As you write your personal statement, strive to use your unique voice, telling your story. Below are sample paragraphs from statements written by other Wellesley students and alums (shared with their permission) that show how your peers have accomplished success sharing their narrative.
Sample 1
My journey to becoming a physician holds special meaning for me. I grew up hearing stories about delivering babies and advising women during their most private moments through the lens of an obstetrician-gynecologist, my mother. Her stories emphasized learning about the patient beyond their diagnosis and providing the information necessary to make optimal decisions. Having a family member in medicine has shown me the challenging aspects of a doctor’s life, as well as the heart of what physicians do. I am ready for the days I run from one patient’s room to the next. My strengths in listening and personalizing care will show my patients they are being heard, even when I have a limited amount of time to offer. My dedication and compassion will build strong relationships that will reassure patients even when we have to navigate difficult news. I am motivated to take on the challenges of this journey because I know this career will never cease to be fulfilling. I am excited to use my passion for learning a patient’s story to honor their experiences as I collaborate with other colleagues on the care team. I am excited for a career that will blend the opportunity to cultivate relationships, to counsel others, and to never stop learning the science behind how disease occurs and what can be done about it. I am excited to become the best physician I can be by listening intently, adapting to situations, acting with compassion, and learning from my patients.
Sample 2
“Te prometo, señora, estamos haciendo todo lo posible para ayudarte.” "I promise, ma'am, we are doing everything possible to help you." I had been a MedServe Fellow for just over a month, serving an uninsured, predominantly Spanish speaking population as a medical assistant and community health worker. At the moment, I was attempting to console my patient, Ana, as she cried. As an interpreter for Ana’s last four appointments, I had watched her diagnosis evolve from scabies to acute dermatitis to a gallbladder removal. Now, her itchiness, fatigue, and weakness persisted, and we were explaining that her lab results showed inexplicably high liver enzymes.
As I translated Ana’s concerns and questions, I felt for the first time the full weight of being charged with another person’s health. It dawned on me that not even healthcare providers always have the right answers. The trust Ana placed in us was daunting, but motivated me to continue investigating and seeking solutions for her. I wanted to be the person who bore that responsibility, who would always push further for her, especially when things seemed to be at their worst. Recognizing that responsibility, and realizing that it increased my determination to support my patient, solidified my desire to become a physician.