Any Muslim medics? Personal Statement Help

[Follwer]

In the name of ALLAH,most gracious,most merciful.

Salam alaykum,

I begin this post with some caution as i do not want come across as someone using this website for my own personal gains as opposed to seeking knowledge, and for this i apologise.

My main use of this sight is for all islam Issues, but today i was hoping some brothers/sisters would be able to help me.

I have been trying to get into a medical school (UK) for a no. of years now without any success. I noticed that many individuals are offered an interview to all 4 of their choices whereas i would be lucky if i got the one. Undoubtley a main factor is the personal statement(PS).

Hence i was wondering if anyone who had got a place into medical school (or knows anyone at med school) would be willing to send me their (PS) so that i may be able get a better understand of how to write mine.

Of course, even with the best PS, grades, or qualties, i will get nowhere without Allah. so please brother and sisters make dua for me inshAllah

Salaam

Ps the deadline is for 15/10/08. so please try and help before then.

[Olive]

W'alaikum Salaam,

First of all, it is a tough enough choice to decide to dedicate your life to medicine, let alone the hard work once you're actually in, so I applaud you in your efforts towards your future career inshAllah.

I think it would be a lot more beneficial to you to look up websites and guides online that will help you understand the basis of what a personal statement should incorporate, as opposed to simply looking at a few peoples' statements. The idea behind it is to let the admissions committee know what it is that you bring to the table; looking at another person's statement will only hinder your own process, not help it, because you will only end up copying their style, their outline, and their thought process as opposed to bringing out the best in your own. It will throw you off, and may very well squelch anything original that you would could come up with on your own.

As a med student, I can promise you that the best statement comes from an honest heart -- any fancy editing should be done afterwards (even if it has to be done over a couple of times). Just let it flow, and make sure to incorporate all aspects of your life into the statement. Play up your strong points, and don't be afraid to give personal details that will help them see why medicine is important to you, not just why medicine is important on a general level.

If you'd like, I'd (and others on here as well, I'm sure) be more than happy to help you tweak it once you have the initial draft going.

[Follwer]

Salaam sister Olive.

Thank you for your reply.

I completely understand what you are saying. Every time i have submitted a personal statement, i have tried to always express my true feelings, aswell always demonstarting evidence of my claims. But after 4 failed attempts, i cant help but think im doing something fundamentally wrong, which is why i wanted to see what a successful ps looks like.

I will be happy to send you my PS, although im not sure how i can go about doing this, and i dont want to break any of the forum rules ( im not sure if am allowed to give my email).

Any suggestions?

Salaam

[eTeacher]

Brother Saleel, who is a SF moderator, recently became a doctor. He might be able to help you out.

[jive]

bro maybe Allah doesnt want u to touch womens private parts?

seriously muslims just tend to ignore this part.

[Abd'al-Malik]

bro maybe Allah doesnt want u to touch womens private parts?

seriously muslims just tend to ignore this part.

:salam:

Who said anything about touching a women's private part? Maybe he wants to become an eye doctor, or an ear doctor, or he's going to only practice on males, or whatever. What right do you have to assume what he is going to do once becoming a doctor?

[Olive]

Salaam sister Olive.

Thank you for your reply.

I completely understand what you are saying. Every time i have submitted a personal statement, i have tried to always express my true feelings, aswell always demonstarting evidence of my claims. But after 4 failed attempts, i cant help but think im doing something fundamentally wrong, which is why i wanted to see what a successful ps looks like.

I will be happy to send you my PS, although im not sure how i can go about doing this, and i dont want to break any of the forum rules ( im not sure if am allowed to give my email).

Any suggestions?

Salaam
Ah I see. Well for one thing, if you want it bad enough don't let it discourage you -- Allah knows best, and the tests He is putting you through right now, in this process, will be to your benefit later on inshAllah. As well though, you do have back-up plans, right?

Yeah that's a bit of a problem, I didn't realise that we don't have a private messaging option on this forum.

Wassalaam

[JayshAllah]

:salam:

Who said anything about touching a women's private part? Maybe he wants to become an eye doctor, or an ear doctor, or he's going to only practice on males, or whatever. What right do you have to assume what he is going to do once becoming a doctor?

wa alaykum as-salam.

To be fair, however, it is rather impossible not to see a woman's private part during medical school. Unfortunately that is the system, whether or not you want to become an eye doctor or an ear doctor. :( You will end up seeing it during your clinical years in medical school as well as your internship year.

Fi Aman Allah

[Follwer]

Salaam brother eTeacher. Canyou tell me how i can contact brother Saleel? ( i am fairly new to this website) I have contacted the webmaster to see if they may help me. I dont know if they will be able to direct me towards him.

[Follwer]

Ah I see. Well for one thing, if you want it bad enough don't let it discourage you -- Allah knows best, and the tests He is putting you through right now, in this process, will be to your benefit later on inshAllah. As well though, you do have back-up plans, right?

Yeah that's a bit of a problem, I didn't realise that we don't have a private messaging option on this forum.

Wassalaam

Sister Olive, thank you for your words of encoouragement. I have spoken to the webmaster. hopefully they will be able to help with this situation. i will let you know asson as i get a reply inshAllah.

[Follwer]

Regarding 'seeing womens private parts'. I think i will have to start a new forum on this.

I thought becoming a doctor was completely Islam-compatiable. Is it a sin to see the opposite sex in nude if you are treaing them or maybe helping them wash themselves?

Does this apply to female doctors, treating gents aswell?

What about people like dr Zakir Naik, was part of his training a sin?

I would love to hear peoples opinions on this especially with references.

MayAllah guide us All.

[alfarooq85]

Regarding 'seeing womens private parts'. I think i will have to start a new forum on this.

I thought becoming a doctor was completely Islam-compatiable. Is it a sin to see the opposite sex in nude if you are treaing them or maybe helping them wash themselves?

Does this apply to female doctors, treating gents aswell?

What about people like dr Zakir Naik, was part of his training a sin?

I would love to hear peoples opinions on this especially with references.

MayAllah guide us All.

Firstly, I want to wish you the best in your pursuit of this career, insha`Allah.

Secondly, I'm not sure how it works in England, but in the US, in order to get just an interview for graduate school (med, dental, pharm), you first need to have the grades. The personal statement and your own respective character are what they judge at the interview. Your grades get you the interview, and your personality gets you the spot in the school (and if you get an interview, unless there's something that you mess up on, your chances of getting accepted are good).

So, being that you have tried 4 times unsuccessfully, do you think maybe your grades are not competitive yet? Do you guys take the MCAT or its equivalence? How is your GPA? Do you have extracirricular activities? These, to me, are the factors which get you the interview...Maybe it works different in England, though. waAllahu `alam

Lastly, in regards to your question, the scholars have generally deemed it permissible to deal with these issues of women and nakedness when it is limited to the medical profession and to the extent of the need.

[Follwer]

Firstly, I want to wish you the best in your pursuit of this career, insha`Allah.

Secondly, I'm not sure how it works in England, but in the US, in order to get just an interview for graduate school (med, dental, pharm), you first need to have the grades. The personal statement and your own respective character are what they judge at the interview. Your grades get you the interview, and your personality gets you the spot in the school (and if you get an interview, unless there's something that you mess up on, your chances of getting accepted are good).

So, being that you have tried 4 times unsuccessfully, do you think maybe your grades are not competitive yet? Do you guys take the MCAT or its equivalence? How is your GPA? Do you have extracirricular activities? These, to me, are the factors which get you the interview...Maybe it works different in England, though. waAllahu `alam

Lastly, in regards to your question, the scholars have generally deemed it permissible to deal with these issues of women and nakedness when it is limited to the medical profession and to the extent of the need.

Salamm brother,

All praise be to Allah, my grades are good, i am also a graduate in biomedical science (with a first class honours). I have even managed to get an interview 2 out of the 4 time, but unfortunately i get very nervous at interviews.

I think my extracirricular activites are my downside. They have recently introduced the UKCAT, which i just about get average scores on. However, i have been told that its not about how many extracurricularativiites you do, but how you say what you learned form them in your personal statement. The UKCAT in many universites in england is looked at last in, order to distinguisg between boarderline students who maybe did not get quite as high grades ( i did get an interveiw with an average UKCAT). It is for this reason i think my PS is what really needs improving (because like i said i would be lucky to get 1 interview).

Salaam.

[Saleel]

:salam:

I graduated (from UK uni) just over two years ago. I don't know what your exact circumstances are but if this is your 4th application for medicine, you need to consider whether perhaps some other profession may be better suited for you. It will be 4/5 years at medschool, and then at least another 5 years after that of hard work and long hours trying to get to the 'top.' There are other things in life which are far more important, e.g. studying deen.

As someone mentioned, are your grades good enough? Even a glowing personal statement and reference won't help if you've not got the minimum academic requirements.

Plus I'm not completely sure but the unis probably know you've been trying for a while, which can work for you (shows you're committed) but also against you (why hasn't he got in yet?)

The PS is important but the clue is in its title - it's meant to be personal. My application to medicine was 7/8 years ago so I don't know where my PS is. But if you read others' you'll subconsciously take ideas and make a PS which doesn't reflect you as a person at all (particularly since you only have 2/3 days left - not long enough to be trying to completely re-write a PS!). This may work to get you an interview, but the interviewers will easily pick up on this during the interview. Also everyone's PS will be different, you haven't done what other people have done, and vice versa, so there's little point in reading others. It's useful showing your PS to others to get comments, but taking ideas from others in the end won't help.

Main tip I can offer (which worked for me) was to make your PS different. Put something in there unique to you, which no-one else will have. Then they'll have a reason to call you for interview, and since it's about you, you'll be able to talk about it.

:salam:

[Follwer]

:salam:

I graduated (from UK uni) just over two years ago. I don't know what your exact circumstances are but if this is your 4th application for medicine, you need to consider whether perhaps some other profession may be better suited for you. It will be 4/5 years at medschool, and then at least another 5 years after that of hard work and long hours trying to get to the 'top.' There are other things in life which are far more important, e.g. studying deen.

As someone mentioned, are your grades good enough? Even a glowing personal statement and reference won't help if you've not got the minimum academic requirements.

Plus I'm not completely sure but the unis probably know you've been trying for a while, which can work for you (shows you're committed) but also against you (why hasn't he got in yet?)

The PS is important but the clue is in its title - it's meant to be personal. My application to medicine was 7/8 years ago so I don't know where my PS is. But if you read others' you'll subconsciously take ideas and make a PS which doesn't reflect you as a person at all (particularly since you only have 2/3 days left - not long enough to be trying to completely re-write a PS!). This may work to get you an interview, but the interviewers will easily pick up on this during the interview. Also everyone's PS will be different, you haven't done what other people have done, and vice versa, so there's little point in reading others. It's useful showing your PS to others to get comments, but taking ideas from others in the end won't help.

Main tip I can offer (which worked for me) was to make your PS different. Put something in there unique to you, which no-one else will have. Then they'll have a reason to call you for interview, and since it's about you, you'll be able to talk about it.

:salam:


Salaam brother Saleel

Maybe you are right, maybe i should stop trying to gain ideas from others, and focus start to focus on my own. I suppose after 4 rejections, i just have my confidence knocked a little.

I can assure you, that in my case, i have very good reason to believe that my personal statment is more often than not, the deciding factor for getting an interview place. The very fact that i managed to an interveiw at a time when my academic results and extracurricular activites were not as good they are now is a good indication of this.

However , i completely understand what you are saying regarding other peoples statements, so in this case brother will you be willing to proveide feedback on my PS? is there anyway i can send you this, and to sister olive, as she has so kindly offered to check my PS too?

[Saleel]

Salaam brother Saleel

Maybe you are right, maybe i should stop trying to gain ideas from others, and focus start to focus on my own. I suppose after 4 rejections, i just have my confidence knocked a little.

I can assure you, that in my case, i have very good reason to believe that my personal statment is more often than not, the deciding factor for getting an interview place. The very fact that i managed to an interveiw at a time when my academic results and extracurricular activites were not as good they are now is a good indication of this.

However , i completely understand what you are saying regarding other peoples statements, so in this case brother will you be willing to proveide feedback on my PS? is there anyway i can send you this, and to sister olive, as she has so kindly offered to check my PS too?
:salam:

Yes :insh: I'll have a quick look through your PS. I'll email you at the address you've registered on SF with.

:salam:

[Saj]

Salaam

To be honest I had a very cliched personal statement but it got me three interviews out of five (in the olden days of 1996) including one at Cambridge. So don't stress too much about being really original. Be consistent, articulate and make it flow in good English with attention to spelling and grammar. Do not waffle and keep sentences concise and to the point. Also, don't be afraid to stre-e-et-ch-ch the truth to bump yourself up. I disagree with those who say the interviewers will be able to tell - as long as you are familiar with the topic, you can embellish (and pretty much everyone does don't they at whatever kind of interview it is).

You could start by saying you've had a keen interest in medicine since x and why you are attracted to a career in medicine. How your biomedical degree is an asset both in general terms of what skills and experienced you've gained as well as more specifcially in terms of going on to study medicine. If there was anything particularly memorable in your degree, mention it. For example a particualr area of study, experiment, research that interested you - why you enjoyed it, what you gained from it, how it will aid you as a doctor. If you do mention a particular area of interest, you MUST be prepared to talk about it. Do not mention anything you are shaky on or is just going to bog you down.

The things they want to see are that you are dedicated, are a good communicator, work well with other people, work well under pressure. Use examples from your degree and also personal life to show how you have developed and gained strengths. For example maybe you collaborated with others in research or experiments - some of the skills learnt would possibly be ability to co-ordinate a team, ability to delegate, work to a deadline, developing analytical skills etc etc. Tie this in with how medical teams work, for example

Discuss things that are not academic but are related or helpful to a career in medicine for example if you have had a job or voluntary work which involves dealing with people. If you've had a position of authority/responsibilty in any capacity will go down well from which you might have gained organisational skills, decision-making skills etc.

Talk about extra-curricular activities - members of clubs, societies, sports teams etc. If you have an unusual hobby or interest, mention it. If there is a particular cause you are intersted in mention it. They want to know what you will be able to contribute to student life. If you've been involved in fund-raising events, you might have helped with other events whilst doing your degree etc etc. Show you are not just an academic.

If you have a cultural advantage - exploit it to the max. For example, if you've worked abroad anywhere so that you have an understanding of cultural sensitivities. If you speak another language - mention it. If you are Asian - say you speak several Asian languages (without going in detail unless they specifically ask at interview) even if you're not very fluent (e.g. a Pakistani could get away with Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Mirpuri etc.).


That's the general gist, obviously will depend on you own personal circumstances, but to reiterate don't waffle, don't use wordy sentences. Highlight your strengths and skills gained through you life-experiences - academic and personal (doesn't have to be dramatic) and how you will use and build on these as a doctor. Then focus on extra-curricular stuff. Last paragraph I would probably use to state why I am particularly suited to a career in medicine and what I hope to achieve with this career, or something along those lines.

Got to go.

Salaam

[Follwer]

Salaam sister Saj

Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate you taking the time to offer me you advice. I found it VERY helpful.

But i do have two questions ( and ANYONE is welcome to reply to this).

Q1) I began my PS with:

"Her heart was to beat more than 2.5 billion times, her brain had an infinite capacity to store information, and her kidneys processed about 200 quarts of blood each day. Despite this her life was to come to an abrupt end during a simple suctioning procedure under my care. The event served as reminder of why I want to study medicine..."

Some people say openings like this do make you stand out, but onlystupid ( this is pretty much theliteral quote from a book for potential med students).

What is your opinion on this?

Q2) Alll praise be to Allah, i am very passionate about my religion. I found it helped me with every aspect of my life, and has made me the person I am today. It seems wrong to leave this out of my PS. But i am worried about possible prejudice especially in the UK where religion & work often are often kept strictly seperate. The sensible side of me thinks i should just leave this out to be on the safe side.

What is your opinion on this?

[Saj]

Salaam

OKAYYY! Under NO circumstance start your personal statement like that. NEVER NEVER NEVER! My sister's a medic, I'm a medic, My husband's a medic, my husband' sister has just started medicine last year at Birmingham. We have helped a friend write a personal statement about three years ago to apply for medicine. NO-ONE started their personal statement like this. We all got interviews without going over the top or being dramatic.

First of all as I said it's just too dramatic, it will be seen as hyperbole. Second you have started your personal statement by stating that the patient in your care DIED during a simple procedure you were carrying out on her. This is NOT a good start. Third, you state that this incident REMINDED you of why you want to study medicine. Well if you need to be reminded, you can't be that committed can you? Choice of words are important here. Far better to have used words such as confirmed my intentions to study medicine.

Also, it seems you have just copied this from a (stupid) book. If this is not your own life experience DO NOT use it. Things like this will immediately get probing questions about the situation - so unless you are familiar about dealing with patients, using suctioning equipment etc you will easily be shown to be a fake.

I have to go now, but I'll come back shortly to advise how you would write about a clinical scenario or experience. Also will deal with second question later as well.

Salaam

[Follwer]

Salam borther & sisters.

Following some scary remarks by sister saj, Ive decided to post my entire PS (updated)here. Any comments will be greatly apprecited.( Please note i am thinking of reluctantly leaving/altering theboxing bit , because although some people have said it is good, I fear Allah, as it is far from an exaggertaion of the truth. I actually INTEND to do these things one day inshAllah).

PS:
Her heart was to beat more than 2.5 billion times, her brain had an infinite capacity to store information, and her kidneys processed about 200 quarts of blood each day. Despite this her life was to come to an abrupt end during a simple suctioning procedure under my care. The event served as reminder of why I want to study medicine. Being a doctor gives me the opportunity to investigate one of the most fascinating miracles of life, the human body. It enables me to pursue my everlasting passion of science and demonstrate some of my most favourable characteristics of teamwork, commitment and innate compassion for helping people.
I believe my degree in biomedical science is an invaluable form of preparation for medical school. It goes beyond the A level notion of learning for the sake of exams, and has encouraged me to appreciate the interconnectivity of medical science as a whole. Independent study has improved my organization and time management skills enabling me to develop into a mature independent individual.
My current post as a health care assistant at X Hospital, has gave me a better insight of working in a hospital environment. It has helped me to appreciate how Doctors, Occupational therapists, Nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team work within the holistic approach to achieve patient well being. My communication skills were of paramount importance, as a few words of encouragement or simple things like holding the hand of patient could make all the difference between a cooperative calm patient and an anxious worried patient.
Spending some time caring for a widow of Hodgkin Lymphoma patient was the prime reason for researching the clinic significance of IL-6 in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as part of my final year dissertation. The project helped me to greatly improve my critical appraisal skills which I am sure will provide a crucial basis of evidence-based medicine. The successes of my project was reflected in my project marks, which was one of the highest achieved at my university, and by the fact that I am currently working with my project supervisor in order to try and get my research published in a scientific journal.
Voluntary work with St Johns' Ambulance taught me a range of life-saving skills such as CPR and the recovery position. All though I have not yet encountered a real accident, the role plays intended to simulate 'real world' experiences, taught me that once you put your training into action, you find that it goes beyond running the actions in your head to the emotion and logistics involved in an accident.
Being a retail assistant has greatly improved my people skills. It has made me realize that the main thing that keeps me going through those inevitable 'off days' is my desire to help people. To me it does not matter if there are 5 minutes left till the end of my shift or if I have just started work on a Monday morning, the fact is that I deal with each person with dedication, motivation and to the best of my abilities regardless of my own personal situation, and this is the same attitude I have towards my patients at X Hospital.
One of my passions out of work is boxing. Far from the popular misconception of a barbaric excuse for a sport, boxing requires discipline, motivation and commitment. There have been times, when I was too tired to get up for my morning run, maybe I had stayed up late going over last weeks lecture notes, or it was raining outside or the wind was blowing feverishly in the cold winter, yet I have never let such things deter me, as boxing has enabled me to develop the mental fortitude to succeed.
I believe my academic achievements, my skills developed through various experiences, and my attitude to study medicine give me the potential to be a good doctor, and I hope my personal statement is a clear reflection of this.

[Saj]

Salaam

I'm sorry but I'm in a rush again. A cursory glance at it shows some good stuff. I'll try to get my husband to comment on it insha-Allah.

[eTeacher]

Brother Follower,

That PS was a good read. : )

Sister Saj and Brother Saleel and others, Jazakumullah for helping out the brother.

[Saj]

Asalamalaikum,
There is a lot of good material to work with here but I must emphasise again the importance of grammar and being concise. I will go through the statement and make comments; of necessity it will sound critical but it is only to help inshAllah.

Her heart was to beat more than 2.5 billion times, her brain had an infinite capacity to store information, and her kidneys processed about 200 quarts of blood each day. Despite this her life was to come to an abrupt end during a simple suctioning procedure under my care. The event served as reminder of why I want to study medicine.

Change this example – the units used are Americanised if applying in the UK use British units. Also any example where the patient dies as a result of your intervention is not ideal.

Being a doctor gives me the opportunity to investigate one of the most fascinating miracles of life, the human body. It enables me to pursue my everlasting passion of science and demonstrate some of my most favourable characteristics of teamwork, commitment and innate compassion for helping people.

I believe my degree in biomedical science is an invaluable form of preparation for medical school. It goes beyond the A level notion of learning for the sake of exams, and has encouraged me to appreciate the interconnectivity of medical science as a whole. Independent study has improved my organization and time management skills enabling me to develop into a mature independent individual.

Ok but very verbose and should sound more confident and definite for example
‘My degree in biomedical science was invaluable preparation for training to become a doctor.’

My current post as a health care assistant at X Hospital, has gave me a better insight of working in a hospital environment.

Grammar – ‘My current post as a health care assistant at X Hospital, has given me insight into the complex workings of the hospital environment.’

It has helped me to appreciate how Doctors, Occupational therapists, Nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team work within the holistic approach to achieve patient well being.

...multidisciplinary use a holistic approach to...

My communication skills were of paramount importance, as a few words of encouragement or simple things like holding the hand of patient could make all the difference between a cooperative calm patient and an anxious worried patient.

Spending some time caring for a widow of Hodgkin Lymphoma patient was the prime reason for researching the clinic significance of IL-6 in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as part of my final year dissertation.

Do you mean ‘Spending some time caring for the widow of a patient who died from Hodgkin Lymphoma...
It is also important to be correct and consistent e.g. Hodgkin Lymphoma and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The project helped me to greatly improve my critical appraisal skills which I am sure will provide a crucial basis of evidence-based medicine.

confidence ‘The project helped me to develop my skills in critical appraisal which are important for practicing evidence-based medicine.’

The successes of my project was reflected in my project marks, which was one of the highest achieved at my university, and by the fact that I am currently working with my project supervisor in order to try and get my research published in a scientific journal.

Sentences too long

'The successes of my project was reflected by the mark I was awarded which was one of the highest achieved at my university. I am currently working with my supervisor in to try to publish this work in a peer reviewed journal.'

Voluntary work with St Johns' Ambulance taught me a range of life-saving skills such as CPR and the recovery position. All though I have not yet encountered a real accident, the role plays intended to simulate 'real world' experiences, taught me that once you put your training into action, you find that it goes beyond running the actions in your head to the emotion and logistics involved in an accident.

Sentences too long

Being a retail assistant has greatly improved my people skills. It has made me realize that the main thing that keeps me going through those inevitable 'off days' is my desire to help people.

people skills sounds very colloquial
Do not mention ‘off days’ – people think that doctors are supposed to be tireless machines who are always on duty.

To me it does not matter if there are 5 minutes left till the end of my shift or if I have just started work on a Monday morning, the fact is that I deal with each person with dedication, motivation and to the best of my abilities regardless of my own personal situation, and this is the same attitude I have towards my patients at X Hospital.

Sentences too long

One of my passions out of work is boxing. Far from the popular misconception of a barbaric excuse for a sport, boxing requires discipline, motivation and commitment. There have been times, when I was too tired to get up for my morning run,
Do not mention ‘off days’ – people think that doctors are supposed to be tireless machines who are always on duty.

maybe I had stayed up late going over last weeks lecture notes, or it was raining outside or the wind was blowing feverishly in the cold winter, yet I have never let such things deter me, as boxing has enabled me to develop the mental fortitude to succeed.

Sentences too long


I believe my academic achievements, my skills developed through various experiences, and my attitude to study medicine give me the potential to be a good doctor, and I hope my personal statement is a clear reflection of this.
Confidence – remove ‘I believe’ and there should be no need to state ‘and I hope my personal statement is a clear reflection of this.’

If you have done something once or sincerely intend to do it before the interviews then it is fair to include it on the PS
Hope these comments help and once again there is a lot of good material there.

Wasalam

[Follwer]

Salaam, i am truly lost for words for the help and kindness shown by everyone ( especially sisters Saj and Olive). I almost feel i will be letting you guys down if i dont get an interview. But inshaAllah i will remember you in my duas.

I will work on My PS tonight and 2mrw inshAlla, and will post the final version 2mrw. ( although i am not expecting anything else from you guyz, you have done more than enough for me already)

Wasalam

[Follwer]

Salaam Everyone.

Soz about late response. I know evryone is probably asleep now, but i wanted to post this 'final' PS. Feed back from my last uni says i need to improve on the following:
Capacity for self-directed learning
Capacity to work effectively in groups and with colleagues
Capacity to take responsibility
Motivation
Personal effectiveness

IM STUCK!

heres my PS, any comments or corrections of grammer etc appreciated

PS:
Some people have known they wanted to be doctors for as long as they could remember. Others had a single catalytic event that changed their career aspirations forever. The origins of my desire to enter the field have been less dramatic but equally sound. Being a doctor will give me the opportunity to investigate one of the most fascinating miracles of life, the human body. It enables me to pursue my everlasting passion of science and demonstrate some of my most favourable characteristics of teamwork, commitment and innate compassion for helping people.
My degree in biomedical science is invaluable preparation for medical school. It goes beyond the A level notion of learning for the sake of exams, and has encouraged me to appreciate the interconnectivity of medical science. Group research projects, such as, my team’s work on the role of a pathology laboratory in diagnosing Legionnaires disease has developed my: ability to co-ordinate a team, ability to delegate, and work to a deadline, which will make me integral member of any medical team.
My current post as a health care assistant at X Hospital, has given me insight into the complex workings of the hospital environment. It has helped me to appreciate how Doctors, Occupational therapists, Nurses and other members of the interdisciplinary team work use a holistic approach to achieve patient well being. My communication skills were of paramount importance, as a few words of encouragement or simple things like holding the hand of patient could make all the difference between a cooperative calm patient and an anxious worried patient. Spending some time caring for the widow of a patient who died from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was the prime reason for researching the clinic significance of IL-6 in Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as part of my final year dissertation. The project helped me to develop my skills in critical appraisal which are important for practicing evidence-based medicine. The success of my project was reflected by the mark I was awarded which was one of the highest achieved at my university. I am currently working with my supervisor in to try to publish this work in a peer reviewed journal.
During my time spent volunteering St Johns' Ambulance service, I learnt various life-saving skills, and participated in numerous role plays. This proved to be vital, as I discovered when placing my sister in the recovery position after witnessing her encounter of a seizure. I realised how my training went beyond running the actions in my head to the emotion and logistics involved in an accident: a skill which every doctor can appreciate.
Four years spent as a retail assistant has greatly improved my repertoire of communication skills. Coupled with my dedication to help others, my mild persona has made me a popular individual with staff and customers alike. My competence gave my manger the confidence to grant me positions of responsibility, such as running the shop unsupervised, representing my branch at the annual sales conference, and training new members of staff.
One of my passions out of work is boxing. Far from the popular misconception of a barbaric excuse for a sport, boxing requires discipline, motivation and commitment. There have been times when I was too tired to get up for my morning run, maybe I had stayed up late going over last weeks lecture notes, or the wind was blowing feverishly in the cold winter, yet I have never let such things deter me, as boxing has enabled me to develop the mental fortitude to succeed.
My academic achievements, my skills developed through various experiences, and my attitude to study medicine give me the potential to be a good doctor, and my personal statement is a clear reflection of this.

wasalam

[Saj]

Salaam

Sorry for not replying sooner (we have quite a hectic household) - you've probably sent it off by now. It was my husband who looked through the PS and replied. This final draft is an improvement - much better opening paragraph and more concise throughout. I pray Allah blesses you and makes things easy for you and you attain your goals (Ameen).

[Follwer]

Salaam

Sorry for not replying sooner (we have quite a hectic household) - you've probably sent it off by now. It was my husband who looked through the PS and replied. This final draft is an improvement - much better opening paragraph and more concise throughout. I pray Allah blesses you and makes things easy for you and you attain your goals (Ameen).



salam sister Saj.

It's ok. Like i said you (& others) have done more than enough for me already!thanks again. Even if i dont get in,i am grateful for what i have.

Ps if you have some spare time, i was wandering if you wouldnt mind giving your opinions on my new thread entitled 'any muslim medics: steroids'. i would really like to hear a doctors opinion regarding this.

wasalam

[Follwer]

Salaam Sis Olive and Sis Saj ( and anyone else who can help)
>
> Thank you for your help with my medicine personal
> statment. All praise be to Allah, i have got an invitation to a med
> interview at UEA ( Unversity of East Anglia) med school on thursday
> 8/1/09.
>
>
>
> Howver,from the 2 inteviews i had in the past ( one for each year i
> applied), i have
> performed very poorly on all 2 occasions due to nerves, and more
> importantly lack of knowledge about the type of answers required.
>
>
> Once again, i would appreciate any help you may be able to offer me
> , in terms of your experiences for prepartion the interview ( and the
> interview itself), any books/ other literature you may recommend , any
> websites; basically anything you think will be helpful. I'm particularly concerened about the scenarios that i will be asked about, 2 of which relate to :'An acceptable approach to making decisions based on incomplete or conflicting information' and one whic will relate to 'A caring and supportive attitude and providing encouragement ( here the scenarios iswhere a friend has a problem (could be anythig) and I have to describe how I would behave if I became of aware of the problem). I'm thinking of preparing for this from the GMC website, but omeone said it's too long. what o you think?
>
> I have also attached the UEA interview information sheet which i think you
> would want to look at (esp because UEA has a unique interview system (to
> the UK).
>
> I know you must very busy, and i understand if you cannot get back to me.
> But i would appreciate any help you may be able to offer.
>
>
> Wasalam, brother Abbas

[A Hopeful]

Salaam Sis Olive and Sis Saj ( and anyone else who can help)
>
> Thank you for your help with my medicine personal
> statment. All praise be to Allah, i have got an invitation to a med
> interview at UEA ( Unversity of East Anglia) med school on thursday
> 8/1/09.
>
>
>
> Howver,from the 2 inteviews i had in the past ( one for each year i
> applied), i have
> performed very poorly on all 2 occasions due to nerves, and more
> importantly lack of knowledge about the type of answers required.
>
>
> Once again, i would appreciate any help you may be able to offer me
> , in terms of your experiences for prepartion the interview ( and the
> interview itself), any books/ other literature you may recommend , any
> websites; basically anything you think will be helpful. I'm particularly concerened about the scenarios that i will be asked about, 2 of which relate to :'An acceptable approach to making decisions based on incomplete or conflicting information' and one whic will relate to 'A caring and supportive attitude and providing encouragement ( here the scenarios iswhere a friend has a problem (could be anythig) and I have to describe how I would behave if I became of aware of the problem). I'm thinking of preparing for this from the GMC website, but omeone said it's too long. what o you think?
>
> I have also attached the UEA interview information sheet which i think you
> would want to look at (esp because UEA has a unique interview system (to
> the UK).
>
> I know you must very busy, and i understand if you cannot get back to me.
> But i would appreciate any help you may be able to offer.
>
>
> Wasalam, brother Abbas
Salams Follwer And everyone else,
I came across this site after a quick google search on UEA med school!

i know this post is like a year old, but av applied to UEA amongst few others. been rejected from 2 already! Just wondering wat the UEA interview was like, i read ur attachment and it seems their interview style is rather different!

Hope to hear from you..

Many thanks and hope u got in, and well done for been persistant!

Wasalam

[sajidabdulaziz]

http://www.newmediamedicine.com/forum/university-east-anglia-medical-school/