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January 19th, 2023

Neurology Residency Personal Statement Example – A Complete Guide 2023

Interested in learning how to write a personal statement for a residency in neurology?

If you’re looking for a neurology program, you should not only be prepared for interviews, but also focus on writing a compelling personal statement that will persuade the admissions committee.

In this article we will identify:

• Format and structure
• Things to include
• How to mention your lower grades in it
• Tips & Mistakes

What is Neurology? What Qualities Should a Neurologist Have?

Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the nervous system’s structure, functions, and diseases.

Qualities :

• Dedicated attitude
• Observation skills
• Calm and passionate nature

What is Neurology Residency Personal Statement? How Will it Help You?

Neurology residency personal statement explains your interests, professional background, aspirations, and qualifications.

It provides the admissions panel a clear picture of your personality.

If you’re an international or US medical graduate, the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is an online application platform for residencies in the US.

The application for a residency program in Canada is performed through the online CaRMS portal.

Importance of a personal statement:

• To create an impression
• To know you more personally
• To increase your chances of admission
• To understand why you’re suitable for the program
• To know your professional goals

GET YOUR NEUROLOGY RESIDENCY PERSONAL STATEMENT CRAFTED BY EXPERTS NOW

When Should Start to Write

• Keep a keen eye out for application invitations from your preferred universities.
• Check the deadlines.
• Identify the kinds of documents that are required.
• Verify your eligibility.
• Requirements for personal statement writing (if any).
• Start writing 2 or 3 months before the deadline.

What to Include

Writing a personal statement for a neurology residency requires careful planning and knowledge of what to include.

Now let us find what to include and what not to.

Should Include

You should include the following details in your personal statement for neurology residency:

• Explanation of why you’re a suitable candidate for the programme
• Describe your relationship to the field of neurology from a personal perspective
• Your aspirations and values for your career as a neurologist
• Any accomplishments in this subject, whether academic or professional
• An explanation of the lower grades in short (it is optional)

Shouldn’t Include

Let’s now examine what it shouldn’t include:

• Any unnecessary personal information
• Achievements that are already listed in your CV.
• False information regarding your experiences.

How Long Should a Neurology Personal Statement Be?

Depending on your university, the length of your personal statement for a neurology residency may vary.

However, the normal is one-page length.

No of pages:

Word count:, no. of characters:, best fonts:, sample 1 – neurology residency personal statement.

When I was younger, I wasn’t sure of what kind of person I wanted to be. Even when my 10th-grade class teacher asked about it, I was clueless. However, my fascination with biology led me to choose science as my major in higher secondary. I had an unexpected thought about my hazy future days as I was writing this, determined to become a neurologist. Every industrial and educational experience I have had has helped me to understand the importance of healing and helping others. Helping those who were suffering and providing them with comfort was something I really enjoyed doing. I was unsure about what specialty to choose when I first entered medicine. A brain tumour was discovered in my aunty, one of my close relatives, while I was in college. At the age of 45, it came on her without warning. She is more like a friend to me than a relative, next to my family. Without the excellent neurological experts at XYZ Hospital, she would not even be living and thriving now. For the previous three years, she had received great care, love, and encouragement from her neurologist. He treats every one of his patients in this way. And during the past three years, I have had the opportunity to attend a few of her sessions whenever I had the time. My interest in neurology had merely sparked, and it was encouraged to grow into a desire to understand more about it and hopefully become a specialist who can really help people like my aunt.

My understanding of how beautiful and incredible the human body is was influenced by the classes I attended in high school and college. While the human body is magnificent, I have also discovered about the possible pitfalls it could encounter and the ways in which these neurologists can help. Since my aunt’s brain tumour was discovered, I have dedicated my time to learning more about it. I realized that the human brain is an entire world. It contains its own power and mechanisms. I eventually became familiar with a number of neurological conditions and illnesses. With time, my interest in neurology grew more stronger. I then pursued neurosurgery and neurology-related courses in college as my interest in the field deepened. It once more piqued my interest and confirmed that I made the right decision.

My research on the effects of medications on the brain during my studies led me to the realization that a thorough grasp of this relationship can really aid in the development of effective treatment plans. Before suggesting any medicine, it is essential to get a clear idea over how our brains behave. In light of this, I became aware of how distinctive and fragile the brain is, while being a strong organ. Each patient’s brain reacts differently to drugs. In reality, some drugs wouldn’t work in one patient but succeed in the other. I realized that this was a crucial point to keep in mind and should be followed throughout my remaining medical school years. I was aware that only then would I be able to speak to each patient appropriately and avoid ever being accused of misinterpreting their adverse effects or symptoms and examine every alternative and potential risk before recommending a medication.

I have worked as a volunteer at a community hospital that offers free healthcare to everybody in our area while I have been in medical school. I gained a better understanding about the characteristics a physician has to have when working in these scenarios. I learned from my hospital mentors how important empathy and compassion are to our line of work. Additionally, it increased my focus on these traits as I became more aware of their significance in the care of patients with serious medical disorders. I have also been fortunate to have a number of opportunities throughout medical college to accomplish clerkship and optional components of my curriculum as well as clinical rotations in government health settings, work with quite lovely patients and families, and take an active role in fields such as cardiology, neurology, and dermatology.

No matter the patient’s age, I realised how crucial neurology is, as is a careful exploration of any innate or recently identified neurological diseases. I also noticed that even the relatively similar illness can appear completely differently in patients. Certain ailments are exceptionally difficult and confusing. My understanding of the intricacy of neurology and my enthusiasm for the field were considerably boosted by gaining knowledge about these diseases personally.

My goal in applying to your university’s neurology residency programme is to discover the experiences and opportunities necessary to further my knowledge of the specialty. After I graduate from this programme, I hope to become a kind and compassionate neurologist. I want to develop professionally and personally, with a strong desire to be of service to others.

Sample 2 – Neurology Residency Personal Statement

Although she was unaware of it, my grandmother was the inspiration for my decision to pursue a career in neurology when she passed away while I was 17 years old. When I think of her, several images come to me. My grandma, who constantly makes people happy with her delicacies, is depicted in one image as having a strong and lovely face. Another one is a woman who is constantly lying in bed and has fragile, weak hands. She could never walk normally, and her hand would tremble constantly. She wasn’t the cheerful and lively person I recalled and admired as a child. She had Parkinson’s disease in an advanced stage. However, I was curious to learn more so I could support her. Prior to enrolling in medical school, I was unable to comprehend the definitions of medical jargon. My professor discussed a variety of ailments that might influence the neurological system as well as their symptoms during one of neuro elective classes. I made a connection between that and my grandmother’s illness and how she presented her symptoms at that point. I became curious about it and wanted to learn more.

During my studies, I became even more fascinated by the brain’s capacity to regulate every element of the human body. I discovered the ideal possibility for myself as I desired to explore. I was hired as a teaching assistant for one of the professors who ran elective courses on neurology. This drove me to learn about the structure of the central nervous system and how it affects movement coordination, among other things. My grandmother kept coming to mind as I learned more about neurology.

I was rewarded for my dedication to the field when I received the single A in my class for the elective in neurology. My decision to pursue neurology for my clinical rotations was driven by my curiosity and desire. Every single day of the rotations was enlightening for me. Before, I had only been exposed to and understood the conditions through books. I was overjoyed and absolutely cherished the experience. My rotational mentors were great teachers for me. Both having a loving heart and possessing intellectual and medical understanding are essential. To help patients return to normal life, neurologists must show them compassion, courage, and care. Neurologists may have a significant impact on how patients cope with their disease. In order to get better results, I therefore plan to improve on the doctor-patient relationship.

A neurology residency programme that can present me with academic and professional challenges is something I’m genuinely looking forward to. I picture myself studying at an institution having skilled professionals and lots of possibilities to get exposure to a variety of neurological diseases and engage with different groups of people. No other field has pushed me to improve as much as neurology has in terms of my diagnostic skills, interactions with patients, or medical knowledge. I will be able to develop my abilities on a personal and professional level due to your university’s resources and excellent faculty. In gratitude, I would like to work in my native country so that I can raise public awareness and offer everyone access to relatively affordable treatments.

NEED EXPERTS HELP FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT? CLICK HERE NOW!

How to Write an Excellent Neurology Residency Personal Statement in Six Easy Steps?

You must first and foremost comprehend the required answer(s) and word limit of your statement.

When you’re certain of it, it’s time to get started.

The six-step process of writing is what we suggest for you.

Considering ideas

When you brainstorm, you discover a range of ideas to include in your statement.

Once you note down your required points, you can proceed to the next step.

Preparation

You organize all of your brainstorming ideas during this step, and put them together to form a basic structure for your first draft.

 A rough draft is a way to get your ideas on paper.

Don’t bother about modifying it,  write what comes to your mind.

It is way easier to rearrange the structure if you have a draft.

Now that you have it, read it and make any necessary edits to your personal statement.

Proofreading

Here, you can fix all the technical issues with your personal statement, like grammar and spelling problems, and other common problems like format.

You can submit the personal statement in the final phase.

Make sure it’s in the proper format and that you have met all the conditions, including the word limit.

How Can I Explain Low Marks Or Other Adverse Facts In The Personal Statement?

In the personal statement, it is not necessary to justify your lower grades or other unfavorable details.

You can avoid it if you don’t want to!

But if you choose to write it, ensure you write in a straightforward, concise way that presents a positive perspective upon the negative situation.

How Should It Be Structured?

Introduction.

Your entire personal statement, especially the start, should be compelling. It’s a positive sign if you can keep the readers’ interest.

Describe your own experiences and personal stories related to the field in the introduction.

What inspired you to study neurology?

Explain in a narrative and intimate method.

Who or what is motivating you?

Simply describe it and take the opportunity to connect it to real life.

An example,

“When I was completing the rotation in urology, dentistry, and other specialties, I always thoroughly enjoyed it. However,  the rotation in neurology made me certain that it was the right field for me. Given that neurology is a profession with so broad applications, I found it quite intriguing. I find it particularly fascinating that neurology demands such an accurate connection of findings with regards to the patient’s condition, physical assessment, etc…”

Several paragraphs can be used for the main body.

They should explain to the reader how you came to your choice of specialty.

What should I include?

 A variety of subjects, including experiences with activities, volunteer work, and rotations.

Why should they select you?

Describe your abilities and qualifications, as well as what makes you unique.

In the conclusion part, you should emphasize yourself once more.

Your tone should convey your tenacity and enthusiasm for the subject.

You ought to mention:

• Career goals (long & short term)
• How can you contribute to society

Barriers to Overcome While Writing

• Your language and vocabulary barriers
• After some time of writing, inability to focus
• Lack of confidence in expressing yourself
• To complete work before the deadlines
• The physical and mental strain of worrying about how well the writing is getting through.

What Format Should Your Personal Statement Use?

You can submit a statement in

12-pt Times New Roman font

Double-space, 1-inch margin, 1 and 2 pages long.

Although there aren’t any fixed guidelines regarding length or format since it varies on the university you choose.

How to Avoid Mistakes?

Your neurology residency personal statement can contain mistakes as you are not a professional.

Here are some suggestions to help you write your personal statement without making mistakes.

Should have clarity

When drafting your personal statement, clarity is essential.

Don’t confuse people with so much information.

Check for grammatical and spelling errors

You must write a document that is brief & clear.

If your writing is filled with grammar and spelling mistakes, you cannot achieve it.

Make sure to share your personal experience.

Don’t mix content from other personal statements.

Avoid plagiarism by being original.

Do not exaggerate

Exaggeration should be avoided in writing.

You shouldn’t include slang words or unnecessary explanations.

Ask suggestions

Ask your friends, family, or colleagues to read your writing once you’ve finished the first copy and share their feedback.

Where Can I Study Neurology?

• University of Pennsylvania
• John Hopkins University
• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Columbia University
• Vanderbilt University
• Yale University

Take the time you need to write your own personal statement for a residency in neurology.

As you begin to compose your personal statement, make sure to include all the information that will help it become powerful.

Has our blog been helpful to you?

So why wait much longer?

Start writing!

Mrs Jizah M

Mrs Jizah M has always enjoyed writing down her thoughts since school days. What just started as a hobby slowly transformed into a passion. Her writing skills were first acknowledged by few of her professors when she wrote content for the college website; this was a turing. Slowly she started getting freelance works and later on, a series of events led her to specialize in academic and higher education related documentations. In additional to personal statements, she along with her team writes LORs, SOPs, college application essays, admission essays and all similar types of documents.

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Neurology Residency Personal Statement #1

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I have chosen neurology as my specialty based on my interests, experiences and passion. I vividly recall how frustrated my family was when my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His struggles inspired me to enter the field of neurology. My desire to become a neurologist has been intensified since working with Dr. Uchino in his outpatient neurology clinic. Dr. U introduced me to Mr Jones who suffered a severe middle cerebral ischemic stroke. The patient presented to the ER six month ago with hemiparesis, hemisensory deficits and severe dysphasia. When I met him, I was impressed by his dramatic functional recovery. Most importantly, the grateful smiles from the patient and his relatives gave me tremendous encouragement to pursue a career as a neurologist.

My research background has also built a solid foundation for me as a future neurologist. I joined a neurology research laboratory to enhance and advance me in the field of neurology. I have studied the molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders and have participated in a project studying the neuroprotective effect of a modified form of EPO against cerebral ischemic stroke. My study showed this self-generated, novel EPO had potent neuroprotection against ischemic stroke in animal models. Our next step is to determine whether this novel EPO produces the same effect in humans as it did in our animal models. These research experiences have made me realize that the best way to answer my questions is to work in both clinical and research settings. Neurology will allow me to practice as a physician and as a scientist. [ad#bannermain-plain]

I believe my strong research background has opened the door to neurology and my commitment and enthusiasm to work will make me a great neurologist. I have a blend of intelligence, critical thinking, research experience, and communication and interpersonal skills. To make a positive impact on patients’ lives has been my goal since I enrolled in medical college. Motivated by this goal, I received the Outstanding Student Award three years in a row, and I was also a five-year scholarship winner. I have also been very productive as a researcher. I published several peer-reviewed papers, cloned novel genes, and produced important data for several NIH and AHA grants. Being a mother to two children, I have being able to prioritize and efficiently execute multiple tasks – a skill set that is critical to being a physician. As a physician, leadership is an important characteristic. I believe I have the character, and this is exemplified by my appointment as lab manager in Dr. Mack’s lab. I have constantly cooperated with other researchers, technicians, and outside companies and I have always been rewarded with positive feedback. Giving presentations and case reports is an essential part of physician life. I have excelled in journal club presentations and enjoy teaching and learning from colleagues. From these experiences, I have learned how to become a responsible team player.

I look forward to a residency program that will enable me to enhance both my clinical skills and personal characteristics. This will help me to build good physician-patient relationships and to become an exceptional neurologist. I also desire training at a program which will enable me to continue to fulfill my goal of applying research to clinical neurology. Upon the completion of residency training, I plan to pursue a fellowship in vascular neurology to integrate my clinical and research ability to further benefit my patients. I have the strong work ethic, diligence, efficiency and focus required of a neurologist. Coupled with my enthusiasm, compassion, and positive attitude, I will have a positive impact on my residency program.

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Personal Statement

Home  >   Specialty  >   Neurology   >  Personal Statement

In a survey of neurology residency programs, 76% cited the personal statement as a factor in selecting applicants to interview.

A particularly important question to answer in the statement is "Why are you interested in pursuing a career in neurology? In our free E-Document "Why Neurology", we share the reasons why neurologists chose to enter the field.

Resources to Help You Develop a Powerful Personal Statement

Why neurology   read more >>, the book the successful match 2017 (includes 40-page chapter on the personal statement with sample statements)     read more >>.

For those requiring additional assistance, we have an exceptional personal statement review and edition service. Learn more about our Personal Statement Review and Editing Service with Dr. Samir Desai.

The Residency Personal Statement (2023/2024): The Insider’s Guide (with Examples)

A physician and former residency program director explains how to write your residency personal statement to match in to your top-choice residency program in 2024.

Read example residency personal statements and suggested outlines..

Introduction

The residency personal statement allows residency program directors and associate directors the chance to get a sense of who you are and your commitment to your chosen specialty. 

As a former program director who understands how residency personal statements are reviewed, what “stands out,” and, most importantly, what will earn you interview invitations, the information below will help you write a residency personal statement to match!

It is imperative to make sure you get the most accurate guidance possible with regards to your residency personal statement content and optimal residency personal statement length (up to 5300 characters with spaces).

Want more personalized suggestions? Sign up for a FREE residency personal statement consultation .

Table of Contents

Goals for Writing Your 2024 Residency Personal Statement

Above all else, your residency personal statement offers the opportunity to show your interest in your chosen specialty when applying to residency to illustrate you are a good fit.

The more details you offer about why you are interested in the specialty and how your med school rotations, accomplishments and experiences have reinforced this interest, the stronger your personal statement will be, the more it will appeal to selection committees and the better you will do in the match process .

I encourage applicants to offer as much “evidence” as possible to “show” rather than “tell” what qualities, characteristics and interests they have. “Telling” a reader, for example, that you are compassionate and hard working means nothing. Instead, you must “show” that you embody these qualities based on your experiences in health care and the patients for whom you have cared.

The residency personal statement also offers the opportunity to write about who you are as a person to convey some details about your background, influences, and interests outside of your given specialty.

The Importance of a Balanced Residency Personal Statement

The key when writing your residency personal statement is to ensure that it is well-balanced so it appeals to a large group of people who might read your ERAS residency application.

However, it is important to understand that every program director and faculty member has his or her own idea of what he would like to read in a personal statement. As an applicant, you must go into this process understanding that you cannot please everyone, or a specific program, and your personal statement should therefore have the broadest appeal possible.

For example, some program directors would rather hear about your personal interests and curiosities and get to know who you are rather than have you focus on the specialty in which you are interested.

At MedEdits, we suggest taking a “middle of the road” approach; include some details about who you are but also focus on the specialty itself. In this way, you will make more traditional reviewers who want to hear about your interest in the specialty happy while also satisfying those who would rather learn about you as a person.

Above all, be authentic and true to yourself when writing your statement. This always leads to the best results! Read on to learn more about how to write a winning personal statement.

About MedEdits

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Founded by a former associate program director, the experts at MedEdits will make your residency personal statement shine. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Need Help With Your Residency Personal Statement?

Schedule a Free 15 Minute Consultation with a MedEdits expert.

Residency Personal Statement Outline & Structure

Residency applicants often do well when given outlines or templates to follow, so, we will offer that, but, it is important to realize that many applicants deviate from these rigid rules. One very typical outline that serves applicants quite well in the residency admissions process is:

• Compose a catchy introduction. Your intro can be related to your interest in the specialty to which you are applying, about a hobby or personal experience, or about your background. Regardless of the topic you choose, you want to tell a story and start with something that will interest your reader and engage him.
• The next two to four paragraphs comprise the body of your personal statement. We encourage applicants to write about any significant experiences they have had related to their desired specialty and/or future goals. This would include information about rotations, electives, and sub internships related to the specialty, volunteer and research experiences and even significant outside interests.
• Finally, you want to conclude your essay. In your conclusion, write about what you seek in a residency program, what you will bring to a residency program, and, if you have any idea of your future career goals, write about those as well. Your conclusion is also where you can tailor a personal statement to a specific geographic area of interest or type of program (rural, urban, community).

Residency Personal Statement Length & Residency Personal Statement Word Limit

Residency Personal Statement Length: Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be between 4000 – 5300 characters with spaces or up to 900 words in length. 

The allowed ERAS residency personal statement length is 28,000 characters which equates to about five pages!

We have been hearing from more and more applicants that the personal statement should not exceed one page when typed in to the ERAS application . Because of this overwhelming trend, we are supporting this guidance unless you have extenuating circumstances that require your personal statement be longer.

Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be a maximum of 5300 characters with spaces.

ERAS Residency Personal Statement Checklist

• Ensure your personal statement flows well

The best personal statements are easy to read, don’t make the reader think too much, and make your path and interests seem logical. Rarely does a personal statement have a theme. Also try to have each paragraph transition to the next seamlessly. 

2. Your personal statement should be about you!

Your personal statement should be about you and no one else. Focus on your interests, your accomplishments and your path. This is your opportunity to be forthcoming about your achievements – by writing in detail about what you have done.

3. Be sure your personal statement clearly outlines your interest in the specialty.

Since the reader wants to be convinced of your understanding of, experience in, and curiosity about the specialty to which you are applying, be sure you highlight what you have done to explore your interest as well as your insights and observations about the specialty to show your understanding of it.

4. Make it human.

Again, your personal statement should be about you! The reader wants to know who you are, where you are from, what your interests are and who you are outside of medicine. Therefore, try to include those details about your background that are intriguing or important to you.

5. Express your interest in the specialty.

The reader fundamentally wants to know why you are pursuing the specialty. The more details you offer the more convincing you are about your commitment and your understanding of the specialty. Be sure to include details that might seem obvious. For example, in emergency medicine you must like acute care, but try to include more nuanced details about your interest, too. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved? What do you value about the actual work you will do? What do you enjoy about the patients for whom you will care? How about the setting in which you will practice?

6. The start and evolution of your interest.

Readers want to know how and when you became interested in your specialty. Was this before medical school? During medical school? What have you done to pursue and nurture your interest in the specialty?

7. What you have done to learn more about the specialty.

You should explain what you have done to pursue your interest. What rotations have you done or have planned? What research, scholarly work or community service activities have you pursued to further your interest?

8. Where you see yourself in the future – if you know!

Without going into too much detail, write about the type of setting in which you see yourself in the future. Do you hope to also participate in research, teaching, public health work or community outreach as a part of your career? What are your future goals? Since many programs typically train a certain type of physician, it is important that your goals are aligned with the programs to which you are applying.

9. What do you bring to the specialty?

You should try to identify what you can bring to the program and the specialty to which you are applying as a whole. For example, are you applying to family medicine and have a distinct interest in public health? Are you applying for internal medicine and do you have demonstrated expertise in information technology and hope to improve electronic medical records? Do you have extensive research or teaching experience, and do you hope to continue to pursue these interests in the future? Have you developed a commitment to global health, and do you hope to continue making contributions abroad? Programs have a societal obligation to select residents who will make valuable contributions in the future, so the more ambitions you have the more desirable a candidate you will be.

10. What type of program you hope to join?

Do you hope to be part of a community or university-based program? What are you seeking in a residency program? Programs are looking for residents who will be the right “fit” so offering an idea of what you are seeking in a program will help them determine if your values and goals mesh with those of the program.

11. Who you are outside of the hospital?

Try to bring in some personal elements about who you are. You can do this in a few ways. If you have any outside interests or accomplishments that complement your interest in your specialty, such as extracurricular work, global work, teaching or volunteer efforts, write about them in detail, and, in doing so, show the reader a different dimension of your personality. Or, consider opening your statement by writing about an experience related to your hobbies or outside interests. Write about this in the form of an introductory vignette. I suggest taking this nontraditional approach only if you are a talented writer and can somehow relate your outside interest to the specialty you are pursuing, however. An interest in the arts can lend itself to dermatology, plastic surgery or ophthalmology, for example. Or, an interest in technology could relate to radiology .

12. Any personal challenges?

Also explain any obstacles you have overcome: Were you the first in your family to graduate from college? Were you an immigrant? Did you have limited financial resources and work through college? Many applicants tend to shy away from the very things that make them impressive because they are afraid of appearing to be looking for sympathy. As long as you explain how you have overcome adversity in a positive or creative way, your experience will be viewed as the tremendous accomplishment that it is. The personal statement should explain any unusual or distinctive aspects of your background.

• Residency Match: How It Works & How To Get Matched

Common ERAS Residency Personal Statement Mistakes

Do not tell your entire life story or write a statement focused on your childhood or undergraduate career. 

Do not write about why you wanted to be a doctor. This is old news. From the reviewers perspective, you already are a doctor!

Do not write a personal statement focused on one hobby or begin with your birth. Some background information might be useful if it offers context to your choices and path, but your residency personal statement should be focused on the present and what you have done to pursue your interest in the specialty to which you are applying.

Do not preach. The reader understands what it means to practice his specialty and does not need you to tell him. Don’t write, for example: Internal medicine requires that a physician be knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The reader wants to know about you!

Do not put down other specialties. You don’t need to convince anyone of your interest by writing something negative about other specialties. Doing so just makes you look bad. If you switched residencies or interests, you can explain what else you were seeking and what you found in the specialty of your choice that interests you.

Do not embellish. Program directors are pretty good at sniffing out inconsistencies and dishonesty. Always tell the truth and be honest and authentic. 

Do not plagiarize. While this seems obvious to most people, every year people copy personal statements they find online or hire companies that use stock phrases and statement to compose statements for applicants. Don’t do it!

Do not write about sensitive topics. Even if you were in a relationship that ended and resulted in a poor USMLE score , this is not a topic for a personal statement. In general, it is best to avoid discussing relationships, politics, ethical issues and religion.

Do not boast. Any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness may result in getting rejected. There is a fine line between confidence and self promotion. Some people make the mistake of over-selling themselves or writing about all of their fantastic qualities and characteristics. Rarely do readers view such personal statements favorably.

Do not write an overly creative piece. A residency personal statement should be professional. This work is equivalent to a job application. Don’t get too creative; stay focused.

Writing ERAS Residency Personal Statements For Multiple Specialties

An increasing number of applicants are applying to more than one specialty in medicine especially if the first choice specialty is very competitive. If you are applying to more than one specialty, even if there is disciplinary overlap between the two (for example family medicine and pediatrics ), we advise you write a distinct specialty for each. Remember that a physician who practices the specialty you hope to join will most likely be reviewing your statement. He or she will definitely be able to determine if the personal statement illustrates a true understanding of the specialty. If you try to recycle an entire personal statement or parts of a personal statement for two specialties, there is a high likelihood the personal statement will communicate that you aren’t sincerely interested in that specialty or that you don’t really understand what the specialty is about.

Writing About Red Flags in your ERAS Personal Statement

The personal statement is also the place to explain any red flags in your application, such as gaps in time or a leave of absence. When addressing any red flags, explain what happened succinctly. Be honest, don’t make excuses, and don’t dwell on the topic. Whenever possible, write about how you have matured or grown from the adversity or what you may have learned and how this benefits you.

If you have left a program or had a break in your medical education, you will also have the chance to explain this in your ERAS application . You should also write about this topic in your personal statement only if you have more to explain, however. 

If you have failed a Step exam or one course in medical school, this likely isn’t something to address in the personal statement. However, you should be prepared to discuss any failure during an interview. By the same token, it is best not to address one low grade or poor attending evaluation in your statement. 

Have you taken a circuitous path to medicine? If so you might address why you made these choices and what you found so interesting about medicine that was lacking in your former career.

Residency Personal Statement Example

Below are two great examples of residency personal statements that earned the applicants who wrote them numerous interviews and first choice matches. As you will see, these two applicants took very different approaches when writing the personal statement yet wrote equally persuasive and “successful” personal statements.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Traditional Approach

The most common approach to the personal statement is what I will call the traditional approach, in which the applicant conveys her interest in the specialty, when that interest began and what she has done to pursue the particular specialty.

Suggested outline:

• Introduction: Catchy Story
• Paragraph 2: Background Information and how Interest Started
• Paragraph 3: Write about what you did to explore your interest
• Paragraph 4: Second paragraph about your experiences related to your specialty
• Conclusion: Wrap it up. Write something about your future goals.

Below is an example of the traditional approach:

I looked into her eyes and saw terror. She knew the life of her unborn baby was in jeopardy. As tears streamed down her face, she looked to the attending physician. In desperation, she pleaded, “Please save our baby.” She and her husband had been trying to conceive for more than two years, and they knew this could be their only chance to have a healthy child. She went into labor at home and because of a horrible snowstorm was not able to reach the hospital for several hours. When she arrived in labor and delivery, she was crowning. But, the baby was having late decelerations. Because of the sweat on my attending’s forehead I knew the situation was serious. Yet we all tried to remain calm and to keep the patient and her husband calm as well. 

I entered medical school with an open mind as everyone suggested. Even as a first year medical student, however, I was fascinated with embryology. I entered my third year still unsure of what I would pursue. I knew I wanted a career that would be challenging and interesting. Because of my background in drawing and painting, I always loved working with my hands. Yet I also enjoyed working with people. Thankfully, my obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) rotation was the first of my third year and I was immediately hooked.

I quickly sought out opportunities for research and became involved in a clinical study investigating the impact of a vegan diet on birth outcomes. I have always had an interest in wellness and nutrition, and this seemed like a perfect fit for me. My research is still in process, but through this experience I have learned how to analyze data, stay objective and critically evaluate the literature. So far, our findings suggest better than normal outcomes for babies born to vegan mothers. This reinforces my goal to educate my patients about the important of diet and nutrition, which I hope to make a part of my future practice. 

Early in my fourth year, I completed an elective rotation at Inner City Medical Center. There I cared for a diverse group of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I realized how much I enjoy labor and delivery, but I also value the operative aspects of ob/gyn. I appreciate the importance of understanding the female anatomy so I can operate with precision.  I also value the diversity of practice in ob/gyn. Whether caring for a woman about to give birth, helping a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer navigate her treatment options, or caring for a perimenopausal woman who is coping with symptoms of hormone fluctuations, I enjoy caring for patients with knowledge and compassion. The outpatient aspect of ob/gyn brings satisfaction as well. I look forward to building relationships with my patients, helping them to lead the healthiest lives possible. I have also realized how much I want to care for those who lack access to care. The work I have done at Medical School Free Clinic has helped me realize the gaps that exist in access to care and education. As a future practicing ob/gyn, I hope to work in such a setting at least on a part time basis.

On that snowy night, when we realized the baby was having difficulty being born because of shoulder dystocia, a simple maneuver eased the situation. The baby’s first cry brought such joy and relief to everyone in the room and, at that moment, I knew I had to be part of this specialty. I hope to join a program where I will have the clinical exposure that will give me the skills and experience to care for a wide range of patients. I do not yet know if I will subspecialize, and I will seek out mentors and experiences as a resident to make an informed decision. I would be honored to interview at your program and thank you for your consideration.

Why It’s Great

This is a great personal statement because it clearly conveys the applicant’s interest in, and understanding of, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and what the applicant has done to pursue that interest. Not only does this applicant have a long-standing interest in OB/GYN, but, she conveys that she has experienced the specialty in different settings and understands the diverse nature of the specialty. She also includes information about her hobbies and interests and writes about her exploration of OB/GYN outside of the clinical arena. An added bonus is that the applicant writes well and uses descriptive language making her statement interesting and fun to read.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Outside Interests Approach

Many mentors advise applicants to tell the reader something about them that is unrelated to medicine or the specialty they are pursuing. This is a fine idea, but be sure your personal statement also includes some details about your interest in your specialty if you decide to move in this direction.

Suggested Outline:

• Introduction: Write a Catchy Introduction. Be creative! Think outside the box.
• Paragraph 2:Elaborate on your introduction offering more details
• Paragraph 3: Write about your specialty choice and what appeals to you.
• Paragraph 4: Write more about your explorations in medical school.
• Concluding paragraph(s): Write about your future goals, the type of program you hope to join and consider looping back to your introduction.

Below is an example of the outside interests approach:

The landscape before me was lush and magical. We had been hiking for hours and had found a great spot to set up camp. As I was unloading my backpack and helping to pitch the tent, I saw a scene I knew I had to capture. I quickly grabbed my carefully packed Leica before the magnificent sunset disappeared. Trying to get the perfect exposure, I somehow managed to capture this image so accurately that it reflected the beauty of what was before us high in the mountains of Utah, so far away from the hustle and bustle of New York City where we attended medical school.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my interests and curiosities with focus and creativity. One of those interests is photography. Even as a small child, I wanted my own camera, and I started snapping interesting scenes and images at the age of 6. As I grew older, this hobby took on more significance. I took a college level course in photography as a high school student, worked as a photographer’s assistant and even considered a career in photography. Paralleling my interest, however, was a desire to travel and experience new places, foods, and cultures.

I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. Rather than stopping in a city or place for a couple of days and seeing the sights, I prefer to immerse myself in my surroundings, eating the food, meeting the people, and staying for as long as I can. My fluency in Spanish and Italian has made it easier to “fit in” naturally. My most recent trip to Costa Rica allowed me to visit sugar cane fields and rain forests. I also volunteered in a clinic that helps the most desperate citizens. Of course, because I never travel without my camera, I also captured the beauty of this country; those pictures can be found on my blog.

Surgery seemed like a natural choice for me. It is a very tactile and visual field that requires patience, attention to detail and creativity—just like photography. The operating room setting is invigorating. I love to be a member of a team, and in surgery team work is an essential part of practice. The ability to deal with anatomical variations also satisfies my creative side; I have always been fond of puzzles, and the field of surgery represents a real-world puzzle to me. I also appreciate the intensity of surgery and believe I have the personality and demeanor for the field. I have always enjoyed solving problems quickly, something the field of surgery requires. My rotations in surgery – in addition to my core surgery rotation I have done trauma and cardiothoracic surgery – have helped me to understand the tremendous opportunities and diversity of the field. I have heard some residents lament that the only reason they went into surgery is to operate. However, I really enjoy seeing patients postoperatively. It is only at that time that a surgeon can really appreciate the impact of his or her work.

Finally, my trip to Honduras with a surgical team from my hospital and medical school made me realize that I can make a great contribution globally in the field of surgery. There we saw patients who had no resources or access to care. The facilities in which we worked were bare-bones. Yet the impact we made was tremendous, given that this was a group of people who otherwise would have no surgical care. In this way, I hope to combine my interests in travel and surgery as a resident, if I have time, and certainly as a practicing physician. My ultimate goal is to use my training to help populations globally and domestically.

To gain the most clinical exposure possible, I hope to train in a busy urban hospital. I believe that such a setting will give me the operative experience I need to be able to navigate many situations in the future. Such a setting will also give me the outpatient experience to understand how to manage patients once the surgery is completed.

I look forward to the day when I can be snapping my camera intraoperatively, documenting what I am doing and seeking to help other surgeons. For some, such pictures may not represent the art of those pictures I take in the wilderness, but for me they reflect the beauty of surgery and the great opportunity to make a lasting impression on another human being’s life.

This is a really intriguing personal statement because the author writes about his outside interests in a compelling way that makes him instinctively likable. He then goes on to explain what he enjoys about surgery and what he has done to pursue that interest. As you can see, this applicant writes less about his specialty (surgery) than the applicant in statement #1 did, but, he still convinces the reader of his understanding of, and commitment to, surgery. In this statement, the reader gains a much broader understanding of who the applicant is as a person and what he likes to do in his free time.

Final Thoughts

Writing your residency personal statement should be about telling your story in your own voice and style. You want to highlight your interest in the specialty for which you are applying while also conveying some ideas about who you are as a person to keep your reader engaged in learning about you as a person.

Residency Personal Statement Consulting Services

MedEdits Medical Admissions offers comprehensive guidance and document review services for residency applicants to every specialty in medicine. With more than twenty years of experience in residency admissions and founded by a former residency admissions officer and physician, MedEdits understands what program directors want to read and can help you decide what aspects of your background to focus on in your residency personal statement to earn the most interviews possible.

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your ERAS personal statement. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Sample Residency Personal Statements

Residency Related Articles and Guidance

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• Residency Personal Statement
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• Medical Residency Timeline & Length
• Medical Residency Salary By Specialty
• How To Master MyERAS, The Medical Residency Interview, and Common Residency Interview Questions
• Master the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) & ERAS Timeline
• Residency Letters Of Recommendation (with ERAS Samples)
• Residency Letter of Intent
• How to Write a Residency Letter of Intent
• Residency Love Letters
• Residency Match Success: Lessons Learned

Residency Specialty Articles

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• Anesthesiology Residency Match: BEAT more than 2,000 Applicants

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Residency Sample Personal Statements

These are real personal statements from successful residency applicants (some are from students who have used our services or from  our advisors ). These sample personal statements are for reference purposes only and should absolutely not be used to copy or plagiarize in any capacity. Plagiarism detection software is used when evaluating personal statements. Plagiarism is grounds for disqualification of an applicant.

Disclaimer: While these essays ultimately proved effective and led to successful residency matches, there are multiple components that comprise an effective residency applicant. These essays are not perfect, and the strengths and weaknesses have been listed where relevant.

Sample Personal Statements

Encouraged by the idea of becoming well rounded, I collected many hobbies and passions as I grew up from snowboarding and cooking to playing board games and practicing meditation. Despite the increasing demands on my time, however, I never learned how to get more than 24 hours out of a day. Since I entered medical school, I have been searching for ways to continue pursuing my one my most influential hobbies, playing the violin. While my violin may be gathering more dust than I would like to admit, I discovered that the same motivations that gave me an affinity for my favorite pastime are still fulfilled in the practice of anesthesia.

Learning to play the violin was challenging; for the first few years, everything that came out of my violin sounded as if it had been scratched out on a chalkboard. Through daily practice and enormous amount of patience from my parents whose ears were being tortured, playing violin slowly came to be effortless. My violin teacher went beyond teaching me how to play but also challenged me to envision my future and write down my aspirations. While achieving my milestones gave me a jolt of confidence, I learned that setting goals are part of a broader journey of constant improvement. Developed from years of practicing violin, my discipline to work tirelessly towards my goals provides the framework that will help me to master anesthesiology.

I found violin to be most rewarding when I had the opportunity to share my music with others. Through the simple act of pulling my bow across a string, I was able to convey my emotions to my audience. The desire to directly and physically affect change is a large part of my motivation to pursue anesthesiology where problems are identified and immediately met with a potential solution. Drawn to science because of my desire to understand the world around me, I enjoy creating a hypothesis and executing a plan in order to test it. While I was at [UNIVERSITY], I identified areas in which the school could improve the student experience and then implement projects that could address these areas. As the Academics and Research Committee chair, I planned as a summer math course for incoming freshmen to prepare them proof writing, which was a topic that many were to which they were not previously exposed. I derive satisfaction from the ability to take an idea and carrying it through to completion. As a life long learner, I take pleasure in finding ways to grow and expand my mind. My love of learning started from a young age where my favorite use of my computer was to browse my CD-ROM “the way things worked.” My golf team nicknamed me ‘Encyclopedia’ because of my tendency to share interesting facts with them as we drove to tournaments around [STATE]. To this day, it is difficult for me to have dinner with my friends without bringing up an interesting fact I learned from a podcast.

When playing violin became second nature, practicing became a sort of therapy where the world around me disappeared and my mind became quiet and focused. Throughout my life, I have been drawn to tasks that require intense concentration to transform thoughts into physical action from rehearsing a swing to hit a perfect drive to carefully executing a protocol for an experiment. The direct and focused care that takes place in the OR actually turned out to be tranquil and relaxing for me. Monitoring the patient, forming differentials, testing my hypothesis, and planning ahead, I found my mind completely immersed while I was assisting in cases. Able to use my own hands to care for a patient, I left the OR feel satisfied that my efforts were wholeheartedly directed towards providing the best possible care for my patient.

I first discovered chamber music at violin camp and immediately fell in love with beautiful harmonies and intricate counter melodies. One of the most shocking things about chamber music was how foreign the music sounded when I practiced at home because the individual parts frequently do not capture the beauty of piece. It isn’t until rehearsal as a group that the true form of the song emerges. Chamber music, similar to the operating room, involves a small group of people working together toward a single goal. Everyone from the surgeon to the nurses has his or her own role, which is needs to be executed appropriately in order to provide the best care for the patient. The teamwork required in the OR reminds me of seemingly impossible feats humans are able to accomplish through coordinated efforts. This collaboration is an essential characteristic of the type of environment in which I would like to work. In addition, I hope that the anesthesia residency I attend values the spirit of self-reflection and constant improvement. I am excited to pursue a career in anesthesiology where I will continue to build on my interests and strengths that were honed through years of practicing the violin.

The author did a masterful job of integrating one of his/her main outside passions (violin) into an interesting and engaging narrative as to why the applicant was fit for anesthesia.

Compared to the common “writing your CV” mistake that many applicants make, this personal statement is a breath of fresh air. The theme of violin is not irrelevant, as the author relates seemingly unrelated aspects of its practice or performance to key elements of anesthesia, medicine, or being part of a team in the operating room. 

The author allows his/her personality and voice to come through. Reading this, it is easy to imagine a quirky and intellectual applicant who is genuinely curious and excited to pursue the career of anesthesia, along with some interesting hobbies. It is no surprise, then, that this applicant interviewed at top programs across the nation and multiple residency admissions committee members cited the applicant’s personal statement during the interview.

As I stand on stage in front of 500 audience members, they are all eagerly awaiting my next line. In order to start the scene, I need a suggestion from the audience. “What am I holding?” I raise my empty hand in the air. One brave soul replies “Bacon!” My fellow improvisers and I proceed to perform a scene set around a bacon dinner party. We deliver our lines punctuated by laughter until the scene comes to a close. I recall this scene during my first night in the emergency department (ED). I am struck by how much improvisation has taught me. Emergency Medicine (EM) and improv have very similar motifs. Every scene in improvisation is different, as is every ED patient. Scenes are fast paced and force you to draw from life experiences while working in a team setting, similar to the controlled chaos often encountered during an ED shift. Ultimately, ingenuity, communication and resourcefulness are the main draws I have to EM which are traits that have been instilled into my character by my experience with improvisation.

During my third year of medical school, an elderly woman presented to the ED with acute vision loss. Reassessing the patient was difficult because I had no way of documenting the improvement of her vision. Improvisation had prepared me to use creativity and whatever tools available to find a solution for any given situation. I created a system where she could mark an ‘X’ wherever she could see on a grid drawn on paper. Each hour she would add more X’s to the grid as she received corticosteroid treatment. Helping patients with improvised solutions gives me the feeling of being an artist which can complement the logic and criteria needed in EM.

New and imaginative ideas in improvisation are born from constant communication between improvisers. Emergency physicians are constantly communicated information which changes their management of a patient. A growing discipline in EM is the idea of shared decision-making (SDM). My research aims to improve the communication between the emergency doctor and the patient using SDM which is when the patient relies on their life experiences, values, and preferences while the EM physician contributes his/her medical knowledge to improve decision-making. I have been involved in several projects to help identify barriers to SDM in the emergency department, and I am currently leading a research project on the implementation of SDM in oral anticoagulation therapy for patients with new onset atrial fibrillation. Through this novel concept, I learned how to effectively communicate with patients about their illnesses and the benefit of giving them an active role in choosing their care plan.

Entering medical school, I developed an original research project incorporating my life experiences. Five years ago, my grandmother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. In medical school, I learned of the benefits of various alternative treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. Combining my experience with Alzheimer’s and improvisation, I developed a study where elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment were enrolled in an eight-week improvisation class. My efforts to improve the participants’ verbal fluency, level of depression and cognition using a treatment that had not yet been explored gave me the ability to administer care with the tools given to me by past experiences. Approaching the undifferentiated ED patient similarly requires resourcefulness and problem-solving which can stem from past life experiences. I believe I will be able to pull from these experiences salient information applicable to the situation because improvisation has helped me nurture this characteristic.

In my future career, I see myself working with underserved populations and performing research. There I can lift those who are in need as well as continue to research improvements in patient engagement through SDM. I know if I am given the chance to practice medicine in an environment that fosters ingenuity, communication and resourcefulness I can continue to be strong advocate for my patients and become a great EM physician.

Building from a unique background, the author of this residency personal statement brings a unique element to the table – improvisation. Similar to the personal statement above, the author uses their passion and interests outside of medicine to illustrate how the skills they have developed in that area will translate to their being an effective physician. 

Notably, the author also describes his novel research project incorporating improvisation into research and the backstory of how this idea was derived from Alzheimer’s dementia effecting his own family members. This simple anecdote reinforces the applicant’s passion for improvisation, their interest in furthering the scientific literature through research, and the personal connection to a condition. 

The applicant comes across as interesting. However, to further improve the impact of the essay, the author may consider tightening up the conclusion with a reference back to improvisation or other parting words that are more unique.

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Neurology Personal Statement Sample 1

Neurology residency applicants can refer to this sample personal statement as a guide.

Neurology personal statement sample 1

Neurology personal statement sample 2

Neurology personal statement sample 3

Neurology personal statement sample 4

I learned that the worst tragedies can be the most inspiring when I met Mr. C., during a neurology elective. His story unfolded as a young, successful businessman who became comatose right after a thunder-clap headache, a typical presentation of subarachnoid haemorrhage. But why did he have the bleed and where was the bleeding coming from? It did not take us long to figure it out—- a dissecting vertebral artery. I was actively involved and entrusted with great amount of independence, latitude, and responsibility in his care. Being a complete stranger to the country and their culture, I was overwhelmed by the patient who was on the verge of death. Yet, my hardship was minuscule when compared to Mr. C’s strong will to live which was repeatedly demonstrated on many occasions where we could have lost him. I was inspired to study more about his condition hoping to contribute to his care and I learned to deal with the emotional stress and frustration his family had by establishing good rapport and being there when they were in need of help. The team’s hard work paid off. Nothing was more inspiring than to see Mr . C nodding his head for the first time when I called out his name. The fact that he was just awake thrilled everyone out in the ICU. The experience of improving the lives of the most critically ill patients is truly euphoric and gratifying. I found my niche in neurology. Ultimately, it has been the neurology patients on my clinical rotations that reinforced my decision to become a neurologist. Although understanding the profoundly frustrating and depressing nature of some diseases in neurology, it hasn’t precluded me to immensely enjoy in these fields. Why do some people with facial palsy still smile at a joke? Why do some people only walk if you paint a perpendicular line in front of them? Why will one stroke in him destroy his ability to read while the other with the same stroke doesn’t have the same effect on his reading? Understanding how the brain works are infinitely complex. The intellectual challenges involved in answering these questions intrigued me. I love to tackle problems that my colleagues dismiss as too puzzling to contemplate. I view the arrival at a neurological diagnosis akin to completing the missing part of a jigsaw puzzle, a process that requires an analytical mind and meticulous eye, both qualities I prize and for which I strive. Analytic problem-solving skills do not in themselves make a great neurologist. I also realize how crucial it is to educate patients and spend the time needed to communicate to patients and their families about their illnesses which in turn gives me the opportunity to develop into an effective teacher. I am also impressed with the ability and the impact that a neurologist can have on the quality of life of many patients. Most patients can live a normal life and preserve their dignity and self-worth, a field where symptomatic treatments have significant importance. My experiences in neurology have enhanced my regard for research and advancement. I committed myself to investigate the epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Newfoundland to elucidate trends linking to the high incidence in this province. This research opportunity has solidified my appreciation of the value of academic involvement and teamwork, and fortify my desire to contribute to the vibrant advancement of this specialty. I believe my personal character makes me an ideal match for neurology. Flourished when challenged, possessing great curiosity and dedication to patient care are some of my greatest attributes. I have a tremendous work ethic, which I have carried since childhood: diligent focused and driven for excellence in any task I undertake. I am both emotionally and professionally prepared for the high-stakes responsibility of being a neurology resident. I aspire to join a program that encourages the transformation of the industrious and ambitious medical student into a worthy neurologist who excels in his field of specialization, as well as an educator devoted to imparting his knowledge to a future generation of neurologists.

Neurology personal statement Sample 2

Choosing a specialty ultimately was an easy decision. I found every rotation to be rewarding both academically and personally, but I became most interested in and excited by patients that had neurological problems. I achieved a greater sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from delivering health care to these patients. Though medical school has given me concrete knowledge that will prepare me for this field, my life outside of school has prepared me in ways that can’t easily be measured. I remember the day after returning from school my family surrounded my unconscious uncle who was having seizures. I helplessly watched him in the chaos of my house with no one capable of helping him. The sad and worried faces of my grandparents are still fresh in my memory. As I grew older, I saw not only my uncle fighting with epilepsy but also many other people in my hometown suffering from debilitating neurological illnesses. The desire to make a difference in these peoples life has played a vital role to increase my inclination towards neurology. As a result I decided to pursue my career in neurology

During my final year of medical school I selected electives pertaining to neurology whenever possible. I applied myself diligently to gaining a foundation with which to localize neurological lesions and to formulate differential diagnoses. Learning as a student and then working as an intern in one of the largest hospitals in India entailed an incessant problem solving attitude, constant vigilance, and analytical skills. I valued the opportunity to talk to people, not only about their diseases but also about their lives. And it never ceases to amaze me that I learned as much from a patient’s history as I did from their lab tests and investigations. These experiences enriched my interpersonal and communication skills.

After my graduation, I worked as a resident physician at the Big clinic in Some Country for more than a year. Working here was very stimulating and enriched my skills, but I was still yearning for more knowledge. Shortly after I immigrated to U.S. in 2000, I started as a pharmacy technician followed by working with Dr.X in family practice. Firmly committed to a career in neurology, I started working as a medical assistant with neurologist Dr. Y. Working with Dr.Y I discovered many of the diagnostic and intellectual challenges of neurology; a skillful history and physical exam, a carefully formulated differential diagnosis, and the management of potentially debilitating disease. I received ample opportunity to review neuroanatomy, expand my knowledge base of underlying pathophysiologic processes of diseases, and learn new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities . Furthermore, after passing my board exams, I rotated for 12 weeks at the Comprehensive Health Services Clinic. Presently I am assisting Dr.B and Dr.J at University of Medicine, in a combined Psychiatry and Internal Medicine Clinical Research project, for prevention of depression during hepatitis C therapy .Working with these wonderful doctors taught me patience and diligence. I developed mental and physical stamina and learned to manage and execute multiple tasks. Here I realized that at the end of the day the most satisfying moment is to be able to cheer people up, and make a difference in patients life.

A career in neurology promises to be very rewarding. Because of new therapeutic modalities available to the modern clinician, the potentially incurable and debilitating disease that were once “diagnosed but not treated”, are now being treated. Furthermore, as our society’s elderly population grows larger with each passing year, the incidence of age related neurologic diseases, and the demand for well-trained neurologists, will increase accordingly. Thus, the neurologist is not only an integral component in today’s health care system, but will also be a key character in the health care systems of the future.

The primary focus of my career goals is active clinical practice and teaching. I desire training at a reputable academic facility with an accomplished faculty dedicated to education. In addition, I seek exposure to neurological research so that I may not only learn about existing knowledge but that I may contribute to the advancement of diagnostic ability and treatment of neurologic disease. Following residency, I plan to pursue clinical fellowship training and options for a career in academic medicine. What I bring to your residency program is a responsible, motivated, friendly, and enthusiastic person who is a great team player committed to excellence, intelligence, and personal initiative. Incorporating both the caring, personal, physician-patient relationship and the dynamic of continuous learning, Neurology is the profession I eagerly embrace. This is the best way I can harness my own talents and abilities for the benefit of others.

My grandfather passed away when I was 16 years old, and although he may never know this, he is my inspiration to enter the field of Neurology. There are two images of my grandfather that I remember most vividly. As a young child, I remember my grandfather as a strong and vibrant man; the person who bought me animal crackers (my favorite treat) every day, and who once saved me from drowning in our pool. In contrast, during the last years of his life, what I remember most was his weak and frail state, the constant tremble of his hands, his slow and shuffling walk, and the way he constantly confused me with my two older sisters. He was no longer the energetic man I remembered from my early childhood days. He had advanced Parkinson’s Disease. Although I yearned to comprehend the mechanisms behind his condition, it was not until many years later, during a college Neurology class, did I begin to grasp the connection between dopamine depletion and my grandfather’s symptoms.

Although I have been interested in the field of medicine since a young age, my fascination with the human brain and its ability to control every aspect of our being grew and intensified during my undergraduate years. While in college, I served as a teaching assistant for an upper division anatomy and neuroanatomy course. This experience served to reinforce my understanding of the central nervous system’s anatomy and compelled me to further study the intricate pathways involved in the coordination of movement and the experience of sensation. As a result of my growing interest in the control of movement, I began volunteering as a research assistant in the Department of Physiology. I devoted numerous hours, analyzing EMGs recorded from Rhesus monkeys that were sent into [outer space makes it sound like a science fiction movie]space, in order to understand the effects of microgravity on muscle activity. This experience enabled me to apply the academic knowledge I had gained from my coursework to a research project with tangible results published in the Journal of Neurophysiology.

During my first two years of medical school, my interest in neurology continued growing as I learned in greater detail, the pathological processes involved in various neurological diseases. I often thought of my grandfather as I gained a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved, as well as the treatments available for Parkinson’s[already implied].  My diligence in studying the subject matter of Neurology was rewarded when I was one of only 12 students in my medical class to receive an A in the course, and was invited to serve as a teaching assistant for the following year.  

By the middle of my first Neurology rotation, I was convinced more than ever that Neurology was the field for me. Each day brought a new and interesting case. A previously “mundane” complaint such as headache, took on a whole new meaning to me when I encountered a patient whose headaches were caused by an AV malformation. Conditions that I had only read about in medical books, such as Shy-Drager Syndrome and Charcot Marie Tooth’s Disease were now presented to me in the form of actual patients whose disease progression and quality of life were in the hands of their neurologists. I had always valued the strong intellectual component involved in the field of neurology, but I now had a greater appreciation for it. The  passion that I saw from my Neurology attendings for their field was infectious; I came home every evening craving more knowledge on the things I had seen and eager to read more on the subject matter.

Afflicted by Juvenile Dermatomyocitis at the age of eight and enduring one of the most challenging periods of my life, I am grateful for the competent and compassionate

medical professionals who helped me through my ordeal. I recall the confusion and fear that I felt when I first began to experience the symptoms of this condition; I could not understand why my body was failing me  as the fatigue and pain that I felt in my muscles left me unable to get out of bed on some days. I soon became accustomed to the doctor’s visits, physical therapy sessions, lab work, and EMGs that I had to endure on a regular basis. Fortunately, the physicians, nurses, and other staff that I encountered treated me with such kindness that I never dreaded my frequent visits to them. Their encouragement gave me the motivation that I needed to overcome the condition. The experience taught me the importance of having a strong physician-patient relationship, and I appreciate the fact that Neurology is one of the few specialties that affords me the opportunity to foster this type of relationship.

I am also stimulated by the variety of challenges that neurology offers; from diagnostic to procedural challenges, the diversity of experiences is particularly appealing. I look forward to a residency program that can offer me strong clinical and academic experiences, with faculty and staff who are dedicated to education. I envision myself at an institution that will allow me ample opportunities to learn from a wide variety of neurological conditions, as well as expose me to a diverse patient population. Upon completion of my residency program, I anticipate improving my skills and knowledge through a clinical fellowship in either the field of movement disorders or EMG/neurophysiology.

Of all the medical subspecialties that I have been exposed to, none have stimulated my academic and medical acumen, challenged my diagnostic abilities, or demonstrated such a significant physician-patient relationship as the field of Neurology. Therefore, I believe none are as well suited for me as this field. Additionally, I realize that as a physician, one must be continually open to learning and growth. As such, I look forward to a residency program that will enable me to continue to develop both my medical skills and my personal character. In return, I will dedicate my time, energy, and all the medical expertise that I possess to treating my patients, learning from others in the medical profession, and teaching those who desire to learn from me.

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Neurology Personal Statement Writing

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Why Do You Need a Personal Statement for a Neurology Residency Program?

When submitting your neurology personal statement, you should never underestimate its relevance to the decision-making body and its potential impact on your acceptance into a residency training program. The value of this simple document is often overlooked until you consider its purpose. A residency personal statement is perhaps the only part of your application package for your chosen residency that will describe your individual personality and future goal of being a part of a residency team. It has to convince the decision-making body that you are the one they should select. After all, consider that every other part of your application package will be similar to all other candidates. Without a personal statement, it would be difficult to distinguish between candidates, unless the grades are above average or phenomenal.

If you are a recent graduate looking to apply for one of the many neurology residency programs, either:

• Adult Neurology Residency
• Pediatric Neurology Residency
• Neurosurgery Residency
• Or any other unique program offered by an educational institution

Your first step will be applying through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). For this purpose, you should prepare a wide variety of documents relevant to your medical career accomplishments, including your Curriculum Vitae, a personal statement for neurology residency and a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation!

This application requirement is also an important aspect of an individual’s future career development because it teaches how to market and express one’s personal qualities in a positive light. However, writing a personal statement is perhaps one of the hardest things you may ever need to do. We are here to help you write the perfect personal statement! No hassle, no stress, no trial and error! No long hours spent rewriting drafts! We are here to help you save your time! Neurology residency personal statements have to catch the attention of the reader and keep them hooked to the very end – the final conclusion which states why you are the ideal candidate for their residency program! We can help you achieve this and deliver a winning neurology personal statement!

Our Neurology Personal Statement Services

Our skilled writers, have an in-depth knowledge of medical residency program requirements depending on the institution you wish to apply to! We know almost all the residency programs inside out because we have written hundreds of statements for medical school graduates! We provide you with an enormous advantage when our professional writers create a personal statement based on the questions they know decision-making committees expect to see the answer to. We can help you match your neurology personal statement with the expectations of your chosen medical residency program. We want to provide you with a head-start and an advantage over your competitors.

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What Support Can You Receive for Your Neurology Personal Statement?

Writing a neurology residency personal statement effectively is far from easy. Many applicants will work on theirs for many weeks and will still not be satisfied with the statement that they finally submit. We take away all of that trouble and stress and offer you all of the following services:

• Personal statement for neurology residency writing: our specialists work directly with you so that they will be able to gather the specific information required for your statement. All of the writing is done with you from scratch so that you can be assured there is no copying. Once the draft is complete you will be able to make your careful review and request as many changes as you like. We want you to submit just the personal statement you are satisfied with.
• Editing of your personal statement: we offer a full editing service that will look at all aspects of how your statement has been written. Our editors look at everything from the flow of your writing and the transitions through to your specific word choices. They will highlight the things that they consider need improving and will provide you with their recommendations.
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Pediatrics Residency Personal Statement Examples

Reviewing pediatrics personal statement examples is a great way to inspire your own in 2024! Your residency personal statement is your chance to stand out to the admission’s teams and emphasize your suitability for the profession, along with any relevant skills and qualities, that you feel will make you an excellent pediatrics resident.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 12 min read

You’re an accomplished MD student with a passion for helping children, so it’s only natural for you to want to pursue a pediatrics residency! In order to be considered for admission, your pediatrics personal statement must not only detail your passion and qualifications as they relate to the field, but give the admission’s committee a good grasp of who you are as a person, why you want to work with children specifically, and why they should consider you to be a resident doctor in the field!

Pediatrics is one of the least competitive residencies currently. While it is still in-demand and a popular choice, pediatrics is a broad field. In pediatrics, you may not only be a primary care physician for a very specific group of people (infants and children under 18), but you may also provide care for pediatric patients suffering from terminal illnesses, acute and chronic conditions, injuries, musculoskeletal issues, neurological issues, and more. There are, of course, areas of specialization for each of these, but many pediatric doctors have the ability and passion to understand and study a broad range of pediatric health problems. Both graduates of MD and DO programs pursue pediatrics. Whether you’re Canadian and applying through CaRMS , or American/International and using ERAS , your pediatrics personal statement is a very important component of your application! 

Read on to view examples of pediatrics personal statements and learn more about how to write a strong and detailed personal statement that concisely highlights your relevant accomplishments personal experience, academic career, professional goals, and professional experience that, when all considered in combination, make you stand out as a candidate for residency.

Before you write and your personal statement for any field of residency, you should first allow yourself ample time to craft a few drafts to ensure you can accurately detail all relevant information in, approximately, 750 words!

This information should include:

Optional: a brief explanation of any gaps or unfavorable grades. "}]">

In just a few paragraphs, your personal statement should thoroughly describe why you’d be a great fit for residency in pediatrics, and provide examples of experiences and accomplishments that back up your statement.

 When crafting your personal statement, it’s advised that you revise it several times, and even read it aloud, to be sure that you don’t get sidetracked or include any irrelevant details, as this can be easy to do when you’ve only got a few paragraphs to tell a very specific story! It’s also imperative that you refrain from reiterating a list of accomplishments that are noted on your residency CV , ERAS experiences section , or additional portions of your application and transcript, as this is not what a personal statement is meant to do. If you choose to utilize a few sentences your personal statement as an opportunity to address poor grades or gaps in your medical school CV , ensure that you do so in a mature and optimistic manner, and provide information about the outcome. Most importantly, keep it brief, and stick to the facts! Overall, your personal statement should only include details that convince the admissions team that you’re a perfect candidate for pediatrics residency.

Example One

“You’re more insightful than most adults!” is what my sixth-grade teacher told me after she overhead me consoling my classmate after she experienced a traumatic event and received little support from her surrounding community. I was always interested in the social and emotional needs of my peers, and many adults in my life dubbed me, "the little therapist" and assumed I'd pursue mental healthcare as a career. But, little did they know that as I grew to be a teen, I became more invested in learning how their problems were addressed and met, and where they stemmed from. While I was in high school, I was president of my local chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) that focused on bettering access to peer-to-peer de-escalation training, and a common theme I noticed among my peers was many had experienced medical trauma, neglect, and inadequate access to health care. I also volunteered with a local crisis hotline through my church, where I would listen to people who were struggling with depression or substance abuse. Many of whom had medical and emotional concerns brushed off as children, and many of whom had never seen a pediatric physician.

When I went to college, I decided to pursue a psychology with the initial intent of becoming a psychotherapist. However, my experiences learning psychology, along with understanding that many traumas stemmed from early experiences, helped me realize that I wanted to help young people take a proactive approach to coping with health issues, traumas and mental illness. And, I firmly believe that a positive interaction with a medical professional at a young age can truly make an impact and lasting impression on a child. As I continued in my undergraduate degree, I completed courses in biology, physics and chemistry in good-standing, and began to develop a passion for medicine.

My experience in my MD program was unforgettable. Going into it, I knew I was focused on helping children develop into healthy adults by providing them with the resources they need while they are still young enough for us to help guide them toward positive change. In my clerkships, I learned how to be a leader and how to work with others in a team setting, and collaborate respectfully with others, even in intense and challenging environments such as the pediatric oncology unit and the emergency department. I learned how to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, with patients of all ages and backgrounds. In my clerkships, I spent time not only in pediatrics, but in geriatrics as well, which offered me a completely 'opposite' perspective and experience working with an entirely unique group. Geriatrics taught me a lot of about the human condition, aging, and how, even at 90 years old, the inner child still exists, and the experiences of children are not frequently forgotten-- quite the opposite actually-- many elderly patients cling to their childhood memories, and require the same compassion and empathy from their healthcare providers as children do. This experience taught me to be patient, considerate, and genuine with my patients of all ages. I also spent time in emergency medicine and got to interact with children of all ages in the emergency department, as well as adults. However, throughout each experience, being with children was always what I found to be most rewarding.

When my family fell on hard times and moved to North Carolina, my siblings and I grappled with the fear and anxiety of joining a new community. But, we soon realized our new neighborhood was a place where everyone knew everyone, and children ran around outside without supervision. Older kids, like myself, often cared for younger ones. At the time I didn't quite grasp why, and it wasn't until I was older that I realized many parents were young, working several jobs, and falling through the cracks of society in terms of mental and physical health. The idea of having to supervise children all day long seemed so strange to me at first, but, I grew to realize the importance of my help, and the help of other leaders in our community. I began to see the benefits of having such a small community: it was easy to get involved in activities, and there were always people around who wanted to help out with projects and events. The community also provided a support system for families who needed it most, and as a self-declared leader in such a system, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a helper in life. In my town, there were several families who struggled financially, with their health, and/or emotionally, and they were always grateful for any kind of assistance they could get from their neighbors. They were good people, but being from a medical underserved, disadvantaged community had left them, and their children, without the resources they required to better their health, and improve their futures.

My grandmother was not only my superhero, but, a superhero to many sick children. She had a profound impact on my life in many ways, and I like to think she did for others, too! My grandmother was an RN and worked in the pediatric intensive care unit at the hospital where she lived. When she wasn't working, she would spend much of her time volunteering at the hospital's children's cancer ward. She would take me with her when she went to visit the children there and would often bring me along to deliver meals or other small gifts to them. Her time spent with these children—helping them get better and supporting their families—was always an inspiration to me, even though at the time, I was very involved in the arts and wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life...I myself was still a child. But, I always knew that I’d follow in my grandmother’s footsteps, and, here I am today doing just that in the final year of my MD program, pursuing pediatric residency!

I think this early exposure is what made me gravitate toward pediatrics as a specialty choice; having seen first-hand how important it is to help young people live healthier lives, I knew that this was where I belonged. During my undergraduate degree, I studied both English and Psychology, but took the required prerequisites for medical school and much to my surprise, excelled in science and math. I also shadowed and volunteered at a local hospital in order to gain experience in the medical field. During this time, one of my favorite experiences was shadowing a pediatrician who specialized in caring for children with learning and developmental disabilities. I was amazed by her ability to connect with each child and provide them with the support they needed—even though she didn't always know how to help them herself.

Your pediatrics personal statement is an integral part of your residency application because it is your opportunity to share what makes you a qualified applicant worth consideration! In other words, your personal statement is your chance to highlight what makes you different and special, and what experiences you’ve had that will make you a great candidate for pediatric residency. Your personal statement is mandatory, and if poorly written, you run the risk of having your residency application tossed aside.

Along with having a great personal statement, having a strong CaRMS reference letter, or ERAS letter of recommendation, can increase your likeliness of standing out and can serve as a way to thoroughly detail your experience and skillset that makes you an exceptional candidate. 

However, it’s advised that you secure references and recommendations early to avoid rushing any parts of the process. You should also give yourself ample time to prepare a great personal statement in order to allow the opportunity for necessary revisions and rewrites; quality letters and statements seldom happen overnight!

While pediatrics is decently popular, it isn’t an overly competitive field at this time. MD and DO applicants often apply to pediatric residency!

Your personal statement should include the following:

• A firm statement highlighting why you’re a good fit for residency in pediatrics
• Any brief description of personal ties you have to the field 
• Your professional goals and values as they relate to pediatrics
• Any relevant details about your academic and/or professional achievements as they relate to the field
• Highlight an experience or two (in your MD program, volunteering, clerkship, etc.) that inspired you to pursue pediatrics

It can vary but, in most cases, your personal statement should be 750- 800 words in length!

Follow the structure of an academic essay. As with any academic applications or professional documents, always refrain from using any bold or creative layouts or fonts. Keep it neat, legible, simple, and professional!

If you are only applying to pediatrics, then you will require one personal statement. 

However, most students apply to several programs within their speciality, and many may opt to apply to several specialities as well! Because of this, it’s advised that you prepare a personal statement for each specialty you are applying for.

Aside from following general advice about length, formatting, and details to include and not to include (such as irrelevant details or negative narratives), you should write from the heart! Ensure you are writing a genuine personal statement that is authentically ‘you’ and conveys the appropriate amount of passion in just a few short paragraphs. Share why you are excited to work in pediatrics and give examples of various experiences (or accomplishments) that motivated you to pursue this specific field. If you have personal and/or professional experience in pediatrics, or, a related field, briefly share the details and state why they are important to you.

If you’ve had other experiences, such as shadowing, or clinical rotations, in a field other than pediatrics, you can certainly mention it in your personal statement so long as it’s relevant and ties into your narrative. For example, you may have learned great teamwork and collaboration skills, or developed a passion for working with children, while shadowing a neurologist! If your experience in other fields does not directly relate to your desire to pursue pediatrics, do not include it. Remember, your personal statement is a narrative that describes your suitability for a field, not a list of experiences!

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