writing a residency personal statement

20+ Residency Personal Statement Examples

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want our team to help you with your Residency Application,  click here .

Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell your story and journey to residency program directors! It’s your moment to shine and make program directors eager to meet you by presenting a compelling narrative that distinguishes you from the crowd.

In this blog, we provide you with a collection of outstanding personal statement examples from diverse specialties that you can use as references when writing your own personal statement for your residency application! 

We also have detailed guides on how to write your personal statement , how to complete your ERAS application , and 200+ residency interview questions.

And now, let’s get started with the residency personal statement examples:

Residency Personal Statement Example #1:

Internal medicine | the basketball player.

A coach’s instructions, two team chants, followed by the blare of a whistle, opened and closed basketball practice every day. With repetition, my teammates and I strove for perfection to build a skill set that could be recalled when it mattered most. To love the sport of basketball is to love the grind. During my internal medicine rotation, I witnessed similar devotion by attending physicians and residents. Determination to master the foundation of medicine while engaging in a cohesive multidisciplinary team is what resonated deeply with me, and greatly influenced my choice to become an internist.

My passionate desire to become a physician first stemmed from when my grandfather was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and, later on, heart failure. Initially perplexed by the complexity of his diagnosis, I spent hours researching congestive heart failure, determined to find ways to increase his time with us. Being my grandfather’s primary caretaker towards the end of his life instilled the notion of service and fueled my passion for helping others through this career path in medicine.

During my third-year internal medicine rotation, one of my first patients was a 65-year-old female who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began crying as my attending delivered her prognosis. I talked to her every day, trying to make her feel better. While nothing could completely change her affect, she seemed to appreciate my company. As I reflected on her case, I realized how much I enjoyed getting to know my patients and connecting with them personally, in addition to understanding the complex pathology that plagued them. Several similar experiences on my internal medicine rotation drew me to this specialty which offers a holistic approach and appeals to my innate desire to understand how things work. Internal medicine requires one to understand the interactions between the different systems to diagnose and treat a patient effectively. Additionally, I enjoy the acutely evolving nature of this field and the endless fellowship opportunities available upon completion of my residency training.

My passion for internal medicine led me to start the Internal Medicine Interest Group at our school. Listening to the experiences of different internists further solidified my resolve. Seeing the inspiration within the eyes of the younger medical students as our guests talked about this specialty made me realize the value of role models and generational teaching. This was a source of inspiration for me to pursue a career that not only allows me to take excellent care of my patients, but also teach the next generation of doctors on how to do the same. Being the president of this interest group and the point guard for Duke University’s basketball team, I gained invaluable insight as to how my past experiences shaped my ability to do better in the future, so that my team could achieve lofty goals. This awareness will prove to be paramount in the hospital when serving as an internal medicine physician.

As I enter my fourth year of medical school, I realize how similar medicine and basketball are. The teamwork, which unifies everyone towards a similar goal, the perseverance and long hours required to master the profession, and, arguably the most important, the confidence and trust you build between the team and the people relying on its performance, are critical to medicine and sport alike. Just as I was a trusted member of my basketball team who always put the team’s interest above mine to ensure our success, I am determined to serve as an integral part of the medical team and will do my best towards becoming an excellent clinician while training at your residency program.

Residency Personal Statement Example #2:

General surgery | the role model (with commentary).

“Medicine is not a job, it is a way of life.” As the son of a cardiothoracic surgeon, my father’s mantra constantly echoed in my mind. I was raised in an environment where sacrifice and duty were familiar concepts from a young age. While my father did his best to balance work and family life, there were countless occasions when he had to prioritize his patients and commitments over personal events. Seeing his dedication and the impact he had on the lives of his patients, residents, and staff left an indelible impression on me.

After four challenging years studying biomedical engineering in undergrad, I was fortunate to be accepted to the University of Miami’s School of Medicine. While I was genuinely fascinated with almost every discipline of medicine, I had a particular interest in surgery. To give myself time to mature and explore this path further, I elected to take a research year after my second year of medical school and was able to secure a position in the laboratory of Dr. Seth Reigns, director of the Miami Transplant Institute. In the lab, I was tasked with characterizing Regulatory CAR-T cell populations in nonhuman primates. Excitingly, we found that two infusions of Regulatory CAR-T cells are able to prolong renal allograft survival in the absence of traditional immunosuppression. From a clinical perspective, witnessing the transformative impact of liver transplantation on critically ill patients was awe-inspiring. The chance to participate in donor procurements and witness the miraculous recoveries of patients postoperatively further solidified my resolve. Dr. Reigns, a true life-giver, provided me with a profound appreciation for the field of transplant surgery.

During my research year, I had the opportunity to hone my research skills and make significant contributions. However, it was my immersive experience as a third-year clerk on the trauma service that solidified my desire to pursue a career in surgery. Witnessing the remarkable expertise of the chief residents and attending surgeons in swiftly assessing and diagnosing patients amidst the chaos of the trauma bay, where vital information was often scarce, left me mesmerized. The urgency with which they inserted chest tubes and promptly performed emergent exploratory laparotomies was nothing short of exhilarating and profoundly inspiring. Equally fulfilling was the privilege of accompanying these patients throughout their hospitalization, observing their remarkable recovery from being intubated in the intensive care unit to the triumphant moment of their eventual discharge. This comprehensive experience further affirmed my passion for surgical intervention and reinforced my unwavering commitment to becoming a surgeon.

In addition to my research endeavors, I also became involved with Operation SECURE, a nonprofit crisis center in Miami that offers crisis counseling services free of charge. This experience has been humbling and rewarding, particularly as I counsel individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use disorders. Drawing from my background in transplant surgery, I am able to provide a unique perspective on the long-term consequences of addiction. While surgical intervention can address these issues this experience demonstrated the importance of preventative medicine as well.

Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a residency in general surgery, with the ultimate aim of specializing in abdominal transplant surgery through a fellowship program. I am well aware that the challenges I will face in my training are formidable, but I am constantly reminded of my father’s voice, urging me to approach this as more than just a job—a true lifestyle that demands my unwavering commitment. As I embark on this journey, I am eager to give everything I have to the field of surgery. It is my steadfast dedication to making a profound difference in the lives of patients, the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, and the opportunity to live my dream that fuels my passion for general surgery and the transformative field of transplantation.

Commentary on Residency Personal Statement Example #2

The first paragraph is what will set the tone for the entire personal statement. Ideally, you can open up with an engaging first sentence that will “grab” the reader. In this case, the applicant is providing a quote from her father describing the sacrifices that one must make as a physician. The applicant then sets up her father as a role model and the role this played in her decision to pursue medicine.

Note that often applicants feel the need to be “too creative” in the opening paragraph. A quote from a mentor or influential person or patient is ok, but you don’t have to always include quotes or extremely unusual stories. Further, recognize that some applicants will have more unique or interesting personal experiences than others. Not every applicant is a cancer survivor or has donated an organ to a family member or is the product of a war-torn country. The overall goal of the personal statement is to provide a concise, polished essay demonstrating your motivations for residency. Along the way, you tell your story while highlighting key aspects of your personality and CV.

These next two paragraphs are perhaps the most important. Here the applicant dives into what made her want to become a general surgeon. She talks about her research experiences in a surgical lab and her clinical experiences with her mentor Dr. Reigns. Note that while she is not simply rehashing her CV, she does mention her academic accomplishments and drives key points home. Note that while the applicant elected to open the first paragraph with a quote from her father, she could have also chosen to open with an internal thought or reflection from these clinical experiences with Dr. Reigns (i.e., “I’ll never forget the moment we completed the venous anastomosis and ended ischemia time. Blood began perfusing the pale liver as it pinked up.”)

This paragraph draws on another crucial experience that the applicant had outside of the lab/OR. Remember, you are presenting yourself as a whole person so it is important to mention any other influential experiences (volunteering, service, etc.) that you are particularly proud of. Also, note that while the applicant is serving as a crisis volunteer, she circles back and relates it to her prior experiences above.

The final paragraph is also very critical. Here you should mention your long-term goals. It is ok to be vague and specific at the same time. Finally, you should try to tie things up and if possible, connect them to any comments made in the first paragraph. Here the applicant paraphrases her father’s quote that opens the personal statement. Finally, the applicant affirms their choice for applying to general surgery and provides an optimistic look on their future training.

As a final note remember that the personal statement is just one piece of an entire application. While it is important most applicants do not get an interview based on a personal statement, however, rest assured some applicants do not get an interview based on a poor personal statement. The vast majority of personal statements (~85%) are simply acceptable documents that tell your personal journey while mentioning key aspects of your application. They are well-written, logical, and polished with no grammatical errors. A small portion (less than 5%) are truly incredible literary documents that are beautifully written and tell an incredible story. Still, these personal statements will likely do little in the way of getting you an interview. Finally, the remaining 10% of personal statements are the ones that can have your application dismissed. These personal statements are unpolished, contain grammatical errors, or are trying too hard to fall in the top 5% and come across poorly.

If you are looking for a comprehensive ALL-IN-ONE Application Resource for MATCH® 2025, including ERAS application template, personal statement examples, MSPE samples, LOR examples, and much more, click here .

Residency Personal Statement Example #3:

Internal medicine | the healer.

Growing up in a rural Kenyan village, where my father, a traditional healer, used herbs to alleviate suffering, and my mother, a teacher, instilled in me the value of knowledge, I developed a respect for the healing arts and a commitment to education. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for my medical journey, intertwining traditional practices with a scientific approach. My decision to pursue a career in medicine was cemented when an American medical mission dramatically improved healthcare outcomes in my community, including saving my neighbor’s life from severe malaria. This experience unveiled the stark disparities in healthcare between developed and developing nations and inspired my dream to bridge this gap.

After completing my medical degree at the University of Nairobi, I was accepted into their Masters of Medicine in Internal Medicine (equivalent to residency). During my training, I was exposed to a broad spectrum of diseases rarely seen in more developed nations and recognized the need for advanced training to bring substantial change to healthcare practices in my home country. It was this realization that prompted my journey to the United States, seeking a residency in internal medicine, motivated by the opportunity to learn from and contribute to one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.

Passing the USMLE exams was my first challenge, which I approached with diligence and the support of mentors who were instrumental in my academic and personal growth. My scores reflected not only my understanding of medical sciences but also my commitment to achieving my goals.

In the U.S., I secured opportunities to shadow internal medicine physicians in various settings, from city hospitals to rural clinics. These experiences enriched my understanding of the nuances of patient care across different contexts. They underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the need for a personal touch in patient interactions—qualities that were greatly appreciated by my peers and supervisors. While I have always been drawn to internal medicine, my experience in the US only served to strengthen this affinity. Given the greater accessibility to healthcare here, I felt that internists could truly change patients’ lives by providing routine health screening and maintenance. The ability to develop lifelong relationships with patients and their families is also an incredible privilege almost uniquely afforded to physicians.

My career aspirations do not stop at becoming a skilled clinician. I am driven by a vision to integrate effective, sustainable medical practices from the U.S. into the Kenyan healthcare landscape. While I remain open to pursuing a fellowship, my goal at present is to become a hospitalist, leveraging my training to tackle prevalent health issues in both the U.S. and Kenya. Though I plan to establish my full-time practice in the US, I look forward to establishing programs in my home country. Through collaborative research and leadership, I aim to develop healthcare models that are both innovative and adaptable to the constraints of resource-limited settings in both countries.

The resilience I have developed through my journey—from a small village to the world stage of U.S. medicine—is a testament to my dedication. I have navigated cultural transitions, educational challenges, and professional milestones with a clear vision and a steadfast heart. With each patient I meet and each case I handle, I am reminded of why I embarked on this path: to be a bridge between worlds, offering my skills where they are most needed and fostering healthcare advancements that are accessible and effective for all. 

If you want a detailed guide on how to write a personal statement and things to include in this important document, check out our other blog here .

Residency Personal Statement Example #4:

Pediatrics | the indian img.

My journey into pediatrics was inspired not by chance, but by the profound impact of witnessing a loved one’s struggle with illness during my childhood in Pune, India. My cousin Priya’s battle with severe asthma exposed me to the challenges and triumphs of pediatric care. The dedication of her doctors, who turned her tears into smiles, sparked my resolve to pursue a career where I could deliver similar hope and health to children.

During my medical training at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, I thrived academically and was actively involved in extracurricular activities that reinforced my passion for pediatrics. As president of the Pediatric Interest Club, I led initiatives such as organizing health camps for underprivileged children and spearheading an asthma awareness campaign in local schools. These experiences not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of pediatric health challenges. My efforts were recognized when I received the ‘Best Student in Pediatrics’ award during my final year. Encouraged by my mentor, Dr. Meena Singh, to seek out the most advanced training, I was drawn to the United States for its exemplary integration of evidence-based medicine, cutting-edge research technologies, and innovative clinical practices.

In pursuit of this advanced expertise, I moved to New York two years ago. My clinical observership at New York-Presbyterian Hospital exposed me to diverse pediatric cases and modern treatment modalities, enriching my clinical acumen. Concurrently, I participated in a Columbia University research project investigating the environmental impacts on pediatric asthma, which aligned closely with my interests and previous advocacy work.

One particularly formative experience during my observership involved a young boy with non-verbal autism who presented with acute appendicitis. Navigating his care required not only medical expertise but also profound sensitivity to his unique communication needs. Successfully managing his treatment while ensuring his comfort reaffirmed my commitment to pediatrics, highlighting the importance of tailored and compassionate care.

As I seek to join a pediatric residency program, my goal is to become a skilled pediatrician equipped to handle the complexities of child health. I am especially drawn to pediatric pulmonology, but I remain open to exploring all pediatric subspecialties to build a comprehensive skill set. Beyond residency, I envision working in a rural area in the U.S. where I can make a significant impact on underserved communities. I am also committed to establishing collaborative health initiatives that bridge the gap between advanced care in the U.S. and the needs of pediatric patients in India.

My path from Pune to New York has been a journey of growth, guided by a mission to improve children’s health globally. I am eager to bring my background, clinical insights, and dedication to your program, contributing to and benefiting from a community that champions innovative and empathetic pediatric care. 

Residency Personal Statement Example #5:

Family medicine | the caregiver.

Working alongside the primary care physicians in my medical school in India, I was impressed by my preceptors’ abilities to remember every tiny detail from recommending required vaccinations to establishing complex goals of care. During the final days of my rotation, I was fortunate to see these efforts pay off as patients from the weeks before showed up healthy and happy, ready for the next step in managing their health. That is when I began to share the same instinctual gratification as my preceptor when they coordinated multiple levels of care, informed specialists of updated patients’ status and maintained a healthy physician-patient relationship. Heading into the final year of medical school, I knew that I wanted to become a family doctor.

To gain more experience in the field while engaging with a different patient population, I pursued an elective at Boston University. Under the guidance of Dr. John Smith, I started to further improve my skills in shared decision-making. This involved making the active choice of incorporating more practical approaches to engage patients with their healthcare including tailoring diet recommendations to patient-accessible foods and prioritizing a few issues at once. While I had ingrained some of these techniques already from watching my medical school preceptors, I believe this opportunity at Boston University allowed me to think more proactively to cater to a more diverse patient population. Anecdotally, I believe this has also resulted in higher rates of therapy compliance and follow-up visit attendance.

Soon after returning from my electives, I began to work towards bringing this form of personalized medicine to rural areas in my home country of India. Alongside some of my fellow students, we began a volunteer initiative that involved a more old-school approach of physically making ‘rounds’ of underserved neighborhoods. We developed and adopted standardized screening questionnaires that helped us identify household members who required medical assessment. We would present our findings to a team of physicians who would then help us provide education, interventions, and medications appropriate to each person’s needs and socioeconomic ability. This opened my eyes to the potential of primary care outside of the hospital: health is a continuous element that needs to be addressed daily!

The tailored approach to medicine has also guided my goals in medical research. In my pursuit of academia, I began speaking with some experts in South Asia responsible for the development of practice guidelines after graduation. I realized that one of the biggest disparities in assessing patients is simply not knowing the population-specific normal values of routine labs and examinations. To address this concern, I joined a lab run by Dr. Amir Khan as a post-doctoral research fellow at Mass General Brigham to develop a new set of normal distribution curves for a battery of tests using samples from phenotypically health South Asian individuals living across Greater Boston. Realizing that there is still a wide world of unaddressed issues in primary care has provided additional motivation in my pursuit of a career in family medicine academia. Combined with extensive clinical training that I would acquire from a residency in the United States, I aspire to be a leader in the primary care space, working towards personalized medicine for all.

Overall, I believe that as an academic family medicine physician, one has to make sure the efforts of patients, physicians, and healthcare policymakers are working concertedly towards better healthcare outcomes. My experiences as part of teams providing healthcare to a diverse set of patients, both ethnically and socioeconomically, provide me with a unique perspective that I hope to bring to my future residency program and the world of research and healthcare policy.

Looking for a full ERAS Application Template including samples of Experiences, Education, Geographic Preferences, Publications, and Personal/Biographic Information? Get your FREE ERAS Template here ! 

Residency Personal Statement Example #6:

Emergency medicine | the grocery manager.

Project Open Hand was no ordinary grocery center. It was a bustling, high-energy urban community center for a revolving door of over 200 community members with financial and housing difficulties. As the wellness program director, I managed the center, alongside a team of receptionists, nutritionists, and volunteers who looked to me for guidance. On any given day, I managed conflicts with clients receiving their weekly groceries, communicated with outside organizations to connect clients to resources, and improved organizational processes. Tossed into new situations that would challenge me, I was prepared for any adventure. I saw not only what our team could accomplish, but how I was drawn to vocalize and lead in times of stress and chaos.

Fast-forward to medical school, I did not anticipate that my experiences at Project Open Hand would foreshadow the specialty I would be most drawn to. Throughout medical school, I could see a part of myself in every specialty. I enjoyed connecting with patients in Family Medicine, thinking through complex problems in Internal Medicine, and using my hands for precise procedures in Surgery, but it was in Emergency Medicine where I finally felt right at home. Much like the environment at Project Open Hand, I enjoyed the fast-paced dynamic nature that demanded critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork. The combination of uncovering clues to help undifferentiated patients and engagement in diverse procedures challenged and excited me. I could never be complacent, as health conditions were constantly changing.

I now want to be a leader in Emergency Medicine and plan to do so in three areas: upholding clinical excellence, contributing to the profession through education, and giving back to underserved communities. First, related to clinical excellence, my research endeavors have taught me the importance of research in guiding clinical practice. For example, through my research on abdominal aortic aneurysms, I learned that gender, along with other factors, can influence the presentation and progression of diseases. Then, while on rotation at Marshall Hospital, I had a patient present with atypical abdominal pain. Utilizing existing clinical knowledge, my team and I diagnosed her with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Just as in this situation, I aim to apply what has been studied in research to improving diagnosis and treatment plans for patients, especially in the emergency medicine setting where patients are at their most vulnerable.

Second, I want to contribute to the profession through education. While much of emergency medicine treats at the end of a continuously flowing river, I will spend time upstream by training the next generation of emergency medicine physicians. While at American School of Medicine, I was surrounded by women and people of color who taught me to question norms, trust my clinical intuition, and treat patients, not numbers. I value the education I experienced, and I intend to pass this on to young eager residents to train intellectually and culturally competent physicians. I will use technological advances in ultrasound and simulation to guide and improve education. Lastly, I plan to give back to underserved communities by continuing to volunteer to provide education and address community needs. My decision to attend American School of Medicine was fueled by a clear intent to integrate health equity into my clinical practice. With involvement in the community, I am reminded of my motivations.

I seek a residency program with the many qualities of Project Open Hand and my numerous research, service, and clinical experiences. These include being challenged, working in teams committed to a common goal, and committing to excellence and service. In hindsight, Project Open Hand was an opening into the experiences of emergency medicine. I welcome the opportunity to be a leader for such a team again.

If you are applying to the Match and need a detailed guide on how to ace your ERAS application, check out our free ERAS Application Guide here .

Do you want our experienced team to edit your Personal Statement?

Residency Personal Statement Example #7:

Pathology | the img pathologist.

Growing up in the early 1990s, I fondly recall accompanying my mother to what would become one of Lebanon’s largest laboratories. With the multiple wars finally behind us, my uncle, a pathologist in New York City, returned to Lebanon to build his pathology lab with my mother’s help. As a child, I watched in awe as they transformed a few rooms into a state-of-the-art facility. During visits to the newly opened lab, my uncle, a board-certified cytopathologist, introduced me to the wonders of cytopathology through a microscope. His confidence and skill in diagnosing cases captivated me, sparking my passion for pathology and shaping my aspiration to excel in this field.

I worked hard during my first two years of medical school, excelling in my classes and even making it on the dean’s honor list in my second year. My keen interest in pathology led me to pursue an observership at George Washington University (GWU) in Washington D.C. during my fourth year. This experience provided me with the opportunity to engage positively with several attending physicians, and I received commendations for my adeptness in making morphological diagnoses. Encouraged by these pathologists to further my career in this field, I followed their advice and have spent the past fifteen months as an Anatomic Pathology resident at the American University of Beirut.

During this period, I managed a diverse array of responsibilities, ranging from working at the grossing bench to examining specimens under the microscope. My public speaking skills have significantly improved through presenting various pathology topics at surgical seminars. As a committed team player, I have mentored new residents, instructing them in the complexities of grossing specimens and managing weekend calls. This mentoring experience has enhanced my leadership and teaching abilities, which I consider essential for any medical professional.

Although I am just fifteen months into my residency, I have already noticed significant improvements in my diagnostic and grossing skills. However, driven by a commitment to continual growth and excellence, I decided to pursue pathology residency in the United States. I have seen firsthand the knowledge and expertise that the training in the United States provides, and I believe that a residency training in the U.S. would give me the education and guidance to become the best all-around surgical pathologist I could be.

Over the past year, I’ve learned that effective communication is crucial for managing a laboratory and that perseverance and versatility are vital for a resident’s development. Participating in double-scoping sessions and signing out cases with attendings has proven essential. Therefore, I am seeking a residency program that not only offers a robust learning environment but also prioritizes educational engagement, where attendings are committed to closely collaborating with residents on case workups and research projects.

My uncle’s achievements have always served as a benchmark for my own aspirations as an emerging pathologist, and I remain committed to the inspirations that launched my career. Dedicated to honing my skills and expanding my expertise, I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to pathology programs that value continuous improvement and dedication in their team members.

Residency Personal Statement Example #8:

Orthopedic surgery | the football player.

From an early age, sports have been at the core of my identity. Growing up with parents who were Division I athletes—my mom a volleyball star and my dad a basketball powerhouse—athletics were not just encouraged; they were an expectation. Following in their footsteps, I thrived as a wide receiver in football, eventually playing at the collegiate level for Purdue University. My journey, however, took an unexpected turn when I tore my ACL and MCL during my junior year. This devastating injury abruptly ended my football career but opened a new path that I never anticipated.

My introduction to orthopedic surgery came through my recovery process with Dr. Yang, the surgeon who repaired my knee. Watching Dr. Yang work and observing his precision, dexterity, and the impact he had on athletes’ lives made a significant impression on me. The camaraderie in the training room and the meticulous nature of surgical practice reminded me of the locker room environment I loved. This experience led to a profound shift in my career aspirations. I changed my major from marketing to pre-med, dedicating myself to the rigorous path of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

During my undergraduate years, I began shadowing Dr. Yang and engaging in clinical research focused on outcomes using cadaveric materials for ligament reconstruction. These experiences solidified my decision to pursue medicine and led to my acceptance at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Medical school was a period of tremendous growth for me, both academically and personally. Outside the classroom, I continued my research in Dr. William Defoe’s laboratory, studying the dynamic interactions between bone cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This work was intellectually stimulating and fulfilling, resulting in 15 publications, six of which I authored. My dedication to research was recognized when I received a one-year research fellowship from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. During this fellowship, I balanced benchtop research with clinical projects in the sports medicine department, presenting my findings at over 50 regional, national, and international conferences.

Beyond academics and research, I found joy and purpose in volunteering as a football coach at St. Basil’s Middle School. For five years, I mentored and coached disadvantaged children, helping them develop not just as athletes, but as individuals. Taking the team to the University of Michigan football games at “The Big House” and organizing bonding activities like bowling and trips to the driving range allowed me to give back to the community and remain connected to the sport I love.

After my research year, I was fortunate to secure sub-internships at the Hospital for Special Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Pennsylvania. These rotations provided me with hands-on experience and reinforced my passion for orthopedic surgery, particularly sports medicine. Importantly, I was able to work closely with the residents, taking 24-hour call shifts, seeing ED consults and afforded graduated responsibilities in the operating room.

Looking to the future, my immediate goal is to match into a robust orthopedic surgery program that will nurture my growth as both a surgeon and a researcher. While I am eager to explore all facets of orthopedic surgery, I have a special interest in sports medicine and plan to pursue a fellowship in this subspecialty. Ultimately, I envision myself practicing at an elite academic medical center where I can operate, conduct research, and teach the next generation of surgeons. I also aspire to serve as a team physician for a professional sports team or a Division I college team, blending my love for sports with my medical career.

Reflecting on my journey, from the devastation of a career-ending injury to the discovery of my true calling in orthopedic surgery, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me. Each step, whether on the football field, in the research lab, or in the operating room, has prepared me for the challenges and rewards of a career in orthopedic surgery. I am excited to bring my dedication, resilience, and passion to a residency program that will help me achieve my goals and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Residency Personal Statement Example #9:

Anesthesiology | the immigrant.

“Okay, let’s start masking Violet”, said the pediatric anesthesiologist with whom I was working during my third year. Violet was the sparkly, purple, stuffed cat of our four-year-old patient with sickle-cell disease who was scheduled for a splenectomy. Observing my attending mask our patient’s stuffed cat while I attended to our patient, I was struck by the seamless blend of skill and empathy. Witnessing how my attending effortlessly built trust with a nervous four-year-old and her anxious parents, as we transitioned from playtime to the operating room, left an indelible impression on me. In mere moments, we navigated from moments of joy and laughter to the meticulous administration of anesthesia, followed by insightful discussions on the intricacies of anesthesia physiology. This transformative experience served as the catalyst for my commitment to pursuing a career in anesthesiology.

Growing up as the eldest daughter in a first-generation immigrant family that relocated to the United States when I was twelve, I faced a unique set of challenges. While acclimating to a new culture and education system, I found myself navigating the complexities of language barriers and unfamiliar environments. While my peers focused on building their college resumes, I balanced my academic pursuits with the responsibilities of assisting my parents with my sister’s education, aiding them in job applications, and coordinating doctor’s appointments. Acting as the primary liaison between my family and healthcare providers, I undertook the role of translator during medical consultations, ensuring that my family received the care they needed. These experiences, though daunting at times, served as a driving force behind my aspiration to become a physician, and later, an anesthesiologist. Through these formative experiences, I cultivated independence, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to alleviate the struggles of others. I learned to effectively multitask, maintain composure in high-pressure situations, and swiftly adapt to unforeseen challenges—qualities that are integral to the role of an anesthesiologist.

My interest in anesthesiology eventually led me to undertake several leadership positions during my medical school career. With no dedicated anesthesiology department, I recognized the necessity to forge connections and bridge mentorship gaps not only for myself but also for future students. I eventually formed an anesthesiology interest group at our medical school and served as president ensuring that students had access to mentors within all anesthesia subspecialties. Additionally, I organized several match panels to promote collaboration and to showcase clinical and research avenues on a unified platform. Eventually, I took an even broader role and served as the official delegate for my medical school in the American Society of Anesthesiologists. These experiences highlighted the important role anesthesiologists play as leaders and mentors in the clinical, research, and political landscapes and I hope to continue to expand these skillsets further into residency.

Anesthesiology resonates deeply with my core values and professional aspirations. My commitment to delivering individualized care, mentoring future physicians, and fostering a sense of reassurance and trust during moments of vulnerability align seamlessly with the core principles of this specialty. The breadth of the field and the combination of managing highly complex and ever-changing situations coupled with the ability to practice procedural care makes anesthesiology the perfect career choice for me. Within the field of anesthesiology, my interests lie in pediatric anesthesiology and medical education. I am driven to contribute to a residency program that offers a breadth of clinical experiences, allowing me to encounter a wide spectrum of cases while thriving within a collaborative environment that fosters leadership and mentorship. 

Residency Personal Statement Example #10:

Psychiatry | schizophrenia.

I hear voices! These three words summarized my grandmother’s lifelong suffering. I grew up in an Indian family, accustomed to the tales of old people hearing voices, seeing strange things, and wandering away for months. All this was very commonplace and rarely attended to. In a country plagued with limited access to education and healthcare literacy, mental health disorders were considered a myth. The social stigma precluded discussion of symptoms and provider visits. It was only during my medical schooling that I understood such symptoms to be part of mental illness that affects patients and causes intense distress. As my curiosity was aroused, I found psychiatry to be my true calling.

The opportunity to complete four months of psychiatry rotations during my final year of medical school allowed me to witness and treat psychiatric diseases that I had only known previously as vague symptoms. I remember taking care of identical twins afflicted with schizoaffective disorder stemming from years of extensive emotional and physical abuse by their family. Years of lack of care and social abandonment had resulted in shared hallucinations and delusions, with multiple suicidal attempts. Effectively gaining their trust by validating their concerns enabled me to unveil their self-injurious behavior and suicidality, prompting appropriate management. On subsequent visits, both patients had significant improvement in their symptoms with a more positive outlook and adherence to medications and psychotherapy. Such experiences and many others that followed provided me with an in-depth insight into the contributing factors to mental health disorders and the effectiveness of prompt and adequate treatment in optimal patient recovery.

Since relocating to the United States for a master’s program in clinical psychology at the University of San Diego, California, I have gained clinical and research acumen that has further reinforced my passion for psychiatry. My role as a crisis counselor for the past two years with CalHOPE, California, has provided me with clinical versatility and a profound understanding of patients’ ongoing conflicts. Interacting with hundreds of patients and communities with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, has helped me hone my skills as a listener to actively pick up subtle cues and offer a tailored approach to care. Nothing has been more gratifying than witnessing patient improvement with the right treatment.

Currently, I spearhead the research on the psychological effects of drug misuse and addiction in underserved populations along with different strategies to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention. I have learned the skills required to formulate a research question and design a study from an idea to publication and seek to utilize this knowledge to positively impact patient care across the globe. I am passionate about research and working with communities combating drug addiction and mental health stigmatization. Therefore, I seek a residency program that will equip me with the skills to become an excellent psychiatrist and researcher so that I can build therapeutic alliances with diverse patient groups and backgrounds.

My clinical experiences have illuminated that the most admirable physicians are those who cater to the medical and psychological needs of patients from different socioeconomic backgrounds. While my grandmother’s tales of hallucinations served as the fuel that ignited my interest in psychiatry, every experience I went through during my medical journey confirmed that psychiatry is my natural calling. I stand now as an aspirant for this field seeking the requisite training that will enable me to be a beacon of support for communities with mental health disorders and break the barriers of stigmatization and social injustice. 

Personal Statement Editing

Our editing includes not only language but also context, structure, and content advising.

ERAS Application Editing

The editing goes beyond language and grammar corrections to structure, design, and content based on your personal story and achievement.

• Interview Preparation

The best way to learn something is to do it. That’s why we divide our interview preparation sessions into two parts. Mock Interview + Feedback

• Residency Advising

We are able to provide you with the guidance you need at any step of your journey to make it to your final goal!

Residency Personal Statement Example #11:

Obgyn | the caribbean school.

“Time to close”, said the scrub nurse as she placed the needle driver in my hand, just a few hours after a young female patient had presented to the emergency department at the Sint Maarten Medical Center with vaginal bleeding. Within minutes of her arrival, she was being rolled back to the operating room for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. As a student rotating on the service, I asked to scrub into the case with the team and was given the opportunity to close at the end of the procedure. That experience was my first exposure to the unique world of obstetrics and gynecology and served as my catalyst for pursuing this specialty.

As a second-generation American immigrant, I had watched both my parents train as physicians in their home country and subsequently re-train in America in their respective specialties. Their sacrifice and dedication towards building a foundation and home for me and my siblings, inspired my work ethic. Their passion and commitment to their patients drew me to the field of medicine.

After persistent efforts, I secured admission into a medical school in the Caribbean. Studying medicine at Sint Maarten, I knew the challenges that awaited along my career path as a physician seeking to integrate into the American residency system. I pursued each opportunity to serve the medical community of Sint Maarten, while advancing my education as I shadowed OBGYN physicians on Saturday mornings, during my free time. I obtained history and examined every patient on the floor prior to them being seen by my attendings. This experience not only improved my clinical knowledge and skills significantly, but also opened my eyes to the diverse needs of the island and its people. Living in Sint Maarten allowed me to witness the effects of low socioeconomic status, lack of resources, and limited medical literacy on the overall health and well-being of a community.

Moving back to the US for my clinical rotations, my passion for women’s health continued to fuel my desire to pursue residency training in OBGYN. Whether it was in the delivery room encouraging a first-time mother or in the clinic counseling a patient with bladder incontinence, I was drawn by the breadth of the practice. During my third year of medical school, I assisted a team of OBGYN residents who were comparing surgical outcomes after laparoscopic versus robotic hysterectomy. This experience showed me the impact that researchers can make on patients’ lives world-wide, and kindled my interest to develop the skillset that propelled an idea to a publication. Presenting our research at the ACOG meeting this past spring allowed me to learn more about the intricacies of OBGYN and engage in meaningful conversations with leaders of the field.

Although that Saturday morning at the Sint Maarten Medical Center sparked my interest in this specialty, it was the culmination of my clinical experiences which affirmed it. I look forward to integrating patient care, clinical skill, and technology in surgical management throughout my residency. By training at an academic center, I hope to continue my contributions to this field as a learner, a teacher, and a leader. The same way my parents inspired my passion and dedication to medicine, I hope to inspire future generations during residency and beyond. 

Residency Personal Statement Example #12:

Diagnostic radiology | the pakistani img.

‘Are you taking a look at that Chest X-ray?’ said an attending pulmonologist behind me as I was staring at a computer that was stuck opening the radiology report. ‘No, sir, but I would love to learn,’ are the few words that started my journey into radiology. Over the rest of the rotation, my attending began to teach me the basics of image interpretation, and by the end, I was able to pick out bits and pieces of pneumonia, atelectasis, and interstitial lung disease on chest x-rays and high-resolution CTs. As an avid fan of mystery novels and languages, I found that piecing together bits and pieces of data gleaned from imaging and conveying these findings to doctors and patients scratched the same itch as when a detective finally has their ‘Eureka!’ moment and presents their case to a jury!

With my newfound passion, I soon began shadowing radiologists at my home institution in Pakistan. Studying the language used in reports and that used by patients, I quickly learned that there was a disconnect that needed to be bridged. Together with Dr. Muhammad Zaheer, I applied my love of languages and puzzle-solving and took the initiative of developing an English-to-Urdu dictionary of words that can help translate common and technical radiological terms into easy-to-understand Urdu words that other physicians can use to convey medical reports. We are currently working on integrating these into an electronic system that can auto-generate a translated report from a radiologist’s interpretation, further reducing the barriers between state-of-the-art medicine and patients who are not necessarily medically literate.

Reducing barriers between the patient and doctor is not enough. Radiology has taught me that the fast-paced and immediately effective nature of work requires the effective application of communication and language skills between the radiologist and other healthcare professionals as well. As an elective student at the University of Pennsylvania, our team of 3 people would read upwards of hundreds of chest X-rays for lung collapse, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, etc. on an average day and would be in constant contact with the relevant physicians to ensure timely care. In addition, we would have to inform several healthcare teams about the status of venous lines, endotracheal tubes, and nasogastric tube placement, which are crucial to continued patient care. During multidisciplinary team meetings, I also came to appreciate the value of imaging during the evaluation of suspicious pulmonary nodules. Conveying these complex concepts in precise, efficient terms further developed my love of radiology, as I could see myself playing a central role as a ‘doctor’s doctor’ in the healthcare system for both acute and chronic conditions.

The intersection between my love of languages, problem-solving, and radiology did not stop there. I learned through my interactions with many brilliant radiology technicians that there is another exciting avenue to connect academic radiology with biomedical engineering, further optimizing patient outcomes. This led me to pursue a post-doctoral research fellowship at Cleveland Clinic under musculoskeletal radiologist Dr. David Johnson. Using basic principles of MRI, we developed new protocols capable of detecting osteoarthritic changes in the knee, allowing early intervention. Using artificial intelligence, we also developed several deep-learning models capable of automatic osteoarthritis feature detection (like synovitis and bone marrow lesions) that can fasten radiologists’ workflow, acting as a side-investigator that alerts them to possibly hidden clues. I believe that I will continue to use my radiology expertise in the future to aid the development of such exciting innovations.

Although it took a malfunctioning computer to introduce me to this specialty, I have come to realize that radiology truly is a cross-section of all my passions. Using the correct phrase and finding a simple solution can make all the difference in guiding a doctor, informing a patient, and shaping research goals. As an aspiring academic radiologist, I aim to continue to connect radiologists with the people whose lives we affect, and I hope to contribute to your program as an inquisitive and collegial resident.

Residency Personal Statement Example #13:

Interventional radiology | the chess player.

My initial experiences with interventional radiology are a great microcosm of all the reasons why this specialty speaks to me. When my mother was suffering from varicose veins, it was an interventional radiologist who was able to ease her pain. Similarly, it was an interventional procedure that embolized a life-threatening bleed for one of my best friends. As a chess enthusiast, that is when I realized that interventional radiology as a specialty functions a lot like the queen piece: it is highly versatile and can be called into action at any time!

Like chess, I soon realized that interventional procedures often allow you to plan several steps, but still require on-the-fly decision making. During my elective time with Dr. John Smith at Medical University, we would spend a fair amount of time planning approaches, instrumentation, anatomy, and ultimately intervention before each procedure using the patient’s medical history and importantly, their imaging. This helped us build a roadmap of what to expect. However, we spent an equal amount of time adjusting to issues discovered in real time such as variant anatomy and unexpected device failures. The culture of learning from each mistake and building expertise in this manner is something that I now use daily, realizing that one should always plan for the future while remaining flexible.

Using this mindset of continual learning, I began to pursue research in the field of interventional radiology, focusing on quality improvement and new technique development. By working with residents at my medical school, we worked to minimize intraoperative radiation by standardizing pre-operative imaging review. Additionally, our team has worked on the introduction of augmented reality headsets in the procedure room to increase ease of access to patient imaging data. I aim to continue my work with my colleagues in biomedical engineering to introduce new techniques and technology, widening our arsenal and improving patient outcomes.

Fueled by my passion for advancing the field’s clinical efficiency and feasibility, I made a trip to my ethnic homeland in India to try to make a change there. I quickly discovered that access to facilities, personnel, and instruments was severely limited in rural areas. To combat this, I worked with a local interventional radiologist to devise a make-shift procedure room “on wheels”, allowing medical facilities and interventional radiologists to travel to places where they were most needed. Using an on-call schedule and working closely with other doctors in the area, we began to help patients that primary care identified as candidates for minor interventions! Our mobile unit also inspired other specialty services such as OBGYN and general surgeons to develop their mobile units as well!

As I near graduation, I realize that interventional radiology is where I can best apply my passion for problem-solving and leadership. Seeing all the moving parts, anticipating various outcomes and their probabilities, devising new strategies, and placing individuals where they work the best are just some of the things that are common between a chess player and an interventional radiologist. I look forward to realizing my goal to become a valuable asset to every patient I encounter and to inspire other physicians to push the boundaries of minimally invasive interventions, whether that is as a vital piece on the chess board in the hospital system, or the grandmaster chess player leading in the procedure room.

Residency Personal Statement Example #14:

Internal medicine/ icu | the farmer.

Growing up, my father’s dream for my future was that I would someday take over from him in running the family farm. My childhood was a continuous balancing act between completing homework, executing my farm duties, and being a good son to my parents. Years of navigating these competing responsibilities had made me fairly adept at multi-tasking, and in the back of my mind, I still harbored the fantasy that I could both fulfill my obligations to the farm while also entertaining my growing passion for medicine. However, this naïve, but well-intentioned vision for my future came crashing down when I was admitted to the hospital for meningitis. Spending days on end in the largest hospital in our city, I witnessed firsthand the impact of exceptional and compassionate patient care. I was impressed by the vast scientific knowledge and skillful manner in which my physician communicated my diagnosis and treatment plan with me. I knew then that I could never work on the family farm and that my true life’s calling was to become a physician.

For the next two years, I worked as a waiter to be able to afford my dream of attending medical school. Every day after a long shift at work, I would return home and study for the admissions exam until I fell asleep. After a grueling two years, I gained admission to medical school, thrilled to finally be studying the subject to which I had chosen to dedicate my life.

I quickly developed a passion for internal medicine as I began my clinical rotations, and in particular, the high-acuity patients I encountered in the intensive care unit. I was amazed by the medical complexity of each patient and the breadth of knowledge that critical care physicians must have in order to rapidly diagnose and treat patients, many of whom were hanging on to life by a thread. What I most enjoyed about my time rotating in the ICU was that almost every single patient was a medical puzzle, and that it took the concerted and deep collaboration of a whole team of healthcare providers to come to a suitable consensus on patient management. It was particularly awe-inspiring to see patients on the brink of death fully recover after spending a few days in the ICU. I quickly realized that I had found my intellectual and spiritual home, and that I would like nothing more than to dedicate my life to the care of the sickest patients in the hospital.

When I expressed my interest in pursuing internal medicine residency followed by a critical care fellowship to my mentor, she immediately recommended pursuing my dream through training in the US given the comparatively better access to cutting-edge technology, clinical experts, and seemingly limitless research opportunities. However, the financial burden was a huge barrier for me. I tackled this obstacle in the only way I had ever known how; by working in the evenings after school and on days off to save up enough money to come to the US. But even that was not enough to reach my goals, so I took on a job as a general practitioner in India for two years to be able to afford the plane tickets and the battery of exams needed for entry into US residency programs. This experience helped to hone my clinical skills and bedside manner and will serve me well during my residency training. Additionally, since coming to the US, I have become more involved in clinical research, working alongside critical care physicians at the Mayo Clinic on a number of projects and learning more about the intricacies of the US healthcare system.

Having spent two years in the US, I am ready to embark on the next step in my academic journey and look for a program with comprehensive internal medicine training and robust research infrastructure to expand my growing passion for clinical research. I aspire to be a clinician-scientist who takes insights from my interactions with patients in the ICU to further the field, both from a treatment perspective and from the perspective of improving health care equity and access.

My journey has been arduous, circuitous, and marked by many obstacles along the way. But I know of no other pathway as intellectually stimulating or personally rewarding as medicine. My father has since come to terms with his initial disappointment that I would not be taking up his mantle to work on the family farm. But he has expressed newfound pride in my goal to pursue medicine and to provide excellent care for patients and their families the way that the doctors that treated my meningitis did for me all those years ago. 

Physician Advisor

A physician and native English speaker with exceptional expertise in revising residency personal statements.

Structure Changes

By establishing smooth transitions, rearranging paragraphs, and advising on removing redundant details, we enhance the storytelling flow of your personal statement.

Language Revision

By refining grammar, syntax, and word choice, we elevate the quality of your writing.

Content Guidance

We provide significant detailed comments to ensure no important details are overlooked.

Residency Personal Statement Example #15:

General surgery | the iraqi female applicant.

‘Females can never be surgeons!’ These were the words that resonated in my ears every time I expressed my interest in surgery. My medical school tutors, family, friends, all dissuaded me from pursuing this course. In a patriarchal society like the one I grew up in, women were expected to adhere to restrictive cultural norms. Thankfully, I persevered.

Growing up in war-torn Iraq made for a difficult and unusual childhood. War and fighting were the norm, as were constant displacement and unstable living situations. Due to the unrelenting violence that ravaged the country since before I can remember, the emergency room in my medical school hospital, Al Mosul University Hospital, was constantly flooded with trauma patients.

The combination of diverse cases and shortage of clinical staff proved the perfect storm for piquing my surgical interests, as I was afforded the opportunity to perform tasks typically reserved for first and second-year residents. Though I quickly rose to the intense demands of working in Al Mosul’s ED, my male colleagues would often remind me that surgery was not an appropriate avenue for women, and that I should instead choose an ‘easier’ specialty that would allow me to focus on raising a family. For me, however, the decision was crystal clear. Surgery was the perfect blend of manual dexterity and methodical decision making. I was not only fascinated by the diversity of surgical cases, but also by the surgeons’ abilities to repair and heal the horrific war injuries. Seeing patients who suffered bomb blasts on the brink of death be stabilized through expert surgical intervention sparked my passion for the incredible restorative power of surgery. The fast pace, required precision, and the exquisite coordination of working as part of a surgical team further cemented my interest.

At a local surgical conference, I was fortunate to meet a visiting US surgeon who was in Mosul as part of his mission trip to Iraq. After speaking to him at length about my burgeoning interest in the field, he encouraged me to follow my passion, and even helped me secure several rotations in the US. It was during these rotations that I received my first exposure to the US healthcare system, from its incredible access to technological advancements unheard of in most Iraqi hospitals to its focus on cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. Following my rotations, I spent two years as a post-doctoral clinical researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), investigating longitudinal outcomes for trauma patients who sustained debilitating war injuries. My research years were transformational, not only providing me a robust foundation in clinical research, but also giving me a deeper appreciation for the positive impact of holistic care on trauma patients’ lives and wellbeing. As a result of my experiences at BWH, I hope to enroll in a program with equal parts emphasis on surgical and research skills development and that embraces diversity as a core value. Following my residency, I aspire to return to Iraq and continue to treat patients suffering from trauma, conduct research on optimizing outcomes for trauma patients, and educating the next generation of surgeons.

As a female growing up in Iraq, I faced many challenges during my quest to secure a residency spot in the US. Despite the discouragement of tutors and family members as well as the daunting prospect of starting a long and difficult journey in a new country, I am steadfast in the pursuit of my professional dreams. I have one goal that I will keep fighting for in the years ahead: an unwavering commitment to make a difference in patients’ lives and empower women in Iraq and around the world to help me make that difference. My message to those women who, like me, are told by those around them that they can never be surgeons: do not be discouraged. Let their words fuel your strength and fight to make the world a better place for yourself and your patients!

Residency Personal Statement Example #16:

Pediatrics | the oncologist.

Walking into the pediatric ward for the first time was bittersweet. While it was sad to see that children so young have to be hospitalized and spend time away from their family and friends, I could also sense the unity with which the doctors, nurses, and other staff tried to make each child as happy as possible. Outpatient clinical encounters were the same: pediatricians would go out of their way to involve children in their healthcare without overwhelming them. Seeing the same patient with meningitis go from unresponsive one evening to a talkative and vibrant child in a few weeks was amazing. Unsurprisingly, when I started nearing the end of medical school, I was drawn towards pediatrics.

Just as the pediatricians tried to grant agency to scared and confused children, I started to make sure that I was doing the best I could to provide a sense of normalcy to the children I met during my pediatric rotation in my local hospital in Pakistan. Near the end of the rotation, I worked together with the nursing staff to provide ‘responsible cheat meals’ for kids who were sick of hospital food, repurposed childhood toys from my classmates, and provided earplugs to diminish noise from healthcare monitors during sleeping hours. In our limited and informal experience in the pediatric oncology ward, my preceptors and I found that this often made the children more cooperative and happier with their care, ultimately lowering the need for supportive medications such as analgesics.

However, one thing that I learned from this experience was that children are not always happy and receptive toddlers. Older teenagers in particular harbor a lot of skepticism towards healthcare professionals and need an extra level of attention. Working with an adolescent specialist at the University of Minnesota, I began to develop skills to help children deal with changes in their bodies and social expectations. This naturally led me to pursue the development of education programs for healthcare workers, parents, and teenagers on what to expect during puberty and beyond. We developed specific educational material for healthy children, special considerations during times of chronic illnesses such as cancer, as well as psychosocial techniques for communication.

My experiences in education also sparked an equal interest in research, as I noticed that there are many gaps in the literature regarding general predictors of mental well-being in the teenage oncological patient population. This led me to pursue a post-doctoral research position with Dr. John Smith at Boston Children’s Hospital, which focused on investigating the combined effect of chemoradiation therapy, baseline physical health, and social determinants on hospitalization rates in all forms of leukemia. Currently, we are working on using this data to develop cancer-specific risk assessment tools for mortality and long-term hospitalization to be integrated into daily clinical practice. While my medical school in Pakistan has afforded me with an amazing clinical education and exposure to a wide variety of pathology, my experience in the United States has motivated me to gain skills in education and research while also learning specialty-specific skills in pediatrics. A residency in the U.S. would allow me to hone these skills to serve a wider patient population.

As a pediatrics applicant, I aim to join a program that shares the same aims as I do: getting patients and parents out of the hospital as soon and as happy as possible! Long-term, I am particularly interested in pursuing a fellowship in pediatric oncology, fueled by my experiences in clinical practice, education, and research. By meeting individuals at their level, whether they are toddlers, teens, or parents, I hope to make a trip to the hospital an experience filled with optimism.

Need guidance on crafting that perfect personal statement? Swing by our blog “ How to Write a Good Personal Statement for your Residency Application ” for a fun walkthrough on creating a standout residency application statement.

Residency Personal Statement Example #17:

Emergency medicine | the firefighter.

For as long as I can recall, it seemed my destiny was always to become a firefighter. Growing up as the son and grandson of two generations of City of Toledo Firefighters, I witnessed firsthand the selflessness and bravery displayed by these everyday heroes. They were the first responders who fearlessly confronted emergencies, rushing into flaming buildings and establishing deep connections with the community. It was their dedication that inspired me to follow in their footsteps. However, my path took an unexpected turn after high school when I decided to take a position working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) prior to college.

During that transformative year, as I immersed myself in the world of emergency medical services, I had the privilege of interacting with emergency physicians both in the field and in the trauma bay. During these experiences, I was immediately captivated by their ability to think critically, remain calm in the face of chaos, and save lives. It was in those moments that I realized my true calling lay in the field of emergency medicine.

Coming from a blue-collar family, I understood the importance of hard work and determination. As the first person in my family to pursue a college degree, I enrolled in Owens Community College to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Pre-medicine. During this time, I continued to work as an EMT on weekends and during summers, financing my education through steadfast commitment and sheer determination. After two demanding years at the community college, my efforts were rewarded when I earned a full scholarship to the University of Toledo to complete my bachelor’s degree before gaining admission to the Toledo School of Medicine.

From the moment I stepped into medical school, my decision to pursue emergency medicine remained resolute. However, I recognized the value of acquiring a comprehensive understanding of various medical disciplines, as emergency medicine demands proficiency in almost every aspect of medicine. I approached every clinical rotation with enthusiasm, eager to develop the diverse skill set required to excel in the dynamic environment of the emergency department.

As a testament to my passion for the field, I took the initiative to establish the University of Toledo’s Emergency Medicine Interest Group, creating a platform where like-minded individuals could come together. Through this group, I organized lunch talks by members of the department and facilitated shadowing opportunities for first and second-year medical students. Furthermore, I dedicated two months of elective time to work alongside emergency medicine residents and physicians during prehospital care rotations across Toledo, solidifying my passion for the specialty.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where I split my practice between a large teaching academic center and an underserved, rural community. In the academic center, I aim to contribute to the education of residents and students, sharing my experiences and expertise to shape the next generation of emergency physicians. Simultaneously, I am deeply committed to serving in a rural or underserved setting, where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. I believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to high-quality emergency care, and I am eager to provide comprehensive and compassionate medical services to underserved populations. With the unwavering motivation and dedication inherited from two generations of first responders, I am ready to embark on the next phase of my training in emergency medicine. 

Looking for a comprehensive ERAS Application Template with examples of diverse experiences and publication types?

Grab your FREE ERAS Template right here !

Residency Personal Statement Example #18:

Internal medicine | the war survivor.

The Afghan Civil War erupted when I was in elementary school. Soon after, the Taliban occupied Afghanistan, and, as a girl, I was barred from my school. I had always dreamed of becoming the first female doctor in my family, and this was a goal that required extensive education, let alone elementary school. My family uprooted everything to migrate to Pakistan so that I would be able to continue my education. Living in a country where we were not welcomed, bearing financial burdens, and worrying about safety issues, especially for girls, were the least of the challenges we faced, but that did not hold me back.

Still, that was not the last challenge I faced. When I graduated high school, I could not afford to attend medical school in Pakistan. Instead, I accepted the offer to serve as a teacher at our community school. Teaching at such a young age, tutoring those similar in age to me, and managing a class of thirty students taught me a great deal of discipline and leadership, skills which I have since carried with me throughout my career.

A decade later, the Taliban regime was finally over. We returned to Afghanistan, and I attended the entrance exam for Kabul Medical University. Among thousands of other participants, I was part of the lucky 25% who passed the exam. My endurance had paid off. Finally in medical school, I found myself fascinated by the detailed knowledge and interdisciplinary approach of my internist attendings. Their synchronized orchestration of patient care resonated with my experiences managing diverse students, while their instructive whiteboard sessions on pathophysiology echoed my own tenure at the front of a classroom. These encounters served as enlightening examples, aiding me in sculpting my identity as a burgeoning physician.

On my internal medicine rotation, I was responsible for the care of a patient with multiple myeloma. His low hemoglobin level led to significant limitations in his daily activity. His symptoms were initially attributed solely to his condition, but I was not satisfied with this explanation. When I ordered his iron studies, we were able to diagnose him with concomitant iron deficiency anemia. An iron infusion quickly helped improve his quality of life, which was precious to my patient, as I knew from the time I had spent with him. That ability to help my patient made me finally feel like the doctor I aspired to be. I had found my home in internal medicine. The convergence of laboratory tests, imaging studies, and critical analysis to reach a diagnosis fuels my desire to become an internist.

Despite my passion for internal medicine, women in Afghanistan faced scant opportunities in this field. This was due to a lack of female mentors and sociocultural constraints against females being on night shifts in predominantly male hospitals. Undeterred, I embarked on another journey away from home, this time to the United States. Here, I secured a position as a medical scribe, working in tandem with various healthcare providers. This experience allowed me to absorb their expertise, familiarize myself with the U.S. healthcare system, and diligently prepare for and ultimately pass the USMLE exams.

I have come a long way, and still have a long way to go. My accomplishment of becoming my family’s first female doctor fills me with pride. Yet, I aspire to achieve more – to become a distinguished internist and an empowering role model for the women of Afghanistan. I intend to personify the belief: if you dare to dream, you are destined to achieve. 

Residency Personal Statement Example #19:

Internal medicine | changing specialties.

When I was a senior in high school, my girl scout troop would organize weekly medical trips to rural parts of our community, working with local physicians to provide basic medical services to underserved patient populations. I was particularly struck by the excellent care and bedside manner of one of the physicians who used his bilingualism to connect with a non-English speaking patient who had faced significant challenges in accessing care. The doctor’s small gesture left a lasting impression on me, and, for the first time, I realized not only the curative but also the humanistic power of medicine to connect with patients across cultural barriers and in some of their most vulnerable moments. Though I had always had a proclivity for science, it was not until that moment that I had ever seriously considered a career in medicine.

In medical school, I was captivated by pre-clinical coursework in pathology and lectures on disease pathophysiology. I was torn between pathology and internal medicine during my clinical rotations, as I enjoyed the cerebral, deductive nature of each field and the fact that neither was limited to a single organ system or patient population. The opportunity to be the frontline diagnostician and to utilize advanced equipment and laboratory methods eventually won me over to pathology.

However, during my pathology residency, the pendulum started to swing back toward internal medicine. I vividly remember the turning point in my decision making. I was staring down the barrel of my microscope at dozens of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes on a peripheral blood smear. I paged the internal medicine team to help confirm the diagnosis of cerebral malaria. Hearing the excitement and celebration of the medical team on the other end, who had been struggling to identify the etiology of the patient’s undulant fevers and fatigue, I felt a pang of envy, a distinct feeling that I was missing out on the human factor of medicine.

Similarly, in my research on the utility of galectin-3 immunohistochemistry staining in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, I found myself increasingly drawn to the human impacts of scientific investigation. For example, after my successful completion of several experiments, our department was able to secure funding to examine a wider range of malignancies. I was particularly excited when my research enabled our hospital to offer estrogen and progesterone receptor testing and hormonal therapy for breast cancer patients. I quickly realized that I did not just want to diagnose but to directly treat patients, and with each passing day, I yearned more for the ability to heal through empathic listening and the formation of meaningful rapport with patients.

Eventually, I decided to undertake the goal of retraining in internal medicine. To this end, I elected to travel to the United States to undertake hands-on clinical experiences. My time in the U.S. gave me firsthand exposure to a complex healthcare system and a deeper appreciation for the impact of advanced diagnostic technology, cutting-edge treatment modalities, and patient-centered, evidence-based care. I also gained confidence in my abilities to function as a member of a large, interdisciplinary care team, drawing on a skillset I had cultivated from many years of leading my girl scout troop and performing in church choirs.

I aspire to enter a residency program with an emphasis on strong clinical skills training, excellent research opportunities, and a dedication to clinical mentorship. Moreover, I want to be part of a program with strong camaraderie among residents and faculty and a spirit of collegiality and tireless dedication to patient care. Ultimately, I believe that my background in and extensive knowledge of pathology, my compassionate disposition, and my penchant for diligence and collaboration will make me a strong applicant to your residency program. Thank you for your consideration of my application. 

Residency Personal Statement Example #20:

General surgery | the colombian img.

From the coastlines of Colombia, where I grew up assisting my mother—a nurse at our local clinic—during community emergencies, to the ORs of the United States, my journey has been driven by a single purpose: to master the art of surgery. My childhood in a region frequently struck by natural disasters exposed me to the critical need for deliberate, effective medical interventions. These early experiences ignited my passion for surgery, the field where I believed I could make the most immediate impact.

I pursued medical training in Bogotá, completing medical school and a residency in general surgery, where I became adept at navigating the complexities of trauma care under resource constraints. This foundational experience instilled in me a deep understanding of the vital role of precision and innovation in saving lives, yet it also highlighted the limitations imposed by a lack of advanced technology.

Determined to push the boundaries of what I could offer my patients and at the urging of my clinical mentors, I sought advanced training in the United States. Passing the USMLE was a challenging yet rewarding milestone. Next, after sending 100s of emails I eventually obtained a research fellowship at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Hansen, a leader in robotic surgery, I delved into the intricacies of robotic-assisted surgical techniques, contributing to research that sought to enhance surgical precision and safety. This work not only expanded my technical expertise but also fueled my passion for innovation, culminating in multiple publications and presentations at national conferences. These experiences solidified my commitment to surgical excellence and my desire to lead advancements in the field.

My clinical rotation at Cleveland Clinic under Dr. Michael Choi, a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, was particularly formative. Here, I honed my skills in laparoscopic procedures and participated in a study focusing on the application of these techniques in emergency surgeries. Our work demonstrated significant reductions in patient recovery times and was recently published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.

Looking to the future, I am driven by a vision to transform surgical care in underserved regions, starting with my home country, Colombia. In the short term, I hope to match into a strong general surgery program to continue to hone my clinical skills. Though I remain open, I am inclined to pursue further fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. My end goal is to establish a center of excellence for minimally invasive surgery, where I can train a new generation of surgeons in advanced techniques that are adaptable to both high-tech environments and resource-limited settings.

The United States has offered me unparalleled opportunities to grow as a surgeon and a scholar. However, the essence of my journey remains rooted in my early experiences in Colombia—facing adversity with limited resources but abundant resolve. I am eager to join a residency program that values not only technical skills but also the drive to apply those skills in diverse and challenging environments. I am committed to becoming not just a surgeon, but a global surgical leader, enhancing the quality and accessibility of surgical care worldwide. 

Advisor UNLIMITED Access

We get how stressful the residency match process is, so we're here for you - communicate with your personal advisor ANYTIME you need!

Residency Personal Statement Example #21:

Emergency medicine | the flow.

Anybody who has ever played at a jam session can tell you that we all live for the flow state: that state of mind during which you can place every improvised note well before you play it, and where you can perfectly see where you fit in with every other member of your band. I found that working in the emergency room on a busy day, I could feel the same flow-state as running codes and triaging patients, deciding how to deal with whatever comes through those doors optimally. This marked the start of my journey to becoming an emergency physician.

Nothing cemented my decision to pursue this field more than when an earthquake devastated my hometown in Sri Lanka, resulting in an overcrowded emergency department for more than a week as we appropriately managed anyone coming through the door. Daily, we had pre-rounds with local authorities about expected numbers and resource management. Next, we divided the list into emergent, urgent, and stable patients and began tackling all tasks ranging from splinting simple fractures to complex multi-compartment trauma. Finally, this all occurred over our regular influx of individuals with heart attacks, drug overdoses, and other acute presentations. While it was a truly grueling experience, I discovered that once I got into the rhythm of things, managing patients became easier and easier and I found myself eagerly asking ‘What needs to be done next?’

As exhilarating as this experience was, I understood from my experience that we were thankfully adequately staffed for the situation with an appropriate number of supplies. From my discussions with healthcare professionals from other institutions, this is not always the case. To combat this issue, we assembled the leadership of several local hospitals to define what it means by a ‘local emergency’, and devise resource-sharing hotlines, and post-emergency debriefings. With this system, we hope to timely redirect patients to hospitals with appropriate resources in the event of future catastrophes. Indeed, we found that this system eventually helped us with a completely different sort of emergency in the COVID pandemic where cross-institutional training helped us tide the initial waves.

My conversations with other emergency personnel also revealed another aspect of emergency medicine that I felt I had not experienced: being a first responder. To understand the perspective of the healthcare professionals who are first on the scene, I joined a paramedic team that responded to stroke calls, heart attacks, trauma, and other such emergencies. Here, communication between the destination hospital and initial patient management needs to be juggled in a time-effective manner. With this experience, I now better realize what emergency departments can do to make first responders’ jobs easier, which can be as complex as coordinating multi-service consults to as simple as skipping the ER directly to take the patient to the catheterization lab.

As a musician, I understand that working in a team cannot be a one-man show with guitar solos all the time. The same principle applies in the ER, where sometimes you are the person best equipped for a certain situation but need to take a backseat to other experts in other scenarios. Regardless of my role, I aim to be an asset to any team of emergency healthcare professionals by honing my skills, responding to team dynamics collegially, and yearning to make the lives of first responders everywhere easier.

If you are applying to the Match and need a detailed guide on how to ace your ERAS application, check out our free ERAS Application Guide here . 

Residency Personal Statement Example #22:

Primary care/im | the impoverished.

“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” These powerful words, spoken by my mother, have echoed in my mind since childhood. Growing up in a single-parent home on the south side of Chicago, my mother worked tirelessly as a nurse in Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital’s emergency department. Every night my brother and I would wait for her to arrive after her shift ended at 7 pm. As she shared stories of dedicated physicians and life-saving interventions, I began to view these doctors in the same manner my friends viewed superheroes or sports stars, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine.

As an African American in a neighborhood lacking professional role models, the path to becoming a physician seemed distant if not impossible. However, my mother’s belief in the power of dreams instilled in me the courage to strive for the extraordinary. With determination, I worked diligently throughout grade school and middle school, propelled by the aspiration to transcend the limitations of my circumstances. Eventually, I was admitted to Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, a magnet school named after a civil rights activist and one of my personal heroes.

Continuing to embrace every opportunity, I was able to attend Northwestern University on a full academic scholarship, where I immersed myself in neuroscience studies. Additionally, I dedicated my time as a tutor, providing support to underserved children in my former neighborhood. Witnessing the impact of education and healthcare disparities further ignited my passion for addressing these inequities.

Entering the University of Chicago Medical School, I embarked on a transformative journey. During my third-year clerkships, I discovered my calling in primary care and internal medicine. Although initially drawn to the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, I found the thoughtful, cerebral approach of internal medicine captivating. Each day, I eagerly embraced the challenge of unraveling complex medical puzzles, weaving together a patient’s diverse comorbidities to form a comprehensive list of differential diagnoses.

Following my third year, I took a gap year dedicated to serving underserved populations in Chicago. This experience provided a profound understanding of social determinants of health and the importance of preventive medicine. It solidified my commitment to bridging the gaps in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly within urban communities like my own. Looking forward, my vision encompasses practicing as a primary care physician in an urban academic center, where I can not only provide compassionate patient care but also mentor and inspire medical students and residents. Furthermore, I aspire to conduct research that addresses social determinants of health, striving to make tangible improvements in my community.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my mother’s quote encapsulates the essence of my pursuit. With each step I’ve taken, from the dinner table conversations with my mother to my experiences in medical school, I have seen firsthand that dreams can indeed be transformed into reality. By embracing the challenges, dedicating myself to lifelong learning, and advocating for equitable healthcare, I am ready to embark on a fulfilling career in internal medicine—a path that resonates with my values, aspirations, and the indomitable spirit instilled in me by my remarkable mother. “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” These words, once whispered to me at the beginning of my journey, now reverberate with even greater significance as I stand at the threshold of a future where I can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 

Looking for a detailed ERAS Application Template with samples of various experiences?

Claim your FREE ERAS Template here !

Residency Personal Statement Example #23:

Internal medicine | nonna.

“Not too much parmigiano, angioletta,” Nonna would call from the head of the table as I layered cutlets, marinara, and cheese. At ten, I became her hands in the kitchen, after diabetic peripheral neuropathy had stolen the fine motor strength and sensation needed to construct a perfect chicken parmesan. In Nonna’s kitchen, somewhere between deglazing the pan and helping prepare her insulin injections, I discovered a passion even more fervent than my love of home-cooked Italian food. The transformative power of medicine captivated me, and I became dedicated to pursuing a career that could allow me to help other patients with lifelong diseases like diabetes.

Throughout my clinical education, all my patient encounters reinforced the impact of compassionate, comprehensive healthcare. On my internal medicine rotation, I fell in love with the diagnostic aspect of the field, as well. For example, I had a 34-year-old patient with a seemingly unprovoked pulmonary embolism and incidental hydronephrosis on CT. After digging a little bit, I found out he had a history of cryptorchidism with unilateral orchiectomy, and I wasn’t convinced he was clotting without provocation. Testicular ultrasound showed a mass that had entirely replaced the normal testicular tissue, and CT of the abdomen and pelvis showed a lymph node compressing the ureter. I realized that this was how I wanted to spend the rest of my career—proposing a unifying diagnosis through careful interpretation of data to find patient-centered interventions.

Even the more routine aspects of medicine were exciting to me. I woke up before my alarm each morning, excited to interpret new lab data from the night before and preround on my patients to see if they were improving or needed further care. I was especially excited to participate in patient education. I spent two hours counseling one of my patients with diabetes and a new insulin requirement on the logistics and barriers of self-injection. While she was admitted with incredible resistance to the idea of insulin injections, I spent each day of admission trying to understand and resolve her fears. By discharge, she was able to self-administer basal and bolus. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of empathy in establishing trust and fostering meaningful patient-provider relationships, qualities I strive to embody in my practice.

As a South Philadelphia native, I see the social determinants of health at work in my backyard every day. I am passionate about addressing how these factors impact the delivery of care. I am deeply committed to advocating for health equity and addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Specifically, I spent all four years of medical school volunteering at a student-run clinic, providing free medical care to unhoused people in Philadelphia. At this clinic, I developed an education program on commonly seen conditions which is now held annually for the residents of the shelter. In clinical practice and beyond, I am dedicated to improving health literacy and access to care for all my patients.

My academic pursuits have complemented these experiences, providing me with a solid foundation in evidence-based medicine and critical thinking. For example, I have completed a research project on the barriers to insulin distribution and injection, and the potential role of social media as an educational intervention for younger adults who are newly diagnosed. I am invested in advancing the field of internal medicine through clinical research and hope to spend my residency and career continuing to contribute to the field.

In a residency program, I am seeking to join a team with the same values I learned from Nonna almost fifteen years ago: community, supportive learning, and awe of the work we do. I hope to match at an institution that will prioritize fostering an awareness of social determinants of health and emphasize patient-centered care above all else. I am eager to continue my professional growth under the guidance of experienced clinicians and educators who share my empathy-forward approach and commitment to advancing the field for the benefit of our patients. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these samples will help you draft an excellent personal statement to tell the great story of your medical journey!

If you need help with editing your personal statement or having an expert lay an eye on it and give you comprehensive feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out to us  HERE !

You can also bundle your personal statement editing with ERAS application editing and interview preparation by signing up to our Match Application Packages HERE .

If you have any questions about any of our services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support service here .

Good luck with your application and always remember, The Match Guy is here for you!

To your Match, The Match Guy

The Pathways for ECFMG Certification for MATCH 2025

2025 ERAS Application Updates 

General Surgery Residency Personal Statement Examples 

Emergency Medicine Residency Personal Statement Examples 

About thematchguy, recommended articles.

ERAS Application 2024 Guide!

How To Write A Good Personal Statement For Your Residency

Medical Student Performance Evaluation for Residency Applicants 

Letters of Interest for Residency Applicants

How can we help you.

Leave your message here and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Quick Links

• Our Reviews
• Our Podcast
• Personal Statement
• Match®Application Package
• P.O. Box 40388 Pittsburgh, PA 15201
• [email protected]
• + 1 412-295-8358
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

WhatsApp Us

• Residency Application

20 Residency Personal Statement Examples that Matched

Featured Expert: Dr. Terrell Coring, MD

Struggling to begin your residency personal statement? You're not alone. The residency personal statement is one of the most critical parts of your ERAS or CaRMS application, and can make your residency application stand out. But it can be a challenging essay to write effectively. In this blog, I'll share 20 residency personal statement examples from top specialties that matched, as well as my tips on writing a strong residency personal statement.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 29 min read

Residency personal statement examples: family medicine.

Use these residency personal statement examples as a reference as you are working on  preparing your residency applications . The following examples are printed with permission from our own past successful students who worked with us as part of our  residency application review  programs.

Thus, I hope to find a residency program dedicated to providing in-depth clinical training with a diverse patient population and an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention through patient education and community service. Moreover, I look forward to being part of a program that will encourage my pursuit of intellectual development and advancement to enable my transition into a well-rounded, competent and skilled physician committed to serving people with needs in all areas of medicine. With a career in this specialty, I know that every day will bring a new opportunity to influence health behaviors, and while there will be challenges, fulfilling them will always be satisfying. ","label":"Family Medicine Personal Statement Example #2","title":"Family Medicine Personal Statement Example #2"}]' code='tab2' template='BlogArticle'>

1. Emphasis on why the applicant wants to enter that specific specialty

This family medicine personal statement example does a great job of explaining why the applicant wants to enter that specific specialty. Your residency personal statement should say something new that isn't stated in your application entries. Your personal statement is the place to highlight impactful experiences or your unique background that may have sparked your passions and desires for your chosen medical specialty.

2. Intentions are clear

Clearly stating your intentions and using the program's name makes your statement personal and stand out. It shows that you pay attention to details and that your goals and passion align with what the program offers. Use strong, precise language when you are writing. You only have about 800-1,000 words, so state your intentions and keep your story clear.

3. Personal connection is established

This particular applicant has a personal connection to the city in which the residency would take place. This won’t be true for every applicant, but if it is, be sure to make room to mention it as long as it fits with your personal narrative. In this example, the applicant also ties this in with one of their goals: having a community-based, urban family practice. Programs review scores of personal statements that often sound alike, so, it instantly becomes remarkable the moment they read a unique and individualized personal statement. 

Residency Personal Statement Examples: Anesthesiology

  Growing up the first-born daughter of a hard-working Saskatchewan cattle farmer and hairdresser, medicine was never a consideration. In a small town, I could easily see how too much free time got many of my peers in trouble. From grade 8-12 I devoted myself to sports, playing high school, club and provincial beach volleyball, weeknights and weekends year round. Despite my small stature and lack of innate abilities, with determination and persistence, I overcame these obstacles. At the end of my grade 11 year, I received an athletic scholarship and chose to pursue business administration and athletics.

After the first six months, it became apparent that I was not going to attain my full potential in education at [university name}. Despite my parent’s reservations, I left and enrolled at a [university name] for the next semester. This university was much more challenging as I was now balancing my educational and financial responsibilities by working evenings and weekends managing a number of part-time jobs. With little direction as to what degree I wanted to pursue, I happened to enroll in anatomy and physiology. This was the first time I became really excited about my future prospects and began actively considering a career in medicine.

The first time I applied to medicine, I was rejected. Despite my initial devastation, in hindsight, it was a great opportunity for myself to reflect on my own motivations for medicine and work as a laboratory technician at a potash mine in my hometown. I gained additional life experience, spent time with my family and was able to help financially support my husband’s pursuit of education after he had so selflessly supported me for many years.

My first exposure to anesthesia was in my first year of medical school with [Dr. name here] as my mentor in clinical reasoning. I was again, intrigued by the anatomy and physiology with the interlacing of pharmacology. I remained open to all specialties, however, after summer early exposures, research, and clerkship it became clear to me that anesthesia is where I felt the most fulfilled and motivated.

In a way, anesthesia was reminiscent of the competitive volleyball I had played years prior. I was again a part of a team in the operating room with a common goal. Similarly, our countless years of education and practice had brought us together to achieve it. In volleyball, my role was the setter, which to many is considered a lackluster position as we rarely attack the ball and score points with power. However, as a setter, my role is to set the pace, strategize and dictate the game from my team’s perspective. There is a long sequence of crucial events before a “kill” in volleyball and I strategized my teammate's individual strengths in both offense and defense to win. Anesthesia gives me the same opportunities to strategize anesthetics, balance individual patient’s comorbidities and anatomy all while maintaining a calm demeanor and level head through unexpected circumstances. In volleyball, I never shied away from tense games or difficult situations, instead I trusted in my own abilities and training despite uncharted territory. Lastly, I didn't need to actually score the point in order to understand my role and contributions to my team.

As an athlete, I understand the importance of practice and repetition which allow us to fail, but most importantly, to learn. I believe that the curriculum at this program will provide me with a well-respected education, which strongly reflects my learning style. I also admire the mandatory communication block in the curriculum because I believe an emphasis on clear and concise communication, is essential as an anesthetist.

Throughout the course of the next 5-10 years, I anticipate that both my husband and I will complete the next chapter in our educational pursuits. We both agree that [program name here] has the potential to nurture the next chapter in both our private and professional lives if given the opportunity.

1. The theme is personal and consistent

In this anesthesiology residency personal statement example , the author of this passage carries the theme of athletics throughout the statement. Having a theme can unify your personal statement and give it direction. This is a good example of a way to use a theme to tie together different ideas. Having a good theme is also something you should keep in mind when you’re answering anesthesiology residency interview questions , as program directors want to see that this particular specialty choice wasn’t simply drawn out of a hat; rather, your emphasis on a theme can demonstrate that your choice was intentional and the right fit.

2. The tone is positive throughout

Also, take note of how the author explained the transition to different schools without speaking negatively of the institutions. In your own personal statement, feel free to use the names of the universities you attended. They have been redacted here for anonymity. This statement has parts where you could customize it. Use the name of the program when possible or the name of the town. Taking time to add this into your statement shows the program that you pay attention to detail while personalizing it to each program.

3. Lessons learned apply to medicine

The writer of this personal statement relies on analogy to connect their experience to their interest in anesthesiology. Their analogy shows why the applicant is suited to the program and specialty, it reveals an important aspect of their personality with evidence, and it sets expectations for how they want to contribute to the field. In your essay, you can use a similar strategy by tying together a major life theme or event with what you learned and how that applies to your medical training.

Would you rather watch a video? Here are even more residency personal statement examples!

Residency Personal Statement Examples: Surgery

I was six years old when my father read to me the first chapter of “How Things Work.” The first chapter covered doors and specifically, the mechanics in a doorknob. What lay hidden and confined in the door panel was this complex system that produced a simple action. I credit this experience as the onset of my scientific curiosity and eventually my passion for complex systems found in medicine. Intensivists vigilantly maintain homeostasis within the human body, a complex system in and of itself, a concept I recognize as personally fascinating and enticing. I find myself especially drawn to the field of critical care and intensive care medicine. My dreams to become an intensivist would be highly complimented by a residency in surgery.

In critical care, each patient in the ICU is usually in a general state of shock. From the initial state of shock, the patient can be further complicated with comorbidities and chronic diseases that may require further intensive medical intervention so that they may recover from a recent surgery or traumatic event. This dynamic nature of the ICU is not available in every unit of the hospital and the high level of acuity does not suit everyone. I, however, enjoy the high energy of the enthralling, engaging and exciting environment offered by the ICU. I am personally energized and awakened by managing patients with surgically-altered physiology coupled with comorbidities. There is an overwhelming satisfaction when a patient following a bilateral lung transplant gets up from his bed and walks through the unit after days of being bedridden, or the moment we can discontinue the lines we had the patient on and finally talk to them after two weeks of intubation and sedation. Being in the ICU also encompasses the emotional seesaw of going from a successful patient case to a room in which a family has just decided that comfort care is the best way to proceed, which gives me chills just to type and verbalize.

The work of an intensivist is not only limited to the patient, but also the emotional well-being of the patient’s family as well. My involvement in the ICU has taught me that sometimes it is necessary to talk to a patient’s family, to explain to them simply that the postoperative expectations that they had had, may not be met. Communication is key in this field, both with the patients and the physicians of the OR. Communication prevents perioperative complications, establishes a willingness to follow directions and relays professionalism. It is important for an intensivist to have an excellent understanding of surgical procedures, so that they may explain to the patient what to expect as well as ease the nerves of the patient preoperatively. A surgical residency would facilitate this understanding and undoubtedly prove to be useful in my future training.

Studying medicine in Europe has taught me volumes about myself, how driven, motivated and open-minded I can be. To move so far away from home and yet be so familiar with the language, I feel blessed to be able to say that I’ve had a high level of exposure to diversity in my life. The mentality in [insert country name here] is if you don’t see the doctor, you are not sick. This common thought has to lead to an outstanding environment to study medicine and to see end-stage, textbook presentations of various pathologies and their management. Studying medicine in two languages has in itself taught me that medicine is a language and that the way a patient presents, conveys themselves, and the findings of the physical examination, all represent the syntax of the diagnosis. This awareness has reminded me that patient care, relief of patient suffering and illness, transcends the grammatical rules of the patient’s native tongue. My clinical experience in [insert country here] will aid me in providing thoughtful care to my future patients.

All things considered, I am ready to leave my home of the last four years and come back to the United States, to enter the next stage of my life and career. I am ready to work harder than ever, to prove myself to my future residency program and most importantly, learn so that I may be a suitable candidate for a future fellowship program in critical care. My experiences abroad have constantly pushed me to new horizons and encouraged responsibilities that I don’t believe I would otherwise have. I’ve developed a new level of human connection through my work in the ICU, the OR and my travels throughout Europe. These experiences will aid me in working with a diverse patient population and a diverse team of physicians. I hope [the program name here] can give me the variety and the background in surgery that I will need to succeed.

What Makes This Sample Effective?

1. atypical experiences are justified.

This surgery personal statement example has to do double duty for the admissions committee. It has to explain why surgery, what this student can offer, and why this student is passionate about the field while simultaneously explaining why the applicant chose medical school abroad. If you are applying to a country where you did not attend medical school there, you have to explain why you studied abroad. This often poses a challenge for students. Be honest and positive about your experience. This student did an excellent job of explaining why it was such a good fit for their personality while highlighting the advantages of this experience.

Focus on the characteristics you gained from your experience abroad. Explain how your experience will translate into success in your residency. There are many things to be gained from having spent time outside of your home country. Talk about the skills you developed from living abroad. Unique details like those will set you apart when you are writing your statement.

2. Makes unique experiences an advantage

This applicant studied abroad in Europe. The way they talk about it is key: they explain how the experience was a challenge that they learned from. Most programs and schools are looking for medical school graduates who can contribute to their vision of diversity. If you have experience travelling abroad, this is a good chance for you to explain how this enriched your perspective and professional capabilities. Some of the skills that this applicant discusses are assets for a career in medicine: speaking two languages, exposure to diverse people and methods, and the ability to work with a large patient and physician population from different backgrounds. If you endeavor to explain some of your diverse experiences, be sure to make it clear what you gained and how you can apply it to your residency training.

3. The writer’s voice and style are unique

To get matched to the program and school of your choice, you will need to stand out from the crowd. To do this effectively in your personal statement, give your writing a unique style and allow your personality to shine through. In this example, the writer achieves this in the first paragraph in the “hook” in which they describe when their father used to read “How Things Work”; this life event left a lasting impression, and the writer links this to why a residency in surgery would benefit their goal of becoming an intensivist. With a first draft, it’s okay to experiment with word choice and content. Make sure you include all the necessary elements and formatting requirements, but try your best to put the “personal” in personal statement. Note that this is a general surgery example; if you were applying for plastic surgery or neurosurgery, you should read plastic surgery residency personal statement examples or neurosurgery personal statement examples for a slightly varied essay strategy.

Want some more residency personal statement tips?

Residency Personal Statement Examples: Emergency Medicine

One of the most surprising things that I learned through my emergency medicine (EM) electives is that working in an emergency department is like leading a horse. I grew up on a farm in the [name of city], and working with animals was very much a part of my childhood. When walking a horse, one must be prepared for anything should the animal become spooked. It can startle at any moment and one must react quickly and calmly to redirect the thousand-pound creature. Similarly, in EM, one never knows when the department is going to become “spooked” by what comes through the door. EM is exciting, with a variety of patient presentations and medical procedures done on a daily basis. I enjoy dealing with the unexpected challenges that arise in caring for patients with backgrounds vastly different from my own. It would be a privilege to gain the skills as an emergency physician to provide acute life-saving care, to connect patients with resources and other healthcare professionals, and to provide comfort to patients and families in the settings of acute loss or difficult diagnoses. I feel that the [name of program] is the ideal path to reach that goal.

First, the [name of program] offers additional support and training to continue to perform research and other scholarly activities. Through my experience in quality improvement, I have learned of the value of research and how it can be applied to practical problems. For instance, while volunteering in a pool rehabilitation program for individuals with neurological disabilities, a patient who I had worked with for a year tragically suffered a fall and broke his hip leaving him significantly disabled. This led me to research inpatient falls during medical school and I initiated a quality improvement project and presented at several conferences, quality improvement rounds, and meetings with hospital stakeholders. After several years of work, I am very proud that this led to the implementation of a province-wide quality improvement initiative funded by [name of organization]. This initiative is physician-led and is aimed at reducing inpatient falls across [name of city]. This project demonstrated how rewarding research is when it can be translated into tangible initiatives and is why I am particularly interested in quality improvement research. I look forward to more dedicated time in the [name of program] to develop my research skills and to apply quality improvement to EM.

In addition to increased training in research, the [name of program] offers the opportunity to subspecialize within EM. While in medical school, I helped my single mother raise my much younger siblings and this has inspired my interest in pediatric EM. I maximized my studying through the effective use of weekly group study sessions and podcasts to allow for free weekends to return home to spend with my brother and sister. Through my experiences teaching and playing with my siblings, I have learned to deal with children in a calm and friendly manner. I used these skills to maintain positive therapeutic relationships with children during my pediatric EM rotation at [name of hospital]. For instance, I was able to cast the forearm of a frightened child by first demonstrating the procedure on her toy rabbit, and then calmly fitting a cast on her arm. I enjoy the emphasis on patient and family education as well as the focus on making the patient feel safe and cared for. I would love to explore this field further as my niche within the [name of program] in emergency medicine.

Alongside research and pediatric EM, I am also interested in teaching. Some of my fondest memories involve the evening teaching sessions during primary and secondary school spent with my grandpa, a retired teacher. My grandpa modeled effective teaching techniques, first assessing my knowledge and then expanding on it by asking questions and providing guidance when needed. Similarly, some of my best memories in medical school include the five-minute bedside teaching sessions after interesting cases that were taught in that way. Inspired by many residents and staff I have worked with, I look forward to expanding my teaching role in residency. Like my grandpa and my clinical mentors, I hope to help future students maximize their learning potential through the delivery of lectures and bedside teaching. Training within the [name of program] would allow additional time to develop the skills necessary for this, through increased exposure to mentorship, teaching role models, and opportunities to be involved in curricular development.

I would feel privileged to join the resident team in the [name of program]. I was fortunate that most of my core clerkship training including EM, as well as my fourth year EM elective, was at the [name of hospital]. What stands out the most to me most about working in the [name of hospital] is the tight-knit community feel in the setting of a high volume, high acuity ED. I value that the small program leads to a cohesive resident group and staff who are invested in their learners. Furthermore, from my rotations there, I know the ample procedural and hands-on exposure residents get from the beginning of their training. With my interest in pediatric EM, I value the longitudinal exposure to pediatrics at [name of program], with opportunities to do dedicated pediatric rotations both at [name of hospital], as well as [name of hospital]l. Finally, the [name of city] is my home; my family and friends are here, and I love the hiking, fishing, kayaking, and snowboarding that are all less than an hour away. I would be incredibly honored to have the privilege of pursuing EM in the [name of program], and look forward to serving my community.

Read some more Emergency Medicine Personal Statement Examples !

---------------------

The thought of caring for severely ill children seemed disheartening and overwhelming when I first began shadowing [name of doctor] at [name of hospital] five years ago. I was very nervous. While some of the cases were indeed difficult, my experience was starkly different. In one of our first cases, I quickly jumped in to comfort a scared child suffering from kidney disease. The mother of our patient confided in me about her son's struggles with bullying due to the disfiguring edema. I felt how much she appreciated being able to share her son’s challenges with me. Throughout my clinical experiences, I saw that caring for a pediatric patient often involves delicately navigating complex social situations and family dynamics. From that point on, I knew I had both the passion and compassion to succeed as a future pediatrician.

I am particularly keen to complete my residency at the [name of school], because I had such an immersive learning experience completing 5 years of research with [name of doctor] at [name of hospital] and at [name of hospital], not to mention [name of school]'s stellar international reputation. The incredibly high standard of excellence at [name of school], as well as [name of city] being my hometown, make the [name of school] my top choice to complete my residency. To further demonstrate the excellent education, I remember a time while shadowing at [name of hospital] in the genetics clinics where we discussed the pathophysiology of Bartter’s syndrome. The residents were having a hard time understanding this disease, but [name of doctor] explained the exact pathophysiology and downstream effects of it. The incredible intellect, mentorship and leadership [name of doctor] demonstrated has inspired me to pursue a nephrology fellowship upon completion of my residency.

During my elective rotations in [name of cities], I saw indigenous pediatric patients with a variety of ailments from hypoglycemia to cystic fibrosis. I spoke with them about the struggles of travelling long distances to obtain care. As an Inuit member of the [name of group], I have spent time reflecting on the medical needs of this much-overlooked population and hope to explore ways of reaching out to underserved populations in my future career.

I am prepared to be a leader and engaged learner in my residency program because of my participation in impactful leadership roles. I am currently the president of the [name of society], where one of my main duties is coordinating the [name of initiative], an initiative that teaches children about hospitals and healthy living. I was able to spend one-on-one time with disabled children teaching them about the heart through dance and instruments and activities to decrease fears associated with hospitals. This demonstrated the importance of promoting health care initiatives for kids and educate families and their children on how to be advocates of their own health.

As a competitive Irish dancer for sixteen years, I developed perseverance, determination, and time management that have been critical throughout my medical school training. Competing in front of judges and thousands of spectators all over the world, performing to my best ability under intense pressure was a necessity. I persevered with the challenge of competing at an international level and still maintained a very high level of academic performance while achieving my career high of second at the World Championships.

As an IMG applicant born and raised in [name of city] and educated in [name of country], I believe that my international education provides many advantages. I was exposed to diverse cultures and innovative ways of thinking from teachers from all over the globe at the [name of college] that I hope to bring back to Canada with me. Through the last 6 years, I have also had many research experiences and clinical electives in Canada that have given me insights into the intricacies of the Canadian Health Care system.

I am confident that pediatrics is the field I wish to pursue and I cannot wait to begin my residency so that I can start becoming an excellent clinician who advocates for children, as well as a scholar involved in research projects that will help advance the field. After successfully completing my pediatric residency program, I plan to pursue a pediatric fellowship. I am excited at the prospect of working and learning at the [name of school] while being an active and professional member of your residency program. I am also looking forward to developing my teaching skills and contributing to the community while also enjoying bike rides down the paths in the [name of path] and to be reunited with my [name of city] based family.

Want to see more Pediatrics Personal Statement Examples ?

“Code blue, electrophysiology laboratory” a voice announces overhead during my cardiology rotation. As the code team, we rush to the patient, an elderly man in shock. Seamlessly, we each assume our preassigned roles. I quickly review his chart and note to the team-leader that this patient had a previous EF of 10 percent and just got cardioverted. Vasopressors administered, intubation, central line secured, and the patient is stabilized and sent to our floor. During my rotations in internal medicine, I was constantly elated by my team’s ability to come together at such key moments. This gave me a sense of joy I did not find in other rotations. Moreover, I had inspiring attending physicians and residents who served as my mentors. They taught me that an internist is a medical expert committed to evidence-based medicine and perpetual learning, a compassionate physician, and an engaged community member. These lessons and the satisfaction of managing highly complex cases with a dedicated team consolidated my interest in internal medicine.

Compassion and a holistic approach to medicine remain quintessential for patient care. During my rotations, I took advantage of opportunities to learn from my patients both at the bedside and through independent reading. As a senior student, I prepared learning capsules that I presented to my team. This taught me to synthesize and communicate information efficiently. Beyond that, I took courses outside of the formal curriculum such as a point-of-care ultrasound course to improve my ultrasound procedural skills. When we no longer had any curative interventions to offer patients, I learned that acknowledging the patients’ suffering and being present for them in their most vulnerable time can ease their pain. As a resident at [name of school], I will continue my dedication to academic excellence and compassionate, patient-centered care in my efforts to care for my patients.

I have built strong ties to my community serving as president of the [name of school] Biology Student Union. Together, we enacted a complex study space and locker initiative through my role as a mentor at [name of organization]. These experiences instilled in me the values of proactivity and advocacy which I aim to bring with me to [name of school]. There, I hope to continue my community engagement as a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of [name of city]. Moreover, as I learn more about [name of town]'s healthcare system, I hope to combine that knowledge with my medical education to add my perspective to health policy decision-making in the province.

In addition to its excellent academic reputation, [name of school]’s commitment to academic excellence and continuing education, as exemplified by the abundant academic teaching, drew me to the program. Moreover, given my belief that we develop to be an amalgam of characteristics and values our mentors espouse, I was delighted to learn about the mentorship opportunities available. This was a unique characteristic that motivated me to apply to [name of school]. Finally, having lived in [name of city] for the last ten years, I am looking forward to spending the next chapter of my life in a smaller, more tightly knit community of [name of city].

As I learned and modeled the different roles of an internist, I also learned a lot about myself. I learned of my thirst for knowledge, of my desire to treat as well as to heal the patient, and of my urge to be a leader in my community. These characteristics will play a defining role in my residency. I also learned of my passion for acute medicine. After my residency, I hope to further subspecialize in cardiology. As a future cardiologist, I aim to provide patient-centered care, conduct research, continue my community engagement, and act as a role model to future generation.

Get inspired with these Cardiology Personal Statement Examples !

Watch this to learn what red flags to avoid in your residency personal statement!

Residency Personal Statement Examples: Psychiatry

I grew up in a tight knit military family in a community struck with the stigma of mental illness. Throughout my childhood we lost friends to the complications of untreated mental illness including overdose and suicide. I knew at that point that I wanted to pursue mental illness and completed a psychology degree and then a nursing degree. In University, I volunteered in a distress service for 6 years, providing individual sessions to students on issues including suicidality, interpersonal violence and addiction. As a registered nurse, I honed my skills in mental status examinations and cared for their comorbid psychiatric illness with medical disease utilizing communication and building rapport. I saw the impact of life altering conditions and procedures on their mental health. As a medical student, I continued to explore psychiatry through City X summer studentship and appreciated the breadth of psychiatric practice. As a clerk, I completed a range of psychiatric electives, caring for patients in multiple care settings and across various socioeconomic and age ranges. I enrolled in the integrated community clerkship, in X town, a community 900 km North of X city. The socioeconomic disparities and lack of access to mental health services had a negative impact on community, with suicidality and addictions. I followed my patients across practice domains assessing their functioning, medication regimen and continued to build a collaborative relationship. This proved crucial to uncover their health status across domains and helped me identify areas to support their challenges. 

I value the ability to understand my patients from a biopsychosocial framework and addressing negative thought processes in support of their wellness. I view our duty in psychiatry is to support their strengths on a trajectory to wellness and provide guidance and resources utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Psychiatry is a newer field of medicine, allowing for ongoing innovations in treatment and practice. This is exciting to explore novel approaches to treatments as we continue to uncover the physiological, neurological and pharmacological dimensions of mental health. It is also important to recognize the challenges of psychiatry. The history of mental illness creates access to care barriers from both a structural viewpoint with longer wait times and on a personal level due to their concern about the social and occupational implications of stigma. As our population ages, this threatens to overwhelm the current psychiatric infrastructure and will require more complex approaches due to medical comorbidities and medication contraindications. We will require ongoing research focused on medical comorbidities of neuropsychiatric illness and treatment modalities to improve quality of care. 

I am drawn to the University of X psychiatry program due to its resident focused approach. I appreciate the ongoing mentorship and supervision and the preparatory endeavors including the mock examinations. From a clinical perspective, the program has a strong psychotherapy curriculum and offers unique elective opportunities including electroconvulsive therapy. The ability to continue serving rural communities solidifies my interests in this well-known program. 

Check out these Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples !

“People are drawn to medicine in one of two ways: the humanity or the science.” My mentor, [name of doctor], staff medical oncologist at the [name of hospital], once told me this. As a volunteer during my premedical studies, I assisted him with his impromptu lunchtime clinics while others were on break and was able to catch a glimpse of his patients’ unshakable trust in him. Those moments sparked my interest in Internal Medicine. Internists are entrusted with the most complex patients in any hospital. Therefore, Internists take on the responsibility of a patient’s trust in their lowest, most disoriented moments. Accordingly, when I finally started clinical rotations, I saw it as my responsibility to fully understand each patient’s motivations and fears to advocate for their goals. One patient I had gotten to know still stands out in my mind. She was 95, witty, and self-assured but was found to have bone metastasis causing excruciating pain during her hospital stay. She knew she did not want aggressive life-prolonging treatment and declined further workup, but how could we help her? I suggested palliative radiotherapy to my team because I remember her telling me “I had a good life. I am not scared of death, but if I have to be around for a while, can’t I be more comfortable?” Therefore, my team entrusted me to talk to her and her family about a referral to Radiation Oncology. She responded to me with “I don’t think there’s anyone who knows what I’d want better than you. You’ve listened to me so much. I trust you.” I spent the next half hour explaining the rationale behind the referral to both her and her family. She received urgent Radiotherapy two weeks later. Her narcotic requirement decreased by more than half. After that moment, I envisioned that one day, I could also look into the eyes of someone at their most vulnerable moment and give them confidence to trust me and my team with their care.

Although my interest in Internal Medicine is rooted in the human connection, my attention to detail, work ethic, and natural curiosity, also makes me especially well-suited for the challenges of Internal Medicine. Indeed, beyond the human connection, Internal Medicine’s challenges of complex problem solving, and large ever-growing breadth of knowledge is also what makes each day so satisfying. When I was on the Nephrology Consult service, I was following a patient with a kidney transplant who was admitted for Line Sepsis. I noticed a mild Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis and a persistent mild Hyperkalemia. I presented my findings to my staff as a possible Type 4 RTA. He complimented me on my attention to detail and warned that a Type 4 RTA in a kidney transplant patient could be a sign of rejection. We restarted his anti-rejection medication that had been held due to his infection, his electrolyte abnormalities corrected in less than two days. My attention to detail is a particular asset for Internal Medicine because more than any other specialty, the tiniest details like a mildly abnormal lab work, when pieced together in the correct way, could solve the most difficult clinical problem. That is also what makes problem-solving in Internal Medicine so satisfying. My mentors have always complimented me on my work ethic. However, I enjoy staying late for admissions and additional learning or reading hours around my patients at home because learning Internal Medicine is so interesting.

On the other hand, Internists are also tasked with the very large, working with multiple professionals and navigate system issues to keep patients healthy and out of hospital such as when [name of doctor] entrusted me with planning the discharge of a homeless patient during my Medicine CTU elective at [name of hospital]. The patient had Schizophrenia and Grave’s Disease and had been admitted to hospital multiple times that year with thyrotoxicosis due to medication non-adherence. During his admission, I had elicited the help of two homeless outreach coordinators to ensure proper follow-up. Therefore, by the time of discharge, he had a new family doctor, timely appointments with the family doctor and endocrinologist, maps with directions to each appointment, his prescription medications ready to go, as well as a new apartment application.

Ultimately, I am fortunate to be drawn to Internal Medicine for both its humanity and science. I believe that I have the qualities that will help me excel in its smallest details and its largest responsibilities. In residency, I aim to explore and learn as much Internal Medicine as possible before becoming an expert in one area so I can make an informed choice and be a well-rounded physician. Therefore, the fact that [name of city] has so many leading experts especially suits my learning goals. Indeed, during my electives in [name of city], I’ve already learned knowledge that I’ve not encountered elsewhere like the Bernese method of Buprenorphine induction. The availability of resources such as the DKA management simulation and the use of presentations of cutting-edge knowledge as part of evaluation also suits my self-directed learning style. Furthermore, my research has focused on the PMCC Gastro-Esophageal Cancer Database where we were able to discover various new details in the clinical behavior of Gastro-Esophageal cancer due to the large volume of patients are PMCC and its world-class expertise. This line of research would not work as well anywhere else in [name of country]. Indeed, our database is currently the second-largest in the world. Therefore, the second reason [name of city] is my ideal place for training is for its unique research opportunities, so I can continue to contribute to further medical knowledge. Lastly, [name of city] is the most diverse city in [name of country]. Growing up as an immigrant, I had experienced how cultural backgrounds can become a barrier to receiving good medical care. Therefore, the diverse patient population and strong allied health support in [name of city] could also allow me to hone the skills required to assist me in providing good quality care to all patients, regardless of background.

Here are more Internal Medicine Personal Statement Examples !

Here I am, yet again. Last year, I also applied for a position as a dermatology resident. Though I was not selected, I return with the same diligence and perseverance, as well as additional skills and knowledge. My continued dedication to pursue a career in dermatology reminds me that no good thing comes easily and pushes me to stay motivated and work hard toward my goals. 

I am drawn to dermatology for a host of reasons, one of which is the opportunity to work with my hands. In my current residency program, I have had the opportunity to assist in various surgical procedures. I recall the subdued exhilaration I felt when removing my first lipoma and the satisfaction of observing the surgeon completed the procedure with precision and care. My excitement for surgery continued to be reinforced in the many subsequent procedures I assisted with and I look forward to honing my surgical skills further as I complete my training in dermatology. 

However, to me, “hands-on” is defined as more than just its literal meaning. The opportunity to build relationships with patients steers me more towards a career in outpatient medicine. During my dermatology outpatient rotation, I was involved in the care of a patient who presented initially complaining of a heliotrope rash and gottron’s papules. When she expressed a deep sense of shame about this rash, I became acutely aware of how patient’s external disease can influence their internal emotions. I thus responded empathetically, simultaneously validating her concerns and providing her with much-needed assurance. When she was later diagnosed with dermatomyositis secondary to underlying breast cancer, this patient requested to speak to me specifically, recalling the positive interaction we had shared before. Again, I was able to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan with patience and regard for her every concern. Developing a trusted physician-patient relationship is crucial in the field of dermatology because most patients exhibit strong internal emotions from their visually external disease. Also important is the ability to deliver difficult news and be considerate of patients’ feelings in these delicate moments. I plan to continue to use these skills during my career as a dermatologist.  

To me, dermatology is also a field that is thought-provoking and stimulating due to its constant evolution and advancements. Thus, during my internship, I committed to educating myself in the field of dermatology through multiple research projects. My research thus far has been focused on whether UV light lamps used in gel manicures increases the risk of skin cancers as well as the outcomes of using intralesional 5-fluorouracil for squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthomas. While my research was focused in the field of dermatology, I did not hesitate to take on additional projects, pursuing assignments in both breast cancer and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. I strongly believe the best doctors have a thorough understanding of the practice of medicine in totality as our ability to incorporate this knowledge in our diagnosis and treatment of our patients directly impacts their wellbeing. For these reasons, I strive to continually educate myself in not only dermatology, but other fields that might have implications on my practice. 

My ideal dermatology program would allow me to manage a variety of complex medical dermatological conditions and engage in research, both of which will continue to challenge me intellectually and push me to exercise creativity to develop innovative solutions to dermatological treatments. As someone who enjoys working with my hands and the instant gratification of the surgical approach as a treatment option, I would also value the opportunity to perform surgeries and improve my surgical skills. Furthermore, I have found that beyond medicine, the people in each program make or break an experience. Positive attitudes, expressed dedication, and mentorship are vital characteristics in any program of my interest.

I am confident my aspirations will be fulfilled in the field of dermatology, but more importantly, I know I will be a good contribution to this field and your program – my work ethic, motivation, and commitment unwavering. I am determined, impassioned, and excited to embark on this next phase of my journey. 

Check out even more Dermatology Personal Statement Examples !

10 more residency personal statement examples.

Your residency personal statement should be within a one-page limit or approximately 750-850 words. Be sure to check your specific program requirements to verify before you begin writing.

If you feel something in your application will be seen as a red flag, it's best to address issues head-on instead of having admissions committees dwell on possible areas of concern. If you took a gap year before residency , ensure that you have a clear narrative for why you took this break, what you did on break and what this break means for your ability to function at a very high academic level. If you're addressing a poor evaluation, ensure that you take responsibility for your grade, discuss what you learned and how your performance will be improved in the future - then move on. It's important that you don't play the victim and you must always reflect on what lessons you've learned moving forward.

Absolutely. While it's not necessary to discuss your personal connection to a program location, showing program directors that you have ties to their program's location can give you a competitive edge over other applicants. The reason being is that it's a way to show program directors that you are invested in practicing medicine locally. If one of the reasons you love a particular program is because of its location in your hometown, don't be afraid to mention this. Whether you enjoy the outdoor activities in the program's location, have family and friends in the area, or even grew up in the area at some point, these can all be great aspects to mention.

If you are not given a prompt to address, your residency personal statement needs to answer “why this specialty?” and “why this program?”. Your responses must be supported with your personal experiences and your statement should incorporate your future career goals.

No, instead you'll be preparing one personal statement for each specialty. For example, if you're applying to emergency medicine and family medicine, you'll need to prepare one statement for emergency medicine and one statement for family medicine.

As long as it's during the application season, you can edit and review your personal statement. However, keep in mind that if you edit your personal statement, there is no guarantee that programs will review the most up to date version. For this reason, it's best to only assign your personal statement to programs once you've 100% happy with the final version.

No, there is no limit on how many personal statements you can create. 

Your personal statement should have three major structural elements: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Your thesis statement will appear in your introduction in the first paragraph. The body is for you to discuss major experiences relevant to your chosen specialty, and the conclusion is generally the place to summarize and highlight some of the item you mentioned in the body or introduction.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

it is comprehensive and precise

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Shiva! Thank you very much for your comment! Glad you found these helpful.

Get Started Now

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar: 

How to make your residency application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 reasons most applicants don't match their top choice program).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll match to a residency program.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

The Residency Personal Statement (2024/2025): 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 2025.

Read example residency personal statements and suggested outlines., introduction.

We have been working with residency applicants who successfully match into the programs and specialities of choice for more than 15 years and a key part of that success, is writing a compelling residency personal statement.

Having worked with so many applicants, we know you will get differing advice depending on who you ask. The key to our applicants’ success is that we understand how to write a residency personal statement that has broad appeal and will impress all types of readers.

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 one page).

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

Table of Contents

Goals for Writing Your 2025 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

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 aspects of the diagnoses and pathologies involved do you enjoy? What do you value about the actual work you will do? How do you feel about the patients for whom you will care?

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

Residency Related Articles and Guidance

• Residency Match Statistics
• Residency Personal Statement
• Residency Match: How It Works & How To Get Matched
• How to write a residency interview thank you letter.
• What Outfit To Wear To Your Residency Interview
• 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

• Family Medicine Residency Match: Beat more than 4400 Applications
• Pediatrics Residency Match: Beat more than 3000 Applicaitons
• Internal Medicine Residency Match: Beat more than 10,000 Applications
• General Surgery Residency Match: BEAT more than 1900 Applications
• Emergency Medicine Residency Match: BEAT more than 2600 Applications
• Anesthesiology Residency Match: BEAT more than 2,000 Applicants

JESSICA FREEDMAN, M.D. , a former medical school and residency admissions officer at the  Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , is the founder and chair of MedEdits Medical Admissions and author of three top-selling books about the medical admissions process that you can find on  Amazon .

• Website Disclaimer
• Terms and Conditions
• MedEdits Privacy Policy

Crafting Your Personal Statement for Residency: Examples and Critique

• August 22, 2024
• balance|ERAS|Residency
• Reviewed by: Amy Rontal, MD

If you’re starting on your ERAS personal statement, chances are you’re struggling with your “hook” (or introductory paragraph). We get it—”blank page syndrome” is real!

Rather than turning to ChatGPT to write your essay for you, we’re here to help you get over writer’s block with a full personal statement example, plus some tips to help you critique your own!

Take this intro for example:*

“Imagine this scenario: I am standing in the ER at 2 a.m., surrounded by chaos, with a critically ill patient in front of me . In this moment, everything I have learned about medicine seems to converge. I am brought back to a fateful summer evening when I was five years old, sitting beside my younger sister as she struggled to breathe, her severe asthma casting a shadow of fear over our family.

The helplessness I felt then mirrors the urgency I now face in the ER, but back then, the calm expertise of the pediatrician who brought relief to my sister left a profound impact on me. Those early experiences planted the seed of a calling that has grown through every life-altering moment since, shaping me into a physician who thrives in the very situations others shy away from. My journey into medicine wasn’t just a decision—it was a path forged by an early experience that led to a strong desire to help children and parents through challenging moments of their lives. Here’s why I am uniquely prepared to take on the challenges of residency.”

Why do I characterize this as a good introductory paragraph for a residency personal statement? Ask yourself: 

• Does it grab your attention?
• Does it hint what specialty the applicant is applying for?
• Does it make you want to continue reading?

This introduction does a good job at all three, which is essential for your residency personal statement. 

We’ll dive into the rest of the essay shortly and give it a full review, but first, let’s first take a quick look at why your personal statement is such an important part of your application, plus some general “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to writing your own. 

* The personal statement included in this post is a sample created for illustrative purposes only. The content and details provided are fictional and do not reflect any real individuals or their personal statements. However, the advice and guidelines demonstrated in this sample are based on real and applicable best practices for an effective personal statement.

Personal Statement for Residency: Examples of What Makes a Strong Essay

Crafting a standout personal statement for your ERAS application is crucial. This is your opportunity to present yourself as more than just grades and scores—your personal statement allows you to convey your unique background and journey into medicine, your drive and passion for the field, along with your suitability for the specialty you’re applying to. 

Let’s begin with the “do’s” when it comes to writing a personal statement. 

1. Weave a story with a compelling narrative.

As we saw with our sample introductory paragraph, it’s good to share a personal story or experience that inspired your interest in the specialty. This could be a patient interaction, a research experience, or a personal health journey. Make sure to tie it to whichever medical speciality you apply to. 

2. Reflect and answer the question: why this specialty?

Delve into the reasons you’re drawn to the specialty you’re pursuing. Think about and share the moments in your medical training that resonated with you and reinforced your desire to pursue this particular field. Was it the complexity of cases in internal medicine, the immediacy of care and decision making in emergency medicine, or the holistic approach in family medicine that attracted you?

Share a specific experience, clinical rotation, or patient interaction that solidified your interest. Show, don’t just tell, by which I mean instead of stating you’re compassionate or dedicated, illustrate these traits through specific examples. Describe how a particular event (or events) shaped your perspective on medicine.

3. Explain any red flags and showcase personal growth and development.

Mention any significant challenges or setbacks and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and adaptability, which are key traits for any resident. Discuss how adversity added layers to your character, and while addressing weaknesses in your application , do so honestly and reflect on what you learned from those experiences.

4. Highlight specific skills and qualities. 

Consider the skills and qualities that are particularly important in your chosen specialty. Are you a strong communicator, adept at working in teams, or particularly skilled in procedures? Provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these skills in your clinical experiences.

5. Discuss your personal interests. 

Don’t shy away from discussing your interests outside of medicine if they contribute to your unique perspective or approach to healthcare. Whether it’s a passion for global health, a background in engineering, or a dedication to community service, these aspects can differentiate you from other candidates.

Alternatively, you can articulate your career goals and how the residency program will help you achieve them. Whether you aim to work in academic medicine, contribute to public health, or specialize further, make sure your goals are specific and aligned with the training the program offers.

6. Have a strong concluding paragraph. 

End your personal statement with a strong closing that ties back to your introduction. Reinforce your passion for the specialty and express enthusiasm about the possibility of contributing to and growing within the residency program.

7. Ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors, typos, and is clearly written. 

Have multiple sets of eyes review it for clarity and impact. 

Personal Statement for Residency: Examples of Pitfalls to Avoid

And now, let’s review the “don’ts” when it comes to writing your residency personal statement. 

Be sure to avoid the following: 

1. Don’t rehash your CV.

There’s no need for your personal statement to be a reiteration of your medical CV . Instead, focus on experiences that have profoundly shaped your career choices or that demonstrate your values and personality. Provide insight into your motivations and reflections that cannot be gleaned from your CV alone.

2. Avoid clichés or generic statements. 

Phrases like “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor” or “I’m a hard worker” are overused and don’t differentiate you from other applicants. Such statements don’t provide any new or unique information about you.

Instead, try to be specific and personal. Use anecdotes that illustrate your qualities and experiences, and explain how these moments have contributed to your decision to pursue a particular specialty and what you can contribute to the program. 

3. Don’t be overly humble or self-deprecating. 

While it’s important to avoid arrogance, being excessively humble or self-critical can undermine your accomplishments and suggest a lack of confidence. Residency programs are looking for candidates who can recognize their strengths.

Strike a balance by confidently discussing your achievements, while acknowledging areas where you continue to grow. Show that you’re self-aware and willing to learn, but also that you’re proud of your accomplishments.

4. Don’t ignore the specialty you’re applying for.

Failing to tailor your personal statement to the specific residency program or specialty can make you appear indifferent or undecided. Generic statements about the field of medicine suggest a lack of genuine interest or understanding of the specialty.

Instead, research the specialty and the specific program you’re applying to, and clearly articulate why you’re drawn to it. Mention aspects of the program that align with your career goals and explain why you’re a good fit.

5. Don’t write about irrelevant or inappropriate topics.

Including topics that are not relevant to your medical career, such as personal relationships, or overly dramatic life events that don’t tie into your professional journey, can distract from the purpose of the personal statement.

Rather, write about experiences and reflections that directly relate to your path in medicine and the specialty you’re pursuing. Keep the narrative professional, and ensure that every story or point you include serves to reinforce your suitability for the program.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a personal statement that is compelling, professional, and reflective of your unique journey in medicine.

ERAS Personal Statement Example 

Now that you have a bit more background on what (and what not) to do when it comes to a residency personal statement, let’s get back to our sample personal statement and review it. While fictional, the advice and guidelines demonstrated in this sample are based on real and applicable best practices for an effective personal statement. 

Here’s the full essay (again, fictional and for illustrative purposes only!):

T he helplessness I felt then mirrors the urgency I now face in the ER, but back then, the calm expertise of the pediatrician who brought relief to my sister left a profound impact on me. Those early experiences planted the seed of a calling that has grown through every life-altering moment since, shaping me into a physician who thrives in the very situations others shy away from. My journey into medicine wasn’t just a decision—it was a path forged by an early experience that led to a strong desire to help children and parents through challenging moments of their lives. Here’s why I am uniquely prepared to take on the challenges of residency.”

As I progressed through medical school, my experiences led me towards pediatrics. During my rotations, I found myself energized by the unique challenges of caring for children and deeply moved by the resilience they often showed in the face of illness. I recall one particular case I was a part of, a four-year-old boy with a complex congenital heart defect. His journey was one of numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, but through it all, his spirit remained unbroken. The bond I developed with him and his family over months of care was unlike anything I had experienced in other rotations. I realized that in pediatrics, we are not just treating the patient, but the entire family. This holistic approach to care, where empathy, patience, and communication are as crucial as clinical acumen, resonated with me deeply.

Throughout my medical training, I sought out experiences that would prepare me for a career in pediatrics. I volunteered at community health fairs, providing care and education to underserved populations, and I spent a summer working in a rural pediatric clinic, where I saw firsthand the disparities in healthcare access. These experiences reinforced my commitment to advocating for children’s health, particularly in vulnerable populations. I also pursued research in pediatric infectious diseases, contributing to a study on vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised children. This work deepened my understanding of the delicate balance between innovation in treatment and the importance of prevention in pediatrics.

What excites me most about a career in pediatrics is the opportunity to be a constant in a child’s life, helping them grow and thrive from infancy through adolescence. I am drawn to the diversity of the field, from preventive care in well-child visits to managing complex chronic conditions. I am also eager to work in a setting that values collaboration, where I can learn from a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the well-being of children in a meaningful way. I am particularly interested in pursuing a residency at a program that emphasizes community involvement and provides opportunities for advocacy and research, as I believe these are integral components of pediatric care.

I recognize that pediatrics requires not only a deep well of medical knowledge but also a capacity for empathy and patience. My experiences have equipped me with the resilience needed to face the emotional and physical demands of this field. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, and I am excited about the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to become a compassionate and effective pediatrician.

As I look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of residency, I am filled with a sense of purpose and eager to dedicate my career to the care of children and their families, to be the reassuring presence they need during difficult times, and to contribute to their health and well-being. Pediatrics is not just a specialty for me—it is the fulfillment of a lifelong passion, rooted in my earliest experiences and nurtured through years of education and training. I am ready to embark on this journey and to give my best to the children who will one day be under my care.”

Personal Statement Critique

Let’s review the essay above, so you can see what it got right and wrong. We’ll analyze it from the standpoint of the “do’s” when it comes to residency personal statements, and mention any shortcomings in connection to them.

1. Do: Start with a compelling narrative.

Success: The personal statement opens with a vivid memory from childhood, capturing the reader’s attention immediately. The story of the applicant’s sister’s asthma attack is a powerful way to illustrate early exposure to pediatrics, making it memorable and emotionally engaging. 

Critique: While the narrative is strong, it’s important to avoid over-reliance on early childhood experiences as the primary motivator for a career choice. This personal statement strikes a good balance between the applicant’s medical school experiences and early childhood memories. 

 2. Do: Reflect on your journey.

Success: The statement effectively reflects on the applicant’s journey through medical school, particularly by highlighting their connection with a pediatric patient who had a congenital heart defect. This section does a good job of showing how the applicant’s interest in pediatrics deepened through hands-on experience. 

 3. Do: Align with specialty specific values.

Success: The applicant mentions a desire to work in a residency that emphasizes community involvement, advocacy, and research, which aligns with many pediatric programs’ missions.

 4. Do: Showcase your unique qualities.

Success: The applicant highlights a range of experiences, including volunteering, rural clinic work, and research, which add depth to their profile. These experiences demonstrate a commitment to pediatrics and to serving underserved populations. 

5. Do: Finish strong. 

Success: The applicant concludes with a clear vision for their future in pediatrics, expressing a desire to contribute to the health and well-being of children through a holistic approach. 

Critique: While the vision is clear, the conclusion could be stronger by reiterating the connection between the applicant’s past experiences and future aspirations. A tie in to the intro paragraph would dovetail nicely. 

Overall, this personal statement is nice to read, with a compelling narrative and clear reflection on the applicant’s journey into pediatrics. It effectively conveys passion and a commitment to pediatric care, particularly in underserved communities.

However, it could be improved by making more connections between early experiences and current goals. There was no mention of any red flags or delays in education, which leads me to believe the applicant didn’t have any. However, if they did, then it should’ve been addressed in the personal statement. 

Final Thoughts

When writing a personal statement for residency, examples can really help illustrate what distinguishes a good essay from a bad one. Hopefully, these examples and tips give you a good sense of what should be included in your residency personal statement.

Good luck with your applications, and be sure to reach out to Blueprint’s residency counselors if you have any questions!

About the Author

Mike is a driven tutor and supportive advisor. He received his MD from Baylor College of Medicine and then stayed for residency. He has recently taken a faculty position at Baylor because of his love for teaching. Mike’s philosophy is to elevate his students to their full potential with excellent exam scores, and successful interviews at top-tier programs. He holds the belief that you learn best from those close to you in training. Dr. Ren is passionate about his role as a mentor and has taught for much of his life – as an SAT tutor in high school, then as an MCAT instructor for the Princeton Review. At Baylor, he has held review courses for the FM shelf and board exams as Chief Resident.   For years, Dr. Ren has worked closely with the office of student affairs and has experience as an admissions advisor. He has mentored numerous students entering medical and residency and keeps in touch with many of them today as they embark on their road to aspiring physicians. His supportiveness and approachability put his students at ease and provide a safe learning environment where questions and conversation flow. For exam prep, Mike will help you develop critical reasoning skills and as an advisor he will hone your interview skills with insider knowledge to commonly asked admissions questions.