Anyone else having problems writing their residency personal statement?

[fourthyearmed]

What are you going to write about? It seems like every personal statement example I see, the person has taken care of orphans in Africa and cured brain cancer! What if we don't have a story like that? Then what do we write about?

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[Scooby Moo]

I don't have one of those oh-so-enthralling stories either, so I'm going to go with the old standby...why I chose medicine and the residency in the first place. That being said, I haven't written anything seriously for years and my creative writing skills are rusty beyond belief.

 

[Hercules]

I'm dragging my feet on this one too, if it makes you feel better. I hate writing personal statements

 

[spacetygrss]

UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!

I made a list of reasons why I like my [soon to be] field WEEKS ago, but STILL haven't started the actual PS. I hate non-technical writing and all of those people who talk about saving orphoned space aliens make me nauseus.

I've seriously got to get it together. Okay. I'm going to write the statement tomorrow.

Honest.

 

[pikachu]

this should get you started (and yes I wrote it instead of working on my own personal statement)

I first knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was (age). My pet (animal) became ill with (rare disease). I felt so (emotion) as he (verb) around his cage. I attempted the (surgical procedure) using my ?Operation? game, but, sadly, my (adjective) attempts failed, and he (verb). Then, my pushy (relative) came to my house and started taunting me at my inability to save my pet. This experience only made me more motivated to take (synonym for feces) and humiliation as I began the long (adjective) quest to become a (medical specialist).

In my preclinical years, I volunteered with a group of (adjective) children who were missing their (body part) in (remote part of the world). Simultaneously, I pioneered an (obscure lab technique) and sequenced the genome of (species of bacterium). This (inspirational adjective) research experience taught me the true power of scientific research publications to help me get into (specialty). All the while I managed to achieve Honors in (six basic science courses) and raise a family of (number) as a single parent.

One of the most (adjective) experiences I had in medical school was soon after starting third year, on my (rotation). My patient was a (age) year old (sex) who came to the ER complaining of pain in the (body part). S/He was addicted to (three street drugs) and kept interrupting my exam to go outside and smoke (drug). S/He was unable to understand why I, as a third year medical student, could not write them a prescription for (opiate derivative) and grew (adjective). I tried to draw on my (adjective) abilities in patient interviewing that I had learned in my (worthless second year clinical skills class). I validated, reflected, and used therapeutic silence, all to no avail. The patient pulled a (weapon) and threatened me with it. I refused to (verb) so the patient (injured) me in (several parts of the body). I fell to the floor of the ER, observing universal precautions as I did so. The resident was so (adjective) that he wrote in my evaluation: ?This (adjective) student will make a fine (specialist). I (adverb) enjoyed working with this student. This student was enthusiastic, (adjective), and a (adjective) team player.?

In conclusion, I believe that I will make an (adjective) (specialist). My colostomy will be reversed soon, and I can only anticipate that this will make me an even more (adjective) physician. I am (personal quality) and love to perform (demeaning scutwork). I will make a/n (adjective) contribution to any residency program and hope to have the chance to fulfill the (adjective) duties of this (specialty).

 

[Teufelhunden]

OMG, that is freaking hillarious! Obviously someone's creative writing skills are still intact!

 

[Neuron]

this should get you started (and yes I wrote it instead of working on my own personal statement)

I first knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was (age). My pet (animal) became ill with (rare disease). I felt so (emotion) as he (verb) around his cage. I attempted the (surgical procedure) using my ?Operation? game, but, sadly, my (adjective) attempts failed, and he (verb). Then, my pushy (relative) came to my house and started taunting me at my inability to save my pet. This experience only made me more motivated to take (synonym for feces) and humiliation as I began the long (adjective) quest to become a (medical specialist).

In my preclinical years, I volunteered with a group of (adjective) children who were missing their (body part) in (remote part of the world). Simultaneously, I pioneered an (obscure lab technique) and sequenced the genome of (species of bacterium). This (inspirational adjective) research experience taught me the true power of scientific research publications to help me get into (specialty). All the while I managed to achieve Honors in (six basic science courses) and raise a family of (number) as a single parent.

One of the most (adjective) experiences I had in medical school was soon after starting third year, on my (rotation). My patient was a (age) year old (sex) who came to the ER complaining of pain in the (body part). S/He was addicted to (three street drugs) and kept interrupting my exam to go outside and smoke (drug). S/He was unable to understand why I, as a third year medical student, could not write them a prescription for (opiate derivative) and grew (adjective). I tried to draw on my (adjective) abilities in patient interviewing that I had learned in my (worthless second year clinical skills class). I validated, reflected, and used therapeutic silence, all to no avail. The patient pulled a (weapon) and threatened me with it. I refused to (verb) so the patient (injured) me in (several parts of the body). I fell to the floor of the ER, observing universal precautions as I did so. The resident was so (adjective) that he wrote in my evaluation: ?This (adjective) student will make a fine (specialist). I (adverb) enjoyed working with this student. This student was enthusiastic, (adjective), and a (adjective) team player.?

In conclusion, I believe that I will make an (adjective) (specialist). My colostomy will be reversed soon, and I can only anticipate that this will make me an even more (adjective) physician. I am (personal quality) and love to perform (demeaning scutwork). I will make a/n (adjective) contribution to any residency program and hope to have the chance to fulfill the (adjective) duties of this (specialty).

 

[Sohalia]

Pikachu that was too funny!

You guys, are you basically going to show your personal statements to anyone who'll look at them? If not, how do you plan to get advice/refine them--by showing them to friends who are residents/your advisory dean?

 

[MD'05]

What are you going to write about? It seems like every personal statement example I see, the person has taken care of orphans in Africa and cured brain cancer! What if we don't have a story like that? Then what do we write about?

The general format seems to be:

1. introductory statement: something that catches the readers attention and makes them want to read more. Maybe start with an interesting personal experience
2. what has lead you to X specialty or primary care through your medical school or volunteer or research experience
3. why you will be a fit to the specialty and demonstrate this by relating a personal experience, skill, etc. Remember to never state and always show through words what your unique qualification is
4. closing statement: what you hope to learn / gain in X specialty and how you will use that training to serve mankind or the underserved.

The difficulty (as you know) is finding that unique thing specific to you to write about.

 

[caedmon]

Just wondering how long it should be. I typed mine on MS Word and it counted 965 words. I thought it would be to long for ERAS, but I copied and pasted it and there was plenty of room left at the end. Is this a mistake I'm making in formatting, or does it just allow for more words than I thought. If that many words are allowed, what is the ideal length i.e. not so long they quit reading for time's sake.

 

[Harrie]

I've been told that they won't read anything over a page, but ERAS will let you write up to 5 pages.

 

[ucsfer]

oh man this is simply hilarious. send that in and you're golden

 

[Yosh]

I can't force myself to sit and write it...ugggh

 

[Lefty]

Any other info regarding the length? Is it pretty standard that they won't read it if its more than 1 page? What if its 1 1/2 pages?

 

[Jaded Soul]

Any other info regarding the length? Is it pretty standard that they won't read it if its more than 1 page? What if its 1 1/2 pages?

One page (front-side only), single-spaced, 10-12 point Times New Roman (or similar), with regular 1 inch margins is the standard. Probably best to stick to what's expected.

 

[Swaydaa]

One of the best posts I've ever seen. I almost sharted.

 

[Harrie]

Any other info regarding the length? Is it pretty standard that they won't read it if its more than 1 page? What if its 1 1/2 pages?

I had this same problem last week. My personal statement was about 1 1/2 pages and I didn't want to change a word. But all the advice from faculty on the admissions committee said that they probably wouldn't read it at all if it is that long.

 

[lowbudget]

I HATE THIS. It's such a pain in the butt... and on top of all that, IT'S EMBARRASSING TO SHOW people once you're finished!

 

[Lefty]

Thanks for the input.

Lefty

 

[pikachu]

no one filled out the mad libs -- no one has a friend to do it with???

it would be so funny!

 

[spacetygrss]

Well, right when I thought that I had a beautiful personal statement the crappiest thing happened.......I realized that I no longer want to enter that particular specialty.To make it worse, I can't think of what speciality I want to enter instead.

God help me. Why can't I just be like everyone else?

 

[Lefty]

So, I did something I should have done earlier and read the instructions on ERAS regarding the personal statement. It says there on the website that the personal statement will show up to residency programs as COURIER NEW 10 POINT FONT. So however you type it up, whatever font, margins, etc that you use it will still show up to them as 10 pt courier new font. However, 10 point courier new font takes up about the same amount of space as times new roman 12 point font.

Plus, it says not to use tab function to indent paragraphs, but rather use 4-5 spaces. Hope this helps others who didn't read the directions either.

Lefty

This personal statement stuff is the craps= First then then

 

[MD'05]

God help me. Why can't I just be like everyone else?

You are like everyone else. Everyone I know is in this crisis mode about the personal statement and what the hell to do in life.

 

[yaah]

The key to the personal statement is a good opening - grab the attention of the reader, pique their interest and make them want to read it. Thus, you want a good first line.

--Who would have thought one night with a prostitute could change your life so drastically?
--The day I married my dog Patches was the greatest day in the history of my life.
--I will never understand why some people think it's so necessary to bathe more than once per week.
--Throughout my life, everyone I have ever met has told me that I was poorly suited to a medical career, but I am determined to prove them wrong.
--My mother always told me I was lazy, that I was ugly, and would never amount to anything, and well, at times she had a point.
--I know some people think spending time abroad and volunteering is a vital, life changing experience, but my year spent living in a small rusty box was just as important.
--My advisor told me that using foul language in my personal statement was inappropriate and makes a ****ty impression, so I ****ing well will try not to.
--Do you remember that scene in Goodfellas where Ray Liotta beats the crap out of his girlfriend's neighbor? That was an awesome scene.
--There are two kinds of people in the world: those that listen to the voices in their head, and those that are in constant opposition.
--The voices in my head (SHUT UP I'M GONNA TELL THEM) have generally never steered me wrong (WILL YOU STOP IT) so first let me tell you what they want me to say about my career plans (I'M NOT GONNA TELL THEM ABOUT THAT OKAY?).

In all honesty though, a good personal statement needs to leave some kind of impression, or at least some way to distinguish you from others. It doesn't have to be funny or even very deep. You want to convey your motivations for pursuing the career you desire, and why you are suited to them. It helps to mention things that attract you to the field, what motivates you to stay in it, etc. A good piece of advice I received was to avoid being negative. Thus, if you want to go into medicine, don't badmouth surgeons or surgery as a career path. Focus on the positive.

 

[Jamezuva]

You weren't being serious about those examples of first liners were you??? Although you should use a first line that grabs the attention of the reader, you also don't want to go so overboard, that they think you have some psychosis either. Remember that a lot of what interviews are about is to make sure that you, the applicant, will fit well into their program (e.g. you are not CRAZY).

 

[Hercules]

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You weren't being serious about those examples of first liners were you??? Although you should use a first line that grabs the attention of the reader, you also don't want to go so overboard, that they think you have some psychosis either. Remember that a lot of what interviews are about is to make sure that you, the applicant, will fit well into their program (e.g. you are not CRAZY).

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that he was joking.

 

[rubyness]

I first knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was 32. My pet grizzly bear became ill with azoospermia. I felt so angry as he threw around his cage. I attempted laparoscopy using my ?Operation? game, but, sadly, my messy attempts failed, and he pinched. Then, my pushy aunt came to my house and started taunting me at my inability to save my pet. This experience only made me more motivated to take scat and humiliation as I began the long crispy quest to become an opthomologist.

In my preclinical years, I volunteered with a group of runny children who were missing their clavicles in Bora Bora. Simultaneously, I pioneered an intracytoplasmic sperm injection and sequenced the genome of Deinococcus radiodurans. This admirable research experience taught me the true power of scientific research publications to help me get into proctology. All the while I managed to achieve Honors in biology, chemistry, anatomy, astronomy, anthropology and geology and raise a family of 3 as a single parent.

One of the most strange experiences I had in medical school was soon after starting third year, on my psych rotation. My patient was a 6 year old male who came to the ER complaining of pain in the toe. He was addicted to crank, crystal meth and crack and kept interrupting my exam to go outside and smoke albuterol. He was unable to understand why I, as a third year medical student, could not write them a prescription for poppy seed and grew freaky. I tried to draw on my smelly abilities in patient interviewing that I had learned in my essentials of clinical medicine class. I validated, reflected, and used therapeutic silence, all to no avail. The patient pulled a candlestick and threatened me with it. I refused to fly so the patient charley horsed me in the arm, neck, chest, leg, elbow and wrist. I fell to the floor of the ER, observing universal precautions as I did so. The resident was so stoned that he wrote in my evaluation: ?This furry student will make a fine forensic pathologist. I jauntily enjoyed working with this student. This student was enthusiastic, syrupy, and a horny team player.?

In conclusion, I believe that I will make a bratty obstetrician. My colostomy will be reversed soon, and I can only anticipate that this will make me an even more stinky physician. I am kind and love to perform **** sucking. I will make a corny contribution to any residency program and hope to have the chance to fulfill the brilliant duties of gastroenterology.

 

[Jamezuva]

 

[Jaded Soul]

Two resources that I used and liked very much:

- Resumes and Personal Statements for Health Professionals by Tysinger. Includes, pre-writing exercises and really helps you write a PS in a step-by-step method. Great for CV as well. Lots of good examples of both.

- http://www.medfools.com/match/personalstatements.php. Good general advice and many good examples.