personal statement for health and social care course

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Perfecting Your Personal Statement for Health and Social Care Courses

​​​Struggling to start writing your personal statement for a course within the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Gloucestershire? Here are my top tips to help you feel prepared and confident.

The personal statement is undoubtedly a key part of the application process for university courses, allowing you to showcase your subject knowledge, relevant skills and experience and to stand out from others applying.

At the University of Gloucestershire, we are looking for applicants to have work experience or volunteering experience which demonstrates the types of skills that are key for these health and social care courses. How could you demonstrate, for example, proven communication with lots of different community groups and compassion and empathy for others? This experience could include in a care home, community hospital or charity shop for instance. It is also important to note that for our Physiotherapy course, we are looking for specific work experience whether that be within a physiotherapy clinic or shadowing a physiotherapist.

Secondly, try and avoid using empty statements . These are phrases often found in personal statements which provide no real information about you on their own. Examples might be “the Six Cs are important I can demonstrate all of them” or “I have proven teamwork and communication skills”. Rather than using these standalone phrases, always link back to the experiences you’ve had (which could include hobbies and interests) that demonstrate these skills. In fact, make it really clear why you are applying to that specific course and what you will bring to it.

Last but not least, remember it is a personal statement after all. It should be unique to you , to enable you to stand out amongst a sea of other applications and be invited to an interview.

For more tips on writing your personal statement, you can chat to me or visit the UCAS website.

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Perfecting a Health and Social Care Personal Statement: a Guide with Examples

By: Angelina Grin

After completing your school studies, you can continue on to university or look for employment. If you decide to go on with your education, your personal statement will be your ticket to receiving the study place you want. What’s more, even if you already have years of work experience behind your shoulders, a personal statement will remain a powerful tool in your job search.

Typical Health and Social Care Personal Statement Examples

Making the introduction engaging, be as specific as possible, writing a memorable conclusion, a brilliant health and social care personal statement is one step away.

In this guide, we will look at a sample personal statement and find out what can be done to perfect it. We will also show you examples of what can ruin the impression about you for the person reading your cover letter.

First, let’s start by taking a look at a typical personal statement a university admissions committee receives from the applicants, written by Angela:

Dear Sir or Madam,

My name is Angela Thompson, and I am currently finishing my senior year of high school in Los Angeles. I am applying to the University of Washington for the Health and Social Care program, as my biggest dream is to become a support worker at NHS.

Here is some information about me: I am an 18 years old student passionate about receiving a profession in health care. I have managed to maintain a great academic standing throughout my high school years while participating in a variety of social activities.

The University of Washington is my first choice when it comes to receiving a qualification that will prepare me for working relationships in the healthcare sphere, as its reputation speaks for itself. Besides, it offers a vast selection of specialization opportunities for students, which is definitely a plus for me.

I am an active, sociable, and empathic person. In my spare time, I love watching healthcare-related TED talks and interviews with outstanding people talking about society's problems. To me, studying is the most productive way to spend my free time. I am ready for all the hard work that needs to be done in order to become a qualified healthcare professional.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Angela Thompson

Such a personal statement is something hundreds and even thousands of young people across the country submit to educational institutions throughout their application process. However, there are several major issues with this example because it does not:

• stand out among others
• offer enough details about the author
• focus on subject-related achievements
• specify the applicant’s future plans

Despite the lack of such information, this letter can be upgraded to a personal statement that will not miss the attention of the admissions committee. Read on to find out how!

Tips to Upgrade a Mediocre Personal Statement

To be completely fair, let’s highlight the good things about Angela’s personal statement:

• it is focusing on the healthcare sphere
• it follows a clear, logical structure: intro, background, motivation, personal traits and skills
• it shows that the person is result-oriented

Knowing the advantages and downsides of this letter, it will be easier to fix and improve it. Here is a list of our suggestions on how to upgrade this personal statement in three easy steps:

Telling everything about yourself in the introduction may seem logical, but make sure you balance this information out with something the reader will remember. For instance, it can be a joke or an unusual fact about you. Here is a sample of a great intro:

My name is Angela Thompson, and I am applying to the Health and Social Care program at the University of Washington. My biggest dream is to do social work on a professional level. I have found this passion during my high school years (“right about time”, as my parents say) when doing voluntary work as a part of my school project. My teammates and I were raising awareness about the mental health issues of domestic violence victims and collecting funds for their support and treatment. It was a win-win situation, as I not only managed to help the local community and figured out what I want to do in life but also got into the Guinness Book of World Records together with my teammates, as the largest school-based volunteering program.

This sample demonstrates a personal statement introduction that makes the applicant wishing to become a social worker stand out due to an unusual story and a sprinkle of humor. Besides, the assessor can understand that the applicant has successful experience in teamwork and is passionate about the field of studies.

An introduction that is uninformative and too short will not hook the reader and can only be taken as an anti example.

Having a well-structured personal statement is not enough if the information you provide in it is vague. In the example, the student writes:

• “receiving a health care profession”
• “a variety of social activities”
• “which is definitely a plus for me”
• “talking about society's problems”

All these statements are really indefinite and could be written by anyone. Make them personal! For example:

• “Receiving a healthcare profession in midwifery is my biggest desire, because…”
• “I am a peer tutor, head of the student council, and take part in local charities, such as…”
• “I appreciate the variety of specializations available at Newcastle University because I am yet to decide whether I want to focus on the childcare or mental health sphere.”
• “I am deeply concerned about society’s problems, such as vaccination shortage and the availability of care homes. My family and I have faced these issues during our immigration process.”

Once you are sure that your personal statement reflects who you really are and contains all subject-related achievements you wish to share, you can move on to the conclusion.

The conclusion you’ve read in the personal statement example is alright. The author writes about notable skills and spending spare time. However, you can do it better by listing them in connection with your spheres of interest. For example:

I believe I would be a good addition to the Health and Social Care program offered by Washington University, as I possess skills that are crucial for carers, such as time management, leadership, responsibility, and empathy. Throughout my volunteering experience, I have learned that a healthcare professional should be multitasking and organized at all times. I don’t panic even when working under pressure, which is yet another valuable quality for the career I wish to pursue. I also have strong communication skills, which will be helpful when assisting health care service users with special needs.

I would be more than grateful if you considered me as a worthy candidate,

We highly recommend avoiding the usage of cliche phrases and quotes, as the university representatives want to hear what you specifically have to say.

Now you know how to improve your personal statement and get that study place you’re aiming for! However, if you are running short on time or you are still not sure what exactly to write, it is better not to risk blowing your chance.

Experts at Studybay have years of successful experience writing masterful personal statements, essays, cover letters, and other texts that get applicants into higher education institutes. Our written works are plagiarism-free and tailored to your needs. Do not hesitate to reach out and order the work, and best of luck with your application process!

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Perfecting a Health and Social Care Personal Statement

Introduction

Welcome to The Knowledge Nest, your trusted source for comprehensive guidance on health and social care personal statements. Crafting a compelling personal statement is essential for gaining admission to top educational institutions and securing a successful career in this field. With our expert tips and advice, you'll learn how to stand out from the competition and excel in your application.

Why is the Personal Statement Important?

The personal statement is a crucial component of your application for health and social care programs. It provides an opportunity for you to showcase your passion, experiences, and suitability for the field. Admissions committees carefully review personal statements to assess your ability to articulate your motivations, abilities, and future goals. A well-crafted personal statement can make the difference in securing a place in your desired program.

Understanding the Requirements

Before diving into writing your personal statement, it's vital to understand the specific requirements of your target institutions. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and program details. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your personal statement to align with their expectations and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their unique offerings.

Structuring Your Personal Statement

A well-structured personal statement presents your ideas in a logical and engaging manner. Begin by introducing yourself and providing background information that highlights your passion for health and social care. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your experiences and the impact they've had on your desire to pursue a career in this field.

Subheading 1: Highlighting Your Experiences

In this section, delve into specific experiences that have shaped your interest in health and social care. Discuss any relevant volunteer work, internships, or employment that have exposed you to the challenges and rewards of the field. Highlight the skills and knowledge you've acquired and how they have influenced your decision to pursue this career path.

Subheading 2: Showcasing Your Academic Achievements

Demonstrate your academic prowess in this section. Highlight your relevant coursework, research projects, and any honors or awards you've received. Discuss how your academic achievements have deepened your understanding of health and social care and motivated you to strive for excellence in the field.

Subheading 3: Demonstrating Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills play a crucial role in health and social care. Discuss how your communication, problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork skills will enable you to excel in this profession. Provide specific examples of situations where you've utilized these skills and their positive impact on those you've interacted with.

Stand Out with Unique Insights

To truly make your personal statement shine, offer unique insights into the field of health and social care. Share your thoughts on current challenges, emerging trends, or innovative approaches. By showcasing your knowledge and critical thinking abilities, you'll demonstrate your potential to contribute to the field and make a lasting impact.

In conclusion, crafting a well-crafted health and social care personal statement is essential for gaining admission to top educational institutions and securing a successful career in this field. Utilize the guidance and tips provided by The Knowledge Nest to perfect your personal statement and stand out from the competition. With dedication and careful planning, you can maximize your chances of success and embark on a fulfilling journey in health and social care. Good luck!

For personalized assistance and further guidance, feel free to reach out to The Knowledge Nest's team of experts. We're here to help you achieve your goals.

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Writing the Personal Statement for Health Professions Applications

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🎥  Watch this short video

The personal statement gives you the opportunity to present a compelling snapshot of who you are and perhaps why you want to be a doctor. Use your personal statement to say what others can’t. The personal statement can be a tricky genre to master. On the one hand, you want to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and who you are. On the other hand, you must sound focused and professional, which sounds like it might impede your ability to capture your personality.

But this does not have to be the case. What you need to do is figure out how to say what drives you to want to become a healthcare professional in as specific a way as possible. The more specific you can be, the more the admissions committee will feel as if they have a sense of who you are.

You don’t need gimmicks, jokes, artificial drama, or hyperbole to express who you are or why you would make a good medical student or doctor. All you need are carefully selected details that you can craft into a unique and compelling story that conveys a sense of purpose and motivation.

What Makes a Good Personal Statement?

• There is no exact template for an effective personal statement. Often, however, strong personal statements combine a concise description of a personal experience with reflection on how this experience either led the writer to pursue medicine or indicates the writer’s character or commitment.
• Good personal statements often have a strong sense of narrative. This does not mean that they read like short stories, though they can relate a few scenes or anecdotes from your life. They have a strong sense of narrative, rather, in how they convey the writer’s sense of dedication to medicine. Strong personal statements often give readers an idea of how applicants see their experiences as leading to the decision to pursue medicine.

How to Get Started

The personal statement is an exercise in self-reflection. Questions to consider:

• Who are you?  I am driven to… I have learned to… I believe…
• What are your most passionate interests or concerns?  What problem(s) most occupy your thinking and your efforts?
• How did you develop those interests?  (Not just the story, but what drives you.)
• What errors or regrets have taught you something important about yourself?
• When does time disappear for you?  What does this tell you about your passions, your values?
• What ideas, books, courses, events have had a profound impact on you?  How so?
• To what extent do your current commitments reflect your most strongly held values?
• When have you changed?  Consider yourself before and after; what does this change mean?
• How do your interests and who you are relate to your goals in medical school and as a doctor?

Start a “shoebox”; a place to keep random notes for your personal statement; be ready to write at any time. Review these items occasionally; let them tell you more about what you want your personal statement to say. Start writing drafts, experiments; you will know when a paragraph begins to gel.

A Suggested Writing Process

Everyone writes differently, so these are potential strategies rather than rules.

• Make a list of some of your most defining experiences – extracurricular activities, specific classes, volunteer work, research, hobbies, etc. Try not to include overly personal experiences (breakups, trouble with parents, illnesses in the family, and so on). It’s difficult to write about such things without being sentimental or cliché. You want experiences in which you did something and had to make a choice.
• From this list, try to select an experience that particularly demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, your dedication to service, your composure under pressure, your leadership ability, or any other personal trait that you think is particularly relevant to your case that you would make a good doctor or medical student.
• Start writing a draft based on this experience. You want to be specific, but don’t get bogged down with an abundance of anecdotes or minutiae. Try to use your draft to craft a succinct story that demonstrates your character and your motivations.
• Set the draft aside for some time (a number of days or weeks), and then revisit it with fresh eyes. Be as honest with yourself as you can be: What works in this draft? What doesn’t work? What sounds cliché or unspecific? Would a reader who doesn’t know me at all get a sense of my personal character and dedication?
• Revise, revise, revise: tighten the structure, add new things to make your point clearer, take away sentences or sections that now seem unnecessary, use the active voice as much as possible, and anything else that needs to be done. If what you have just doesn’t seem to be coming together, do not be afraid to start over.
• Solicit feedback from a couple of trusted readers and revise again based on the suggestions that you find most useful. Don’t solicit feedback from too many people though – too many responses can be overwhelming.
• Edit your work for grammatical mistakes, typos, clumsy repetitions, and so on. Make your prose impeccable before you submit your statement. Asking help from other readers can be especially helpful with editing, as sometimes it gets difficult to read your work with fresh eyes.

Things to Do

• Use the experience that you describe to tell a story of personal progress, particularly progress towards your commitment to medicine.
• Write with active verbs as much as possible.
• Strive for concision.
• Sound humble but also confident.

Things Not to Do – Common Pitfalls

• Don’t talk in hyperbolic terms about how passionate you are. Everyone applying to medical school can say they are passionate. Instead, show your readers something you have done that indicates your passion.
• Don’t adopt an overly confessional or sentimental tone. You need to sound professional.
• Don’t treat the personal statement like a piece of creative writing.
• Don’t put your resume in narrative form.
• Don’t use jargon, abbreviations, slang, etc.
• Don’t use too many qualifiers: very, quite, rather, really, interesting…
• Don’t write in overly flowery language that you would normally never use.
• Don’t include famous quotations. If you must quote, use something that shows significant knowledge.
• Don’t write about yourself in an overly glorifying or overly self-effacing manner.

What to Remember

• They are read by non-specialists, so write for an intelligent non-medical audience.
• Actions sometimes speaks louder than words so give examples of experiences rather than describing them.
• All information must be accurate – don’t pad, but don’t be falsely modest either.
• The personal statement, in part, serves as a test of your communication skills.  How well you write it is as important as the content.

Writing Resources

• AAMC: 7 Tips for Writing your AMCAS Personal Statement
• Graduate Admission Essays: What Works, What Doesn’t and Why , Donald Asher, Ten Speed Press
• On Writing Well , William Zinsser
• Elements of Style , Strunk and White, Macmillan
• Article :  2 Med School Essays that Admissions Officers Loved
• Guidance for Writing Personal Statements, Work & Activities Section, Secondary Applications

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What is expected in a personal statement & interview for a health and social care course?

You should expect to tell them about what makes you a strong candidate to study the subject.

17 March 2021

David says:

Historically, many medical schools have not paid that much attention to personal statements but in the light of potential impact of COVID on applicants they may well be making more use of them in the future.

With interviews, there is often a focus on any work experience the applicant might have had. The interviewers would be wanting the applicant to be reflective and able to speak about what they have learned from the experiences (rather than requiring specific experiences).

Regarding Medicine applications, there is lots of useful advice on the  Medical Schools Council website . 

The main focus of the personal statement is your relationship with the subject; what is it about the subject that you particularly like, and what is it about you that would make you a particularly strong candidate to study this subject? Much like what David has said about interviews, a good way to demonstrate these things is by mentioning any work experience, plus any wider reading or research you have done, any activities or programmes that are related to the subject, and then analyse and reflect on these experiences to really draw out what you have learnt from them; what new knowledge and skills have you gained that will help you when you come to study the subject at university. 

For a more detailed exploration of the UCAS application process  watch this video  UCL have produced the following video which I would recommend any applicants watch. 

Answered by:

David Harrison

University admissions tests, Medicine

Ben Lund-Conlon

Applying for university

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Crafting an Impactful Health and Social Care Personal Statement

• by [email protected]
• 20 December 2023 20 December 2023

Are you aspiring to join the health and social care field? Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial. It showcases your passion, experience, and suitability for this rewarding career path.

Understanding the Importance

Why is a health and social care personal statement important? Explore its significance in your career journey.

Tips for Writing

Discover expert tips and strategies to create an impressive health and social care personal statement that stands out.

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UCAS personal statement examples

Having managed successfully to navigate through the 370,000 courses at over 370 providers across the UK, it is now time to make a start at drafting your personal statement.

Students often find this the most daunting of tasks within the application process. This guide will help you through putting together the statement that is going to help get you a place on your ideal course.

Knowing where to start and what to say to when setting out your reasons for applying and convincing the admissions tutor to offer you a place can be a challenge. Looking at examples of how other students have approached this can sometimes be helpful.

Example one

Things to consider when reading this example.

• Consider the structure – what are your thoughts around this?
• Think about spelling, grammar, and punctuation– how does this fare?
• What course do you think this personal statement may have been for?

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Ghandi

From a young age this quote has inspired my chosen career path to become a children’s nurse. Being one of many siblings I have the role of supporting my nieces and nephews when they become ill and providing comfort. Working with children in my family has motivated along this career path as it has taught me to take responsibility in life, become more organised and mature.

I am currently undertaking a health and social care course. This course has given me insight into the different aspects of health care and its overarching infra structure. Caring for children and young people helped me gain an understanding of the risk that children and young people may be put in and the exploitative and abusive behaviour that they may encounter. We focused on the tragic case of Victoria Climbie. This brought home the significance of multi agency working.

I am committed to ensuring that children and young people in my care are safe,healthy, enjoying and achieving, economic well being and putting in a positive contribution. A core element of the course has been work placement, working with children. This came in very useful for me because it taught me how to deal with children at different ages and what I need to do in order to meet their needs. During this work experience I was responsible for supporting and maintaining the children’s hygiene needs and encouraging them with their speech. I learnt different approaches to meeting the needs of children; for example I was taught to talk the children in a calm, but stern tone of voice when they misbehaved and to use very positive gestures and praise when children listened and kept to task.

I consider myself as having very good communications skills I am able to reassure people positively in any circumstance, I am the committed to ensuring that children and young people in my care are safe and healthy and I am confident when dealing with both children and parents, For example when a child injured herself in the nursery I shadowed one of the senior staff while they administered first aid, it was then my responsibility to explain to the caregiver exactly what had occurred.

I take part in many activities which are helping me to become independent ad preparing me for my course that I want to take part in, in university; I presently volunteer in a nursery. I take part in planning and creating activities and I have a duty to observe the children throughout the day and then give feedback to the parents and carers.

I have many qualities which will be ideal for my future career path I am honest, patient and a reflective individual, this is something that I feel is most important when dealing with children and adolescents.

I have many hobbies that I carry out in my spare time. I have taken part in being a team leader to raise money for a charity that supports children who have been abused because I believe strongly in the cause. We raised awareness, held a campaign, fundraising and protest.

I also enjoy travel, I have visited countries such as Egypt, Eritrea, Holland, Germany and Italy - this has allowed me to explore the outside world and has given me a taste of different cultures and traditions; and ultimately giving me a better understanding of diversity.

I would like to be given the opportunity to study at university because I believe it will be the perfect platform to launch my career. Having the chance to study Paediatric Nursing at university will allow me to fulfil my career path and make a change to my life as I will feel that I am achieving new things on a day to day basis with what I am able to offer children and young people when it comes to having a positive impact on their health.

Being given the opportunity of Working in an environment with children daily would be my dream goal in life that I wish to achieve.

Example two

• Thinking about the experiences gained from a gap year, how has this applicant drawn on these transferrable skills?
• How does experience both in and outside the classroom environment relate to the chosen subject area?

I am a hardworking, talented and motivated young woman looking forward to studying at degree level and taking an active part in university life.

I have a keen interest in the world around me, and enjoy taking part in a variety of activities for example: volunteering at my local brownies, volunteer marshal at Brighton Marathon; textile and weaving classes; completion of the Trinity Guildhall award at both Bronze and Silver level; and a Stand Up Paddle board instructor. These activities, coupled with part time work whilst at sixth form college, have not only been enjoyable but have also helped me to develop skills in communication, organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Although having been accepted to start university in 2014 (Primary Education) I realised that I was not ready to fully commit to the course and took the decision to gain some real life experience and reflect on what I really want from university and my future career.

Since leaving sixth-form college I have been working full time as a waitress/ bar assistant at a local hotel, which has been hard but interesting work demanding stamina, patience and an open mind. I have also secured 3 weeks work at a trade exhibition in New York, where I will have the chance to attend networking dinner and I plan to go inter-railing across Europe in Summer 2015. As a result of these experiences I am more self-assured and resilient. I am ready to commit to full time study and have much to contribute to university life.

I realise that I am most interested in people, what makes them the people they are and how this manifests in their behaviour and opinions.

I enjoyed studying sociology at A level and gaining an insight into how the study of sociology helps us to understand how society works. This coupled with my recent experience in the hospitality world and observation of the behaviour of those who use and manage the service, has fuelled my desire to study Sociology in depth at degree level. I am completely fascinated by the behaviour of others and why we act the way we do. I believe that studying sociology at degree level will allow me to begin to explore and understand aspects of human social behaviour, including the social dynamics of small groups of people, large organisations, communities, institutions and entire societies.

I believe that the skills and knowledge that I will accrue whilst studying will be applicable to a wide variety of careers and that is why I have chosen to study the topic at degree level.

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• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

With this in mind, your personal statement should demonstrate a clear understanding of what the role involves, the challenges you’ll face, and the kind of skills, qualities, and values required.

We've asked admissions tutors to share their top dos and don'ts for nursing personal statements, and asked a careers adviser to create an example of how to write about your work experience – here's what they told us.  

Nursing personal statement basics – what to include

To structure it, try to write clearly and reflectively about:

• how you arrived at your decision to go into nursing
• why, specifically, you want to be an adult, child, mental health, or learning disabilities nurse
• how your experience and research has contributed to your understanding of the realities and challenges you'll face
• what it is about your skills, attitudes, values, and character that make the profession right for you
• anything you feel is especially relevant about your academic studies, or maybe a project you've undertaken

Some universities will score your personal statement against their specific selection criteria. Make sure you take a look at individual university websites, as these criteria may be listed for you to refer to. Look for nursing courses in our search tool .

Writing about relevant experience

Try to build up as much experience or observation as you can. Ideally this should be in a care environment, such as a hospital, clinic, GP practice, school, residential care or the voluntary sector. Any other experience of working with people is helpful too.

Back up these experiences by carrying out some relevant background reading or research –  Health Careers is a good starting point . Just talking to nurses about their work will also be valuable.  Nurse Ewout talks about his route into nursing . If possible, get to some university open days , as they’re great for picking up new insights and asking questions.

Then, when you write about all this in your statement, try to explain and reflect on:

• what you’ve learned about some of the realities of nursing, the challenges, constraints, and frustrations you’ll face (rather than the rewards), and the skills, qualities, and values you’ll need
• how you’ve demonstrated some of those skills, qualities, and values yourself through your experience, extracurricular activities, personal interests or achievements

The latter could include the responsibility and commitment you’ve shown through:  

• voluntary work
• the teamwork and interpersonal skills you’ve developed in your part-time job
• the empathy you’ve shown as a student mentor
• the leadership you’ve displayed as a guide or scout
• something specific that happened on a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, and so on

Tip:  Don’t waste space in your statement explaining what a nurse does – they know that! But if you’ve found out for yourself how nurses manage, prescribe, evaluate or critically review evidence when making decisions, do reflect on that.  

Focus on the field of nursing you're interested in

Most nursing admissions tutors expect you to apply for one specific field only, such as adult or child.

They'll expect you to choose between nursing and midwifery courses rather than apply to both at the same time. However, one university told us that you wouldn’t automatically be rejected if you are genuinely interested in the crossover between two different fields (same for nursing and midwifery), so do check first. Some universities also offer dual-field courses but you'll need to demonstrate a realistic understanding of the field(s) you’ve chosen.

For example, if you’re applying specifically for mental health nursing, you might want to reflect on your ability to understand other people’s perspectives or to advocate on their behalf. Or if you feel it’s appropriate to reflect on your own experience of mental health then, as one admissions tutor told us, the key is to explain how this has motivated you to become a nurse yourself.

For child nursing, you might wish to demonstrate your awareness of the diverse range of children you will nurse and the kind of challenges you expect to face. Similarly, for adult or learning disability, you could reflect on what you’ve learned from your interactions with elderly people, or how you’ve supported someone with a learning disability yourself.

The key words are ‘demonstrate’ and ‘reflect’. It’s not enough just to say you understand something – you need to show what it was that led to your understanding. Then, as Moira Davies, nursing admissions tutor at University of South Wales, advises, ‘highlight the skills you have that are transferable to the field of nursing you have chosen’.

If you’re interested in learning more about midwifery, read our guide .

Accuracy is vital

Nhs constitution.

For all degree courses that involve training within an NHS setting, there is likely to be some emphasis on values based selection, and how applicants' own values and behaviours align with the seven core values of the NHS Constitution . Familiarise yourself with this while writing your personal statement.

For more personal statement advice and examples, check out all our personal statement advice including how to write a personal statement and how to start yours .

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Health and Social Care Personal Statement

Health and Social Care Personal Statement Sample

Having worked hard to gain training, knowledge and employment experience in the field of care, I am aware both of how challenging and rewarding it can be as a career. Being given the opportunity to turn my aptitude for caring for others into a career has already allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Gaining the necessary knowledge and experience to perform a more involved role in a nursing capacity will motivate me to continue working and studying to the same high standard and allow me to make an even greater difference to the lives of my patients in the future.

Having shown myself to be a highly competent student throughout my schooling, I am currently undertaking A-levels in Biology and Maths in order to prepare myself for the more rigorous demands of undergraduate study. More importantly, I have also been lucky enough to undergo a large amount of training that has allowed me to learn knowledge and skills in the practical context in which they will be used. I have taken specific training courses on Food Hygiene, Manual Handling, Basic Life Support and Stroke Training, as well as general training courses on the corporate and information technology aspects of care. These have laid an excellent foundation for further medical study but have also introduced me to the administrative and organisational skills that will allow me to work to a high level through undergraduate study and into my career beyond.

Receiving training while working within the field of care is just a small part of the way in which my career thus far has prepared me to study nursing. Actually putting this training into practice has allowed me to prove to myself, and to others, that I have what it takes to make a real impact as part of a care team. Having recently completed the required literacy and numeracy qualifications, I will soon be starting a new role as a Health Care Assistant, working within an interdisciplinary team to deliver individualised patient care. My success in securing this role is a result of my previous performance as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. This rewarding role was my first experience of working within a hospital environment and required the maintenance of good working relationships with colleagues and patients. As well as communicating with and observing patients to help assess their occupational functioning, I also had to complete extensive notes, which would be entered onto the PAS system at the end of each day. Many of the patients would be understandably distressed and I found that my ability to stay calm and talk to them as individuals allowed me to play a valuable role in their treatment. This also allowed me to use a range of skills that I had developed through my time as a Community Care Worker. Travelling to client’s homes and helping them to live as independent a life as possible showed me that everyone is an individual and, while an attention to detail and operational accuracy is important, a respect for this fact is paramount. Whether assessing their medical needs or assisting them during an emergency situation, such as a nasty fall, keeping them as calm as possible and trying to do the same myself was the most important aspect that helped me to get the job done.

Having progressed rapidly during my career I have found additional responsibility has allowed me to play a fuller role in delivering patient care, and this has motivated me to meet any challenges head on. As someone with excellent communication skills, who enjoys listening and taking time with each of the patients I have worked with, I believe that a career within nursing will allow me to reach an even higher standard in the future.

This Health and Social Care personal statement sample is designed to provide you with inspiration to write your own.

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Healthcare Management Personal Statement Samples & Tips

Table of Contents

A one- to two-page personal statement describes what you intend to do in your profession, why, and how. We have provided effective healthcare management personal statement samples to help you write your own.

Be sure to follow the guidelines given in the guide to help you craft an insightful and engaging personal statement for the application process.

What Is a Healthcare Personal Statement?

A Healthcare Management Personal Statement is an individualized, written summary that outlines the qualifications, experiences, and goals of a professional in the healthcare field.

This statement provides insight into how the writer approaches their work, communicates with patients and colleagues, and manages health systems efficiently and ethically. It should include facts about the writer’s accomplishments and demonstrate an understanding of the critical issues within healthcare management.

Additionally, it should convey a passion for serving others and show how they utilize technological advances to create better patient solutions.

A successful personal statement will reflect the author’s unique personality while employing creative language and thought-provoking examples to stand out from similar applicants.

How to Write a Compelling Healthcare Management Personal Statement

The personal statement can tell medical schools why you want to study there and how your background and experiences will benefit their faculty.

Remember that you want your statement to sound like you rather than like a list of clichés. Since the personal statement is generic and will be used for other school and course applications, don’t mention schools or departments.

Include the following in your statement of purpose:

• Explain your interest in the position and your qualifications to the reader. Mention why you want to become a healthcare manager and what aspects of healthcare particularly intrigue you.
• Include any relevant experience, talents, or accomplishments you’ve picked up in your time at school, on the job, or elsewhere. Use it to explain how you make a good candidate for a future in healthcare.
• Think back on your time in the workforce and the lessons you learned about yourself or the field.
• Discuss any recent events you have heard about in the medical or healthcare fields, and elaborate on why you found them so fascinating.
• Provide details about any further higher education outreach events you may have attended and why you found them engaging.
• Remember to mention your hobbies and how they’ve helped you grow professionally.

Include in your statement any extenuating circumstances that have influenced your academic performance or your choice of specialization. Things like caring for a sick family member, experiencing a medical emergency, etc.

Great Healthcare Management Personal Statement Samples

These INK samples show the different perspectives of a personal statement. Use these samples to inspire your writing to prepare a hugely successful personal statement!

I’ve driven good change in healthcare administration for over two decades thanks to my extensive knowledge and insight.

I provide compassionate, efficient, and cost-effective patient care solutions by combining empathy, innovation, and thoughtfulness.

I can manage persons, resources, and processes to implement successful plans with tangible outcomes by identifying and assessing possibilities and foreseeing potential hazards.

I’ve utilized my skill set to create and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, and medical staff. Additionally, by leveraging technology and data analytics, I can ensure that sound decisions are made in accordance with established protocols and standards.

I can manage competing priorities within tight deadlines and deliver high-quality results due to my experience managing complex projects. With each accomplishment, I endeavor to push myself further to see what else I can achieve.

I look forward to applying my talents and understanding towards new challenges within healthcare management.

I’ve worked in healthcare management for over 20 years and am driven to make a difference.

I can quickly learn, analyze complex systems, and create unique ideas that work, thanks to my experience.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked on numerous projects that have helped streamline processes and reduce costs significantly. I also have excellent interpersonal skills, which helps me cooperate with stakeholders to design health equity and accessibility strategies.

This holistic approach to healthcare management drives me to push beyond limits and drive good change through resilient, forward-thinking strategies.

I’ve always loved healthcare management because I want to help people. I’m a highly experienced professional with a background that includes managing complex systems in hospitals and clinics throughout my career. With an innate sense of empathy and enthusiasm for practical problem-solving, I believe I can bring both knowledge and innovation to any healthcare organization.

I used inventive methods in a critical care unit to cut wait times and enhance efficiency without compromising patient outcomes. This experience inspired me to pursue additional health service administration certifications, allowing me to gain further insight into how this dynamic sector operates.

Familiarizing myself with cutting-edge trends such as data analytics has enabled me to develop farsighted approaches to improving service delivery. My ability to build trust, understanding, and support among varied coworkers has also improved. My dedication to bettering our healthcare system is evidenced by my record of initiating quality control initiatives that prioritize ethical integrity above all else.

As someone always looking for ways to make a difference, I plan to use my skills and interest in healthcare management. In addition to bringing fresh perspectives to projects, I am confident that I can leverage my insights and enthusiasm to generate tangible results.

Final Words

Healthcare management personal statement samples allow you to get a sense of how personal statements look and function in myriad fields. Start with the offered samples and compose your statement to ensure that your topic is conveyed as desired .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to write a personal statement

The personal statement element of the application is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, and why you want to study the subject that you have applied for. We want you to tell us what it is about your chosen subject that ignites your passion to study it at university.

Your personal statement is a great place to showcase your understanding; reflect on any relevant experience or further reading that you have done; as well as tell us a little bit about you.

Please note: if you are applying for one of our  Health & Social Care courses  our Admissions Team uses the  DRIVE criteria  to assess your application and evidence of this must be show in your personal statement. 

Shreya's personal statement top 5 tips

Things to consider in your personal statement, your chosen course.

• The specific areas of the course you find the most interesting and what else you want to learn
• Whether there was something or someone that influenced your interest in the subject or inspired your intended career
• If you've done any wider reading on the subject, or independent research on the subject
• How the course fits into your intended career path. 

Your experience

• Any personal or work experience you've had that you feel will be relevant to the course or studying at university
• Focus on what you have learned from your experience and reflect on the skills you have gained. 

Your extracurricular activities

• Any regular extracurricular activities or unique one-off experiences that can demonstrate your skills and ability relevant to the course. 

For our health and social care courses, our admissions team use the DRIVE criteria  to assess your application and evidence of this must be shown in your personal statement.

Tips for writing a personal statement

You only have one personal statement.

• Each university you apply to will see the same personal statement. You should avoid naming specific universities or course titles. If you have applied to similar courses, you should focus on the subject area of interest 
• Universities recognise that in some cases applicants may wish to apply to more than one subject area. If this is the case with your application, we would recommend you focus on more general skills and experiences relevant to study at university. However, please note that for health and social care courses, you need to be really clear and focused as to which subject you are applying for to show your dedication to that area and the profession you will eventually be entering. 
• For our health and social care courses, our admissions team use the  DRIVE criteria  to assess your application and evidence of this must be shown in your personal statement. 

Reflect on experience

• Your academic achievements and abilities are already listed elsewhere on your application 
• Use the personal statement to tell admissions more about your interest in your chosen subject, relevant experiences, and personal achievements. You may wish to also include hobbies outside of academia.

Plan your personal statement

• Be sure to make a plan before writing your personal statement. This might be a list of what you would like to include and how much space you want to dedicate to each point 
• UCAS allows a personal statement of 4,000 characters or 47 lines. This is approximately one side of A4 
• You may wish to write more than one draft before submitting your personal statement 
• There is a lot of guidance available on structuring a Personal statement online; you can find some useful information on the UCAS website .

It’s important to proofread

• Be sure to proofread your personal statement before submitting your application
• You may wish to ask a friend or family member to proofread your personal statement as well.

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Health studies personal statement example (btec).

The time I have spent on the BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies has been informative, challenging and enjoyable. During this course I have particularly enjoyed the modules on Psychology, Equality, Diversity and Rights and Microbiology. Undertaking this course has prepared me for the academic challenges, which I may face in university life.

I have decided to apply for cultural Studies and sociology, Criminology and Contemporary culture, Medical and Environmental Microbiology and sociology. I have made these choices as I have a passionate interest for these subjects. Through my BTEC I have been given the chance to touch on these subjects and also before applying I researched the courses by going online and contacting a careers advisor, and I would like very much to study one of them to degree level.

During the BTEC course I have earned my key skills certificates and a food hygiene certificate and have also undertaken a number of work placements. These placements have allowed me to observe the type of work involved within various caring professions.

During my time on work placement I have undertaken work experience at *** ***** County Primary School, *** **** Residential Home and I have also spent time at the ******* Hospital Childrens Centre and ***** Ward, which is situated in the ******* Hospital I have also had experience with the District nurses.

These placements have given me good people skills and communication skills, they have also given me self-confidence. I also used to work voluntarily in the Caf in the ******* Hospital, which I enjoyed very much as I got on with the other employees very well.

I am currently working for an employment agency at various places, mainly factories as a production operator.

I am currently unsure about my future career and am hoping my time on the course will help me to decide what I ultimately do.

I am a good listener, independent, organised and self disciplined which should prove invaluable preparation for life at university.

I enjoy socialising with my friends and meeting new people. I enjoy listening to all sorts of music but I am particularly interested in rock, acoustic and indie music. I like watching films; I also am currently learning to play the bass guitar.

Earlier this year I started a nursing course but found it was not for me, as I realised my interests lie in sociology and cultural related studies, although I feel the time I spent on the course showed me what university life is really like and I feel I gained a lot from the experience.

I feel that BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies has helped to prepare me for university life and skills required for the course and hope you will look favourably upon my application.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

I think you've got way too.

Fri, 17/09/2004 - 00:00

I think you've got way too many short paragraphs, too many sentences begin with "I", and mentioning that you've applied to a range of courses doesn't really show much commitment to a certain area, does it?

I wrote this statement for a

Fri, 24/09/2004 - 00:00

I wrote this statement for a foundation year to progress to the degree of my choice and all offers were unconditional.

Thu, 19/01/2006 - 00:00

thanks for your help but this has not help me in anyway to write a excellent paper

Alright, but too brief

Thu, 21/09/2006 - 00:00

Thu, 14/12/2006 - 21:15

thanks allot this personal statement help me allot on how to write my own. i wouldn't know what i would do with out again hanx allot...

Thu, 14/12/2006 - 21:18

basing your personal statement to others i think you have too many paragraphs just like what someone else have mentioned before and also i think you will egt confused with courses you have chosen there but i hope you get through all of them.

I would like to say that the

Fri, 16/03/2007 - 17:58

I would like to say that the personal statement is one of the hardest things a person will ever write. Only an educated person will be able to write an excellent essay. This is a good statement, but be sure to always ask for opinions from professors/writing labs.

Thu, 15/11/2007 - 14:27

I think that this is quite a good personal statement and has helped me to plan mine and what to include. As for those who say that it is stared with "I" too much...it is a PERSONAL statement!

Thank you Great effort and good luch for the future

The statement is fine.

Thu, 11/09/2008 - 10:55

The statement is fine. Perhaps a little simple but to the point. What worried me though is the messages. They were go poor in terms of grammar and spelling. Please be careful with your own statements to avoid this.

Add new comment

Latest Social Care Monthly Highlights (September 2024)

We’re added some great things to your QCS system this month, including new regional care and support planning documentation, monthly external assurance vists forms as well as some new content from AfterAthena, our HR and Health and Safety partner.

Our lop 10 policies of the month are:

• Infection Control
• Unexpected Death
• Dignity, Respect and Choice
• Equality and Human Rights
• Verification of Expected Death
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and
• Sickness Absence

Full highlights of the month can be found in our monthly video below, where you can see what policies and resources our social care experts have updated in our management system!

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The University of Chicago The Law School

Civil rights & police accountability clinic—significant achievements for 2023-24.

Our Clinic students continue to make a difference in the community, while learning all that it means to be a lawyer.

The Federal Civil Rights Consent Decree Governing the Chicago Police Department

Years of advocacy by Clinic students and our clients resulted in the 2019 federal civil rights Consent Decree that seeks to remedy the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD’s) pattern and practice of excessive and discriminatory violence targeted disproportionately against Black people. Highlights from our Consent Decree work during the 2023-24 academic year include: (1) our success in remedying CPD’s practice of violent, dehumanizing, and discriminatory home raids that have targeted and traumatized Black and Brown children and families in Chicago; (2) the relief that we won in emergency proceedings that we initiated to prevent unlawful mass arrests and First Amendment violations during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago; (3) our progress toward remedying racially discriminatory practices of targeting Black people for unlawful stop-and-frisks and pretextual traffic stops; and (4) advocacy for critical modifications to strengthen and improve the Decree.

Ending Illegal and Discriminatory Home Raids

Clinic students and our community-based clients won a complete overhaul of the policies that govern residential search warrants in Chicago in months-long court supervised multi-party negotiations, briefs, and court proceedings. CPD’s new policies will seek to restrict home raids to circumstances in which they are necessary and forbid raids whenever the potential harms outweigh the expected benefits. CPD will be required to develop a written plan for the execution of every residential warrant to minimize the harm, trauma, and intrusion to families and their homes. Officers will be evaluated for their success in mitigating harm when executing search warrants. The new policies will protect children and vulnerable people from unnecessary harm, including requiring police to schedule raids at times when they are least likely to be home. They ban high-risk nighttime raids and limit no-knock warrants to circumstances in which people’s lives and physical safety are in jeopardy. They prohibit police from leaving families with broken doors and locks vulnerable to crime. And they will require police to thoroughly document and publicly report on each raid to enhance transparency and accountability. In addition, we won measures that will prevent wrong raids, including requiring CPD to independently investigate and corroborate tips, maintain records of any instance in which the informant provided false or inaccurate information, and provide the prosecutor and court with any information that may undermine the credibility of the informant and tip before seeking a warrant. The proposed new policies will soon be subject to public review and comment in anticipation of full implementation. The public and judicial scrutiny that we brought to bear during our enforcement proceedings has already resulted in a tenfold reduction of home raids and prevented the traumatization of thousands of children.

Protecting First Amendment Rights to Protest and the DNC

In spring 2023, we learned that the CPD intended to implement a new policy to facilitate mass arrests during protests and other First Amendment activities in anticipation of the Democratic National Convention. The proposed new policy would have eviscerated relief that we had won in 2021 that fundamentally transformed Chicago police policies governing the policing of First Amendment activities—relief that requires CPD to protect the rights of people to engage in public protest and dissent rather than to stamp out protests. The Clinic filed an emergency enforcement action to enjoin the proposed mass arrest policy. In the proceedings that followed, we succeeded in preventing the parts of the policy that threatened people’s First Amendment rights from taking effect. The First Amendment policy that we had won in 2021 continues to govern during the DNC and all public demonstrations now and in the future. For example, the revised policy on mass arrests will now prohibit police from arresting people engaged in First Amendment conduct for minor offenses unless they pose an immediate threat to the physical safety or property of others. It also explicitly bans retaliation against people for exercising their First Amendment rights.

Strengthening the Consent Decree and Advancing Racial Justice

Having won our community-based clients’ historic power to enforce the Decree, Clinic students continue to fight to strengthen the Decree to make our clients—people who have been most impacted by CPD’s civil rights violations—full and equal partners in the process. As a result of our advocacy, throughout the 2023-24 academic year, the federal court ordered the City to engage with community representatives when developing policies, procedures, and training—including the recent mass arrests policy that the CPD had initially sought to impose without any meaningful community engagement. Clinic students participated in five full-day public hearings in federal court focusing on potential modifications to the Decree and issues of racial justice. Students presented powerful testimony and legal memoranda that advocated for Consent Decree revisions that (a) require de-escalation and reductions in CPD violence; (b) divert people from the criminal legal system through alternatives to arrest and the elimination of unnecessary negative interactions with police; (c) develop non-criminal responses to people experiencing mental health crises (we won implementation of an historic pilot program on this); (d) prohibit police from pointing guns at people unless they present an immediate threat to serious injury or death to another person; (e) require officers to file a written report each time they point a gun at a community member; (f) provide services to survivors of CPD violence and their family members; and (g) address barriers to police accountability that were erected in the new collective bargaining agreements with the unions representing Chicago police officers. We also succeeded in subjecting CPD’s racially discriminatory stop-and-frisk practices to federal court supervision.

The court is currently deciding whether to also subject CPD traffic stops to federal court oversight under the Consent Decree, as traffic stops have become a flashpoint for unnecessary police violence in Chicago as they have skyrocketed in Black and Brown communities. Eighty-five percent of the instances in which Chicago police used force in traffic stops have been directed at Black people. We presented testimony and briefs that seek to outlaw CPD’s practice of using pretextual stops to harass Black and Brown people, disband police tactical units that have been responsible for unnecessary and disproportionate violence directed toward Black and Brown people, and limit CPD traffic stops to violations that pose genuine threats to public safety.

Ending Incommunicado Detention—A Second Consent Decree

The Clinic continues to advance its historic work in making real the fifty-eight-year-old promise of Miranda v. Arizona in Chicago. Tyler Lawson, ’24 , and Katherine Stanton, ’25, led a team of Clinic students that did outstanding advocacy work with our community-based clients and the Office of the Cook County Public Defender after having won a second consent decree that went into effect in February 2023 in Cook County Circuit Court—a decree that is designed to end the decades-long practice of incommunicado detention in CPD stations that has facilitated torture, coerced confessions, and wrongful convictions. Clinic students produced an empirical report with Professor Kyle Rozema that analyzed data from every arrest in Chicago that took place during the first year of the Decree. The Report found ninety-nine percent of people in CPD custody did not access an attorney and more than half of the people most vulnerable to interrogation did not get prompt access to a phone. Inspections by Clinic students inside Chicago police stations revealed that legible signs required by the Consent Decree that inform people in custody of their rights under the Decree and the Public Defender’s free 24-hour hotline number for legal assistance were routinely missing in the places where CPD detains people who may be subject to interrogation. Clinic students also documented that contrary to the Decree, many of the visiting rooms that CPD is required to maintain in every police station did not allow for private and confidential meetings between people in custody and their attorneys. The Clinic presented the Report and our findings to the court. In response, the Honorable Judge Neil H. Cohen directed CPD to work with the Clinic to ensure the installation of appropriate signs and remedy the documented deficiencies with respect to privacy. We are administering a survey to people at their first court appearance to provide the court with additional information about the reasons why people in CPD custody have not promptly accessed phones and counsel. Our preliminary findings indicate that CPD has failed to offer phones or provided the Public Defender’s 24-hour number to people subject to police interrogation. A quarter of the people surveyed report that CPD interrogated them without access to counsel. In addition, Clinic students have engaged in targeted outreach to people at risk of arrest and criminal defense attorneys in Chicago, created fantastic flyers, social media, and written material to educate people about their rights under the Decree, and developed a long-form interview tool to gain additional insight about barriers to access to counsel and phones.

Individual Cases

While we fight for systemic change, the Clinic has continued its tradition of excellence in serving individuals and families in need.

Clinic students won a stage three post-conviction hearing with our client Christopher Ellis before the Honorable Carol Howard in Cook County Circuit Court that can result in vacating Mr. Ellis’s conviction. Two Chicago police officers pulled Mr. Ellis out of his car, beat and tased him, and then falsely accused Mr. Ellis of aggravated battery against the police officers to cover up their abuse. Mr. Ellis was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. Based on a phenomenal set of briefs written by Clinic students Hannah V.L. George, ’24, and Becky Marvin, ’24, and Professor Herschella Conyers ’ students Amara Shaikh, ’24 , and Liam Grah, ’25, in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Clinic and Becky Marvin ’s outstanding oral argument, Judge Howard found that the Clinic has made a substantial showing of Mr. Ellis’s innocence and the ineffective assistance of his trial counsel. Judge Howard offered the highest praise to the students’ work. We expect Mr. Ellis’s case to go to trial in the fall.

 Erin Yonchak,’24, presented Clifton Young’s case before the Illinois Torture and Inquiry Relief Commission. Erin’s presentation and supporting written memorandum were nothing short of superb. As a result of Erin’s scrupulous investigation, factual and legal determinations, and recommendations, the Torture Commission found credible evidence that Mr. Young was tortured by Chicago police and ordered a full evidentiary hearing in Cook County Circuit Court that may result in his freedom after having served more than twenty years in prison.

Amrita Krishnan, ’25, is investigating a novel claim of police torture before the Illinois Torture Commission that is based on Chicago police detectives’ exploitation of a person’s withdrawal symptoms from heroin and denial of medical treatment to obtain a confession. This is the first of a series of claims of torture before the Commission based on deliberate indifference to a person in custody’s severe physical and psychological pain associated with drug withdrawal to leverage an incriminating statement. Amrita’s legal and medical research into whether and under what circumstances drug withdrawal can form a basis for a torture claim is precedential. It has the power to establish the governing legal standards in Illinois for assessing torture claims involving withdrawal.

Gabbie Zook, ’24 , Hannah V.L. George, ’24 , and Becky Marvin, ’24, led an investigation with a client who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a Chicago police officer in public housing when she was a mere teenager. The Clinic helped to connect our client with the Chicago Torture Justice Center to provide her with critical support as she continues to work through her trauma from the repeated assaults. We face a myriad of legal challenges because of the years that have passed since the assaults and Illinois law that protects municipalities from liability when police officers abuse their state power to sexually assault people, but we remain committed to supporting our client in her fight for a measure of justice and healing. Our students’ work has shined a light on a path forward.

Policy Projects

Chicago police transparency.

Natalie Cohn-Aronoff, ’24 , and Amber Hunter, ’25, have led a critical project to prevent the return to a state of police impunity in Chicago. The Clinic is responding to the Fraternal Order of Police’s (FOP’s) efforts to shroud in secrecy the adjudication of cases in which Chicago police officers have been found to have committed the most serious forms of misconduct to warrant firing or suspension of more than a year. After the FOP won an arbitration award that sought to end a sixty-year history of public hearings before a neutral body to be replaced by secret hearings behind closed doors by a handful of handpicked arbitrators who have a long track record of protecting Chicago police officers from accountability, the Clinic began work with a coalition of community, civil rights, and good government groups organized to stop the FOP from turning back the clock on our progress. We drafted press releases and an op-ed that lifted the threat of Chicago police impunity to visibility. We drafted policy and legal material for City Council to provide the basis for challenging the arbitrator’s award. We provided testimony in public hearings that was widely cited in the media. Our work supporting the organization of community members persuaded the Mayor and City Council to reject the Arbitrator’s award by a 3/5 vote in City Council and challenge the award in court. The Cook County Circuit Court then ruled that the Arbitrator’s award violated fundamental state policy in Chicago police transparency and accountability and ordered that the Chicago police disciplinary cases must remain open to the public. The FOP has filed a notice of appeal. A team of Clinic students led by Ben Postone, ’24, is drafting an amicus brief before the Illinois Court of Appeals on behalf of the broad community-based coalition that will explain the nature and strength of the public interest at stake.

At the same time, Clinic students have conducted extensive research and consulted experts in labor law to draft proposed state legislation that requires the public adjudication of Chicago police misconduct cases. The Clinic is collaborating with stakeholders to devise a path to establish law that will guarantee public transparency on CPD misconduct now and in the future. The Clinic has also drafted potential municipal legislation that would enhance Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability’s (COPA’s) efforts to promote greater transparency and accountability by enabling COPA to promptly publicly release summaries of completed misconduct investigations, prosecute disciplinary proceedings that result from COPA investigations, and restrict the Police Department’s power to overturn misconduct findings only for clear error and disciplinary recommendations only for abuse of discretion.

Sam Hallam, ’25, and Katherine Stanton, ’25, are leading efforts to remedy other aspects of FOP’s new collective bargaining contract that thwart police accountability and transparency in Chicago, including a provision that prohibits the videotaping of conversations between officers and supervisors after a police officer shoots a community member. The recording and use of such conversations are critical tools to remedy the longstanding code of silence in the CPD—a code that has encouraged officers to manufacture a common narrative when an officer shoots or kills a person or is otherwise accused of misconduct.

Medical-Legal Partnership with University of Chicago Trauma Center

Rosie Gruen, ’25 , and Sam Hallam, ’25, have led a medical-legal project that we launched last year with the Trauma Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) and pro bono attorneys from the Akerman law firm to prevent police from to violating patient civil rights and medical privacy and interfering with critical medical care. We formed this partnership to address reports from the doctors and staff at the Medical Center of police abuse of patients who have suffered gunshot injuries; coercive interrogations of people who are being treated for serious injuries; interference with medical care and patient autonomy over medical decisions; searches and seizures of patients’ personal property; invasions of patient privacy and personal health information; shackling and physical abuse of patients; and forcing medical personal to perform invasive tests on patients. The Clinic team has been conducting and working to publish empirical research on interactions between police and professionals and staff at the Medical Center and patients and their family members. In addition to the conducting approximately fifty long-form interviews, the Clinic has researched the intersection of property law, criminal law and procedure, privacy law, constitutional law, and administrative regulations and practices in medical settings around the United States. Students have also consulted with national medical and legal experts. Based upon our research, the Clinic developed a first draft of recommended UCMC policies for internal feedback to prevent ongoing civil rights violations and interference with patient care. Our research has also taught us that despite similar civil rights violations in hospital settings and interference by law enforcement with medical treatment, there is a lack of model policies or established best practices on the subject. We are hopeful that the publication of our research and the policies that we develop at UCMC will serve as a model for hospitals throughout the country and prevent civil and human rights violations and improve health outcomes in the Trauma Center and beyond.

Partnership with the Cook County Public Defender and Zealous

We also built on our partnership with the Cook County Public Defender’s Office and Zealous, a national non-profit dedicated to supporting public defender offices, to identify and address systemic issues in the criminal legal system that deprive clients of the Public Defender and Clinic access to justice. Darius Diamond, ’24 , Gabbie Zook, ’24 , and Katherine Stanton, ’25, have led our efforts on this project. This year, our focus has been to support the Public Defender’s work to create two holistic community defender offices in Chicago—the first is scheduled to open this fall in the Roseland community on Chicago’s South Side. The second will be in the Austin community on the West Side. Clinic students have been on the ground floor in designing the offices and services with community members, public defenders, and people in jail. We are developing plans for Clinic students to maintain a regular presence in the Community Defender Offices to work with public defenders and their clients in addressing police accountability and other systemic barriers to justice.

In addition, students are working with public defenders in Cook County to achieve greater independence from county prosecutors and judges when advocating with their clients to change and enjoin laws, policies and practices that impair the ability of public defenders to represent their clients and to improve the criminal legal system. For example, Clinic students are currently working with the Public Defender to explore ways to change the law to give the Public Defender the power to retain counsel to bring affirmative civil rights litigation.