Writer's block on personal statement

[markovchn123]

Hi all,

I plan to apply to MD/PhD programs this upcoming cycle, and I've had one huge problem, writer's block! I have to write three essays in total (why MD, why MD/PhD, and research experience). I'm on my second draft of all my essays except for the why MD essay (the personal statement).

My problem is that I don't want my why MD/PhD essay to sound similar to my why MD, but because the dual degree is such a huge part of my career goal, it is very hard for me to write about just MD. I don't know if I can mention my research interest in the personal statement. I also don't want to come off as sounding too generic (ex. like helping people).

I want to focus on my interest in medical research related to disease and desire to learn more about the human body, but I feel like it treads too much on the MD/PhD part. If anyone went through the same thing or has any advice, it would be appreciated

Thanks

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[jesie]

This would probably do better if it were in the Physician Scientist forum.

And yeah it is a tough question. Writing two personal statements for things that we do our best to combine is definitely tough. (Before taking any of my advice keep in mind that I'm not even a med student yet, starting in the fall) My personal statement covered my personal path/journey, while my MDPhD statement was why I need both to do what I want to do, but also focused pretty heavily on how I came to that conclusion during college. The research statement is just a book report, honestly.

I know I'm not adding any new information by saying any of this, but that's okay, because I think a huge step on my progress in writing these was simplifying, in my head, the way I thought about them. I'd be happy to PM you my essays for examples if you want

 

[Goro]

Write out some questions that people have asked you about this journey, and if you have voice recognition software, talk out your answers.

Hi all,

I plan to apply to MD/PhD programs this upcoming cycle, and I've had one huge problem, writer's block! I have to write three essays in total (why MD, why MD/PhD, and research experience). I'm on my second draft of all my essays except for the why MD essay (the personal statement).

My problem is that I don't want my why MD/PhD essay to sound similar to my why MD, but because the dual degree is such a huge part of my career goal, it is very hard for me to write about just MD. I don't know if I can mention my research interest in the personal statement. I also don't want to come off as sounding too generic (ex. like helping people).

I want to focus on my interest in medical research related to disease and desire to learn more about the human body, but I feel like it treads too much on the MD/PhD part. If anyone went through the same thing or has any advice, it would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Medic741]

Hey there!

I suffered from writer's block *big time,* and I was encouraged to do this by a physician mentor of mine, and I really encourage you to try this (seriously):

Call up your family members/close friends and ask them why they think you'll be a good physician & three words they would use to describe you. Encourage them to discuss what you're good at/struggle with and ask them what they're most 'proud of' that you've accomplished. Amazing what grandma/grandpa have to say, especially with all those decades of experience that we don't have as young'ns - this'll at least give you a lot of material that will probably set off a light bulb.

Read a few PS's here, and more than happy to help you out if you want a reader.

 

[markovchn123]

To everyone who replied, thank you for the help, I'll follow the advice you gave me. Thanks!

 

[Foodology]

Sometimes the cure to writer's block can be talking to a friend about your PS. Music helps me!