I would like to move away from home and experience the beautiful culture of China. I have read great reviews about this university and I would like to be a part of it because I believe the standard of teaching, as well as my dedication and determination will allow me to become a great doctor to help others.
My interest in medicine and science in general began from a very early age. After observing an open cardiovascular surgery on television, I was blown away by the professionalism of the surgeons and the procedure itself. I have always been fascinated by the human body and the way each organ functions in order to keep this extraordinary machine working. Witnessing my mother on a hospital bed after having numerous heart attacks which eventually turned into a coronary heart disease in addition to losing my grandfather due to a heart attack and the helplessness I felt in both occasions unimaginably motivated and inspired me to participate in cardiovascular research and become a cardiologist one day. My interest was further developed whilst doing a biomedical science degree where I expanded my understanding of fundamental science, ranging from cells and molecules to human physiology and medical microbiology. Combining this knowledge with the research skills I obtained throughout my Honours year along with challenges that a master’s level research project brings is my biggest goal. My degree has enhanced my understanding of the various aspects of research and medicine. My studies have included problem based learning, facets of ethics in medicine and laboratory methods for disease diagnosis on a range of specimens. Being involved in frequent group work has not only developed my communication skills but also my ability to work as part of a team more successfully. My honour’s project was based on the use of Polymerase and Real-time polymerase chain reaction to investigate and identify the presence of various species within commercially available meat products. It also includes basic bioinformatics, DNA isolation and genetic analysis. I am currently completing my master’s degree in biomedical science, specialising in cardiovascular studies which is an enormous opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and experiences in the medical field. My participation in a work placement at Glasgow’s Townhead Health Centre shadowing a GP for a week gave me the opportunity to interact with patients, get to know more about their symptoms and condition acquire valuable experience observing the doctor’s technique of diagnosis in addition to his interaction and methods of conducting a patient interview and developing a medical history. I also arranged another week placement at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary Cardiology Department which was an incredible opportunity to observe medicine from a different perspective as well as familiarising myself with the challenges and pressure of working in a hospital environment. I was able to use an ECG and become familiar with abnormal heart rhythms, various ECG patterns and report interpretation methods. Furthermore I learned more about a variety of cardiac diagnostic tests including twenty four hours Holter and blood pressure monitors besides stress tests, pacemaker checks and echocardiograms which enormously developed my awareness of the available techniques and technology that can identify a patient’s heart condition. The caring aspect of medicine encouraged me to start volunteering at a local elderly care home where I worked alongside nurses which vastly improved my caring skills. I was caring for those with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, strokes as well as other conditions by ensuring residents take their medications on time, taking them for walks, serving food, assisting them in their daily activities. Being able to make even small improvements in their quality of life as well as giving a helping hand to those in need was an extremely rewarding experience. Keeping a healthy balance of social and academic life is crucial for me; hence I spend my free time playing guitar, keyboard, and composing hip hop music. I hold a black belt in Kickboxing and participate in daily weight training which builds up my physical strength and mental stamina which is useful when facing medicine’s pressure and challenges. Volunteering once a week at Bridging the Gap community for the past four years has allowed me to become an effective communicator by interacting with people of different background and age groups who are going through educational, immigration and family problems. I have been involved in many voluntary community projects such as creating music and a music video to raise awareness about young carers which got me invited to the Scottish Parliament, being involved in Police Scotland’s “Criminal Mind” album and fundraising at Glasgow’s Hospice. Although becoming a doctor involves a great amount of pressure and is a very demanding and challenging journey, I believe that I possess the motivation, dedication, commitment and empathy to succeed. My experiences have strengthened my aspiration be pursue this career.