Personal Statement

[laczlacylaci]

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I am starting to draft my PS for next cycle. I was wondering if current cycle people or MS think that it is ok to say:

As a physician, my goal is to serve patients with cultural competency and clearly communicate the pros and cons of treatment options. (Similar to this sentence)

I heard people say that 'how would you know you want to do that' but I feel like I'm not being too specific and just generally talking about some of my goals as a practicing physician.

 

[mcatjelly]

It's fine to say that, it just doesn't mean much on its own; the vast majority of personal statements say something along those lines. That's why it's suggested that you use your personal and professional experiences to back up your motivations to show that you're not just throwing in buzzwords to appeal to adcoms.

 

[tjo422]

Honestly, anyone could write this sentence. You want your personal statement to be *personal* and stand out in some way, while still being honest and true to your personal journey to medicine. Write specifically about what drew you to medicine, not generic reasons.


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[laczlacylaci]

Yes meant to put those in just as fillers. Thank you!

 

[theonlytycrane]

Yeah just add some context too. Like "My family came to the U.S. from a remote island. I grew up scared to see the doctor and my family struggled to convey our concerns to care providers in general. When we met Dr. A, though, we finally started to feel that we could fully communicate and build a relationship with a physician because of the patience, understanding, and support that he/she showed us. This experience motivates my desire to [insert buzzwords here]."

 

[laczlacylaci]

Yeah just add some context too. Like "My family came to the U.S. from a remote island. I grew up scared to see the doctor and my family struggled to convey our concerns to care providers in general. When we met Dr. A, though, we finally started to feel that we could fully communicate and build a relationship with a physician because of the patience, understanding, and support that he/she showed us. This experience motivates my desire to [insert buzzwords here]."

Yes! Something along those lines. Thank you!

 

[libertyyne]

Yeah just add some context too. Like "My family came to the U.S. from a remote island. I grew up scared to see the doctor and my family struggled to convey our concerns to care providers in general. When we met Dr. A, though, we finally started to feel that we could fully communicate and build a relationship with a physician because of the patience, understanding, and support that he/she showed us. This experience motivates my desire to [insert buzzwords here]."

Oh man, you are good. I wish you could proof all my secondaries.

 

[Shawna-Kaye Lester]

Try to avoid listing adjectives or adverbs. Show dont tell. Give an example of how you were once treated by a physician with cultural competency, or how you imagine treating patients with cultural competency. Then we understand what you mean, and I want to give you a chance to become that kind of physician by letting you in.

 

[FeinMS]

How about benefits and risks instead of pros and cons?

 

[DingoPingo]

Yes meant to put those in just as fillers. Thank you!

Fewer fillers the better