insight into the world of organ transplantation and sparked my curiosity about the intricate workings of the human body, some of the ethical dilemmas surrounding healthcare and the impact medical advancements can have on improving lives. The history of medicine and its evolution over time also fascinated me. The idea that I could be part of this ever-evolving field, making a difference in people's lives and contributing to the advancement of healthcare, is what drives my passion for pursuing a career in medicine.

While studying genetics and gene mutations in my biology class, I developed a keen interest in the role of genetics in medicine. This led me to enrol in a Massive Open Online Course called "The Many Faces of Dementia." I was particularly interested in learning how familial Alzheimer's disease is passed from parent to offspring through autosomal dominance, a process I had studied in biology. Witnessing the practical application of my knowledge in a real-world context was truly gratifying and reinforced my desire to explore the field further. 

From working in a care home, I also learnt how Alzheimer's can be devastating for not only the affected individuals but also their families.  This experience not only taught me valuable interpersonal skills such as empathy, but I also recognised that simply listening to someone can have a significant positive impact on their mental well-being. Additionally, I got to learn about some of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when caring for the elderly. I learned that the elderly are more likely to experience comorbidities and how addressing their various needs through holistic care is crucial.

To develop my leadership and teamwork skills, I participated in national citizen service where we prepared and delivered food parcels to families in need. As the head of the marketing team, I contributed to researching ways to aid marginalised communities in accessing resources. 

While shadowing a general practitioner, I gained first-hand experience of the crucial role that effective communication, clinical skills and prompt referral play in providing optimal care to patients. In addition, I dedicated my weekends to volunteering at a St Andrews Hospice retail store, where I honed my communication skills by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

In my gap year, I gained valuable work experience at the paediatric department at my local hospital where I saw many challenging cases. I witnessed a crash call for an infant who had a sudden onset of seizures that required urgent transfer to the paediatric intensive care unit. Observing the multidisciplinary team work seamlessly together strengthened my drive to pursue a medical career.

I have consistently maintained a strong academic performance winning my school's chemistry subject awards at both GCSE and A-Level which has provided me with valuable skills and insights useful in the medical profession.

I understand that studying and practising medicine requires a healthy work-life balance. To achieve this, I engage in various extracurricular activities and hobbies. I enjoy crocheting and sewing, which not only helps me to develop skills such as attention to detail and precise hand-eye coordination that are important in medicine but also provides me with a creative outlet. Additionally, I play badminton regularly, which keeps me physically fit and helps me manage stress and maintain my mental well-being. 

These experiences have given me a clear and confident understanding of the diverse rewards and challenges of working in the medical field. I am excited and fully prepared to take on the opportunities that life at medical school will offer.