The goal of personal statement is write a description or summary of your life, who you are and your aspirations. The statement should not exceed 1000 words.
Goal: write about yourself, why you want to do spine. Give interviewer something to talk about.
Below is what I wrote but I don’t like the flow and how it sounds. Please revamp it etc.
I was born in Northern China, and spent the majority of my childhood in the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city, and summers in a rural farming village. When I was 10 year-old, we left our family and belongings behind and immigrated to Canada. It was my first time leaving the country. I was excited for a new adventure, and thought about all the exciting stories that I would tell my friends and cousins when I returned. Little did I know, that would be 10 years later.
Our first residence was a small two bedroom basement in a low income area in Toronto. My parents were often absent as they worked odd jobs to make ends meet. Within a few months, we were on welfare. I quickly learnt about the value of money and learnt to care for myself. The next year, we resettled to a nearby city. There I went to an inner city middle school. The highschool in my district had one of the lowest rankings in the region with poor university matriculation rates. However, we did not have the financial means for private school nor the transportation to go to a different school. I was inspired to excel in my studies and earned an all-included scholarship at a gift program at one of the top schools in the region. Throughout high school, I balanced my time between part-time jobs, lacrosse, karate, swimming, and academics, and graduated from the top. During this time, I developed a keen interest in sciences and languages. I participated in local science competitions, took foreign languages courses (French, German, Mandarin) both during the weekdays and on Sunday schools.
In college, I took up biochemistry and continued my hobby in languages with German studies as my minor. In my freshman year summer, I did an exchange program in Ulm, Germany. The experience was an eye opener and opened a whole new horizon. Since then, I have travelled extensively to over 30 countries across the world.
After college, I was distraught to find myself rejected from medical school admissions. I was devastated and decided to pursue my interest in research with a laboratory-based Masters of science. I had the unique opportunity of leading a kinome-wide study, and to present my research internationally.
I first became interested in spine surgery as a medical student when I was on a spine rotation. I was fascinated by the intricacies of these surgeries, and amazed by the correction after deformity cases. I kept an open mind in residency but continue to find myself drawn towards spine surgery. Early in residency, I became involved with multiple research projects. They were presented at both national and international levels. I am looking for a program with great mentorship that can help me to master not only the traditional open approaches but also be competent/familiar with innovative technology, as well learn how to manage the complications.
Having lived in four different countries, and travelled to many others have taught me the importance to look at an issue from different perspectives taking culture and socioeconomic background into consideration. My upbringing has taught me problem solving skills. My involvement in my communities have taught me empathy, consideration and have helped me to achieve satisfactory patient relationships. My extensive experience in research will continue to allow me to stay updated with the latest scientific findings to help my patients to receive the best care possible. I’m looking for a fellowship that will allow me to continue to hone these skills, and help me to master the surgical skills needed to become the best spine surgeon that I can be.
