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Reapplying to medical school: the ultimate guide.

Learn how Lauren, a 2nd-time medical school reapplicant, got accepted into medical school after working with us in the video below! 

Anyone who has ever considered applying to medical school can recognize that it is a complicated, long, and unbelievably competitive process. 

To be successful, you must have excellent academics, extensive volunteer hours, experience in patient care, and enriching letters of recommendation. Yet, even the most successful premedical students are rejected from medical schools to which they applied.

It can be challenging to look at such a lengthy application and determine what went wrong. But this guide will help you identify your application’s weaknesses, understand what you can do to strengthen them, and explain how to reapply to medical school. 

Reapplying to medical school isn’t easy. However, this article will help you implement the necessary changes to ensure you submit a stellar application.

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

Why Reapplying to Medical School Isn’t Bad

You may feel embarrassed or upset for not getting accepted to medical school after your first application. What you may not know is that this is normal , common , and OK. Sometimes, even the greatest candidates get rejected because there simply isn’t room in the next incoming class.

Many students have applied more than once to medical school before they were accepted. After all, many prestigious medical schools have low acceptance rates. For example, Stanford University ’s acceptance rate is only 2.3 percent. Low acceptance rates are a common occurrence at many of the top medical schools in the US .  

There is nothing wrong with reapplying to medical school after being rejected. If anything, it shows your dedication to medicine and your perseverance by continuing to work toward your passion. Admissions officers will recognize this. 

Before you stress about reapplying to medical school, there are several things you can do to strengthen your application. 

When Should You Reapply?

Although you are probably anxious to reapply to medical school as soon as possible, the best route to take begins with slowing down. Take time to assess and reflect upon your application. 

There may be obvious things you are missing in your application, like spots you can develop further. Alternatively, there may be places you can better show off your skills and knowledge in medicine. Whatever you do, take all the time necessary to seriously examine your application and reflect upon where you can improve. 

Remember — there must be a significant change in your application when reapplying to medical school; if your application looks virtually the same year over year, how will it change an admissions officer’s mind? 

Take the time you need to reevaluate, make changes, and do everything you can to strengthen your application. 

Assessing Your Previous Application

The first step in assessing your previous application is successfully identifying what didn’t work. 

For example, find out at which point in the admissions cycle you were declined. If you were denied before submitting a secondary application, your primary application was lacking something. Similarly, if you made it to the medical school application’s interview portion, your interview skills were likely lacking.

Once you can narrow down which aspects of your application hindered you from being accepted to medical school, you can focus on tackling each issue one by one. If you are unsure of your application’s weak points, you can always ask a teacher, peer, or family member for assistance. 

One great tip from John D. Schriner, Associate for Admissions and Student Affairs at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine , is to solicit feedback from the medical school to which you applied. Reach out and ask what prevented you from being accepted in the previous application cycle. 

Though not all schools are receptive, it does not hurt to try. Plus, if you receive that feedback, you will know which areas to target, amend, and improve. It is the perfect opportunity to act on the advice you receive and show the admissions officers that you can absorb feedback and excel because of it. 

Schriner also notes that there is no shame in addressing that you were rejected in your reapplication. Show the admissions officers that you’ve taken the time to reevaluate your application and your experiences, although you were denied. This way, you’ll demonstrate you’re a worthy and passionate medical school candidate. 

Don’t let a rejection stop you from pursuing your career in medicine.  

Planning How to Reapply to Medical School: Step-by-Step

Preparations

The first step in planning to reapply to medical school begins with taking a long, hard look at your application. This is to find any areas that need improvement, expansion, or removal. Though this may be a tedious process, it is imperative. 

Some things on your application may have deterred admissions officers from accepting you into their program. By identifying what is wrong with your application, you are one step closer to improving your med school application. 

Areas of Focus

When reevaluating your application, focus on one section at a time. This way, you can set your focus on one specific aspect of your application and thoroughly evaluate it. 

For example, don’t evaluate your personal statement and essays until you have gone through your extracurricular activities and deemed what was and was not representative of your experiences. 

Then, dig deeper. Can you identify any weaknesses in this section? Is there anything you can add to help admissions officers better understand what you are trying to show them? Is there a more efficient example you can use or a stronger description you can implement? 

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges , several key components go into a medical school application: 

• Primary application
• Background information
• Coursework & official transcript(s)
• Work and activities
• Letters of evaluation
• Personal statements & essays
• Secondary application
• Social media/internet search
• Financial information
• Criminal history search

GPA and MCAT Scores 

Your GPA and MCAT scores should reflect each other. To be a strong med school applicant, you must show that you have performed successfully in both areas. If either of these areas hindered your initial application, take the steps necessary to amend them. 

For example, your grades and GPA may have been an issue in your initial application. In that case, consider taking another course to improve your GPA for the next application cycle. 

If your MCAT score was low, utilize this time period before the next application cycle to reevaluate how, when, and where you study. Consider taking a preparatory course and retaking the MCAT exam. 

You will have the time to retake courses or exams before applying to medical school again, and this is an extremely productive use of your time. Additionally, retaking courses or exams exhibits your dedication to medicine and becoming a doctor despite your obstacles.

Letters of Recommendation: What Should Change?

Your letters of recommendation should not be a simple statement of your academic achievements. When looking to faculty or advisors to be letter writers, you are looking for someone who will advocate for you. Therefore, you need to ask someone who knows you well and is willing to justify why you deserve to be a medical student. 

Your letter writers should be advisors or faculty with whom you have a strong, professional relationship. They should also be ready and willing to speak to your character, drive, and passion for medicine. 

If your letters of recommendation were a problem area in your initial medical school applications, consider sending the American Association of Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaluation to your letter writers. This helps your letter writers know what admissions officers are looking for in a strong applicant.

Update Your Work Experience to Strengthen Your Application

Maybe the area of your application that needs work is your work experience. Most, if not all, medical schools heavily emphasize the importance of experience in patient care. This is an essential aspect of your duty as a doctor in the future. 

 If work experience was a problem area of your application, there is nothing wrong with waiting to reapply to medical school. Because you will have at least a year before the next application cycle, this is the perfect time to expand upon your experience. 

Some experiences you can pursue include getting a part-time job, volunteering , or shadowing a doctor. Reference this comprehensive list of extracurriculars for any medical school application when adjusting your own. 

Taking this step will not only cause admissions officers to notice this update in your application, but it will also help prepare you to become a doctor. 

Medical School Reapplicant Personal Statement: What Should Change?

When it comes to personal statements in a medical school application, it isn’t about having the most detail or the longest essay. What matters is that the content represents you, your character, and why you want to be a doctor. It is as simple as that. 

Your statement is where you can give admissions officers an insight as to who you really are. In it, you can advocate for yourself and show them why you are meant to be a doctor. Anything that deflects from this distracts admissions officers from why you believe you deserve to be a student at their medical school. 

The first step to writing your medical school reapplicant personal statement is reflection and self-assessment . 

Ask yourself: What aspects of your first statement were weak? Have you asked your pre-health advisor to review your application? Did you ask the schools that declined you for feedback? Do you understand what medical schools look for in applicants?

Once you have reflected and highlighted areas of growth, take the time to address them. Remember — medical schools are interested in how you have matured and used your time since the last application cycle. If you can show that you have dedicated yourself to improving your application, this will increase your chances of admission. 

While it’s important to demonstrate growth, you should also continue to illustrate your continued commitment to medicine. Perhaps you’ve shadowed a doctor or conducted clinical research since the last application cycle. In that case, highlight your experiences in your revised statement. 

If you have struggled with writing a successful personal statement, consider researching what personal statements and essay topics and questions have proven successful for past applicants. This can provide inspiration, insight, and a baseline for you to refer to when rewriting your personal statements.

Of course, grammar, cohesiveness, and clear descriptions are still essential in your statement. Any discrepancy in these areas is a surefire way to distract admissions officers from the critical points of your statement.

Have a trusted faculty member, advisor, or family member read through your statement. A fresh set of eyes is always a good way to look for mistakes you may have missed. Alternatively, Inspira Advantage offers free consultations with admissions experts to increase your chances of being accepted to medical school.

Redrafting your personal statement isn’t easy, especially as it will need large-scale revision. But looking at medical school reapplicant personal statement examples can be useful to see what worked for other applicants. 

Medical School Reapplicant Personal Statement Examples

Let’s take a look at an example personal statement that impressed the University of Minnesota’s Medical School admissions officers. 

Admissions officers note that this statement contains several key elements that make it great: 

• A clear motivation to pursue medicine 
• An understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of being a physician 
• Impactful interactions with patients 
• Reflecting on difficult experiences and the challenges of a medical career
• Dedication to pursuing medicine (evidenced by the applicant’s willingness to give up their spot on the rowing team)  

If you can include several of the points listed above, you’ll write a stellar personal statement. 

Interviews 

It is no secret that interviews can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience for most people. The best thing you can do to prepare for a med school interview is practice, practice, practice. 

‍ ‍ Where Are You Going to Apply?

So, you have successfully reassessed and implemented meaningful changes into your medical school applications. In that case, create a draft of a list of medical schools to which you plan to apply. 

Ask yourself: Are you applying to all the same medical schools you applied to previously? Are you applying to fewer? Are you applying to more? Are you applying to entirely different medical schools? 

Answering these questions will help you know what sort of guidelines you are following in each application. Once you are sure of which schools you are applying to, you can adjust your application accordingly. ‍ ‍ ‍

How to Go About the Reapplication Process

When you have finalized your applications, set up an appointment with your premedical advisor or admissions consultant to review them. A fresh set of eyes can spot any discrepancies you may have missed. 

To ensure you have done everything you can to fix your application, take the time to review the AAMC’s Tools for Medical School Applicants . Create a checklist when reviewing these tools and check them off as you go to ensure you didn’t miss anything. It just may be your saving grace!

FAQs: Reapplying to Medical School

Being a medical school reapplicant isn’t ideal. But we’ve provided several questions and answers to help make this process as painless as possible.

1. Is it bad to be a reapplicant for med school? 

Not at all. Reapplying shows your perseverance and dedication to medicine. 

Most candidates who apply to the top medical schools are rejected, so there is no shame in reapplying. 

2. Can I reapply to medical school after withdrawal?

Yes. But your chances of readmission depend on your reasons for withdrawal, as medical schools may not guarantee you readmission if you withdraw from their program. 

If you withdrew due to a severe illness or a family death and you excelled while in med school, you should be fine to reapply. However, if you struggled with the program, it will be difficult to gain admission as a reapplicant to that medical school.

3. Can I reapply to med school with the same application? 

No, you’ll need to submit a new application. 

Submitting a new application provides an excellent opportunity to address the weaknesses of your first application. Take the time to highlight these areas and improve them. 

4. Can I reapply to the same medical schools?

Yes! If you can illustrate that you have meaningfully improved your application, you will likely be a competitive reapplicant to medical school. 

Of course, you should be realistic about your odds of gaining readmissions to an extremely competitive school if your application remains largely unchanged.  

5. Can you reapply to medical school with the same letters of recommendation?

Yes. But AMCAS doesn’t hold them on file, so you’ll have to resubmit your rec letters with your new application. 

However, take the time to assess whether you want to submit new letters of recommendation. For example, if you’ve undertaken new volunteering, clinical , or research experiences , you may want a letter from your recent supervisor or professor.  

6. When should I reapply to medical school?

It varies between applicants, but you should only reapply to med school when you are ready. 

If you need to accrue more volunteering and clinical hours, take the time to complete them. Sure, you may have to skip an application cycle. But if you reapply the year after with an even stronger application, your chances of admission may be higher. 

7. Is it worth it to reapply to medical school?

Whether it is worth reapplying to medical school depends on you. 

If you’re passionate about medicine, helping people, and serving the community, medicine might just be the career for you. Otherwise, think hard about what you want to do in life.

Final Thoughts: Reapplying to Medical School

Applying to medical school is a huge decision and requires a lot of hard work. On top of that, it is an extremely competitive field. Acceptance rates are low, expectations are high, and every other applicant is your competitor for a spot. 

It is perfectly normal not to be accepted into medical school on your first try! This isn’t something that just happens to “bad” candidates or people who don’t want it enough. It happens to great, passionate premedical students everywhere. If you don’t give up and make every effort to show admissions officers that you are passionate about medicine, they will see that. 

Whether you work on submitting stronger personal essays, gaining more work experience in patient care, or retaking your MCAT exam, admissions officers will see and notice this effort. It speaks to your character and your drive to become a great doctor, which encourages admissions officers to give you the chance to be just that.

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Reapplying to Medical School: What to Know and Do

Here are five steps to improve your chances of succeeding in getting into medical school as a reapplicant.

Tips for Reapplying to Medical School

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A weaker academic record is the main reason for a med school rejection in most cases.

The idea of having to reapply to medical school may feel like one of the lowest lows for premedical students. But if you find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath and remember that thousands of applicants who had to reapply to med school are now pursuing their dream of practicing medicine.

With honest self-reflection, you will be able to chart a path forward, determine if medicine is truly right for you and improve your application to maximize your chances of admission the second time around. In so doing, a few steps are worth considering. 

Step 1: Consider Why Your Application Was Unsuccessful

The successful med school reapplicant must understand what went wrong with the first application. A constructive exercise is listing reasons why your application might have been unsuccessful and planning strategies to address identified deficiencies.

A second set of objective eyes, and maybe a third and fourth, can be hugely helpful in identifying areas of weakness. Ask family and friends that know you, but also ask qualified folk who know the intricacies of medical school applications . Think doctors, professors, premed advisers, etc. 

Certain medical schools may even provide targeted feedback for individual applications and can be helpful sources of information with suggestions for improvement. Be mindful that while some schools are open to this, others expressly forbid this practice. Always research each school individually before contacting them. 

Step 2: Assess if You Need to Improve Your Academic Record  

In most cases, a weaker academic record is the main reason for a med school rejection. Among applicants to U.S. M.D-granting schools with an MCAT score between 502-505 and a cumulative GPA of 3.4-3.59, only 26.1% were accepted from 2020-2021 through 2022-2023, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. You can check acceptance rates for your own stats using AAMC’s FACTS table A-23 .

Before you reapply, research each school you applied to and/or would like to reapply to and list their average GPA and MCAT scores in an Excel sheet. AAMC’s MSAR database is helpful. Honest self-reflection is especially crucial here. If you fall below the average of each school you applied to, and particularly if you fall below the lower quartile of schools (if they publish that information), this is likely the culprit. 

If your MCAT falls in the lower range for a school, an improved score is likely to be your best bet at a successful reapplication. If your GPA is the culprit, enrolling in a postbaccalaureate program or a master’s program to demonstrate your academic abilities can significantly help. If you plan to reapply with low numbers, you will need something else very compelling about you to make admissions committees consider inviting you to interview. 

Your GPA and MCAT statistics do not define you, your worth or your ability to become an outstanding physician. However, with many more applicants than available seats, medical schools use these figures to narrow down applications. Quickly reapplying without addressing a weak academic record is unlikely to be successful and frequently results in loss of a year and a significant financial burden. 

Step 3: Write a New and Improved Personal Statement

The personal statement is a rare opportunity to demonstrate to admissions committees that you are a strong candidate beyond the numbers. Make yourself truly jump off the page and separate your application from your competitors.

Committees will know that you didn't receive an acceptance the first time; don't hide it. Instead, acknowledge this reality. Demonstrate how you have improved from the experience, how your application reflects improvement and how motivated you are to continue pursuing medicine. If you plan to do a full rewrite, don’t neglect prior areas of strength in your old essay.

Step 4: Assess if Extracurricular Components Are Missing From Your Application  

At times, applicants don’t have enough experience in patient-facing activities to demonstrate convincingly to committees that they know what medicine is really like. This could happen if applicants switched to premed late in their college years and applied soon after switching, or if an applicant focused solely on academic efforts and didn’t spend enough time getting meaningful exposure to clinical medicine through volunteering , working in a hospital, shadowing or clinical research.

Experience in the clinical realm can solidify your decision to pursue medicine, reassure admissions committees that you know what you are getting into and serve as a source of meaningful content for a stronger personal statement.

Step 5: Perfect Your Interview Technique and Talking Points

The interview is your last opportunity to demonstrate to medical schools that their upcoming class is better with you in it – that you offer unique experiences, viewpoints and abilities and that you will represent their school well as an alumnus. If you received multiple interviews but no acceptances your first time applying, it is especially crucial to focus on interview skills and reflect honestly on what may have deterred committees from offering you a spot. 

After submitting your primary and secondary applications , interview preparation should be your primary focus. Practice, practice, practice! Do multiple mock interviews with medical professionals, professors, advisers or anyone experienced in interviewing students who can provide specific feedback.

Practice answering each kind of potential interview question: behavioral, research , ethics , personal application questions, etc. With each type of question, know how you will draw on experiences or events in your life to answer and how you will highlight strong points of your application to the interviewer in your answer.

If there are weak points in your application, know that these will frequently be brought up by interviewers. In preparing for your interviews, there is a careful balance – you do not want your answers to sound so smooth that they sound rehearsed, but you want to practice so that you can confidently and clearly articulate your ideas. 

Planning for reapplication to medical school may seem daunting, but as you begin to implement your plan you will likely find that it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. Rushing to reapply in the next admissions cycle without improving your application will likely produce the same result as the first time.

Deferring enrollment for more than a year is a challenging thought, but in many cases it may be the most efficient path to a med school acceptance and a rewarding career in medicine.

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About Medical School Admissions Doctor

Need a guide through the murky medical school admissions process? Medical School Admissions Doctor offers a roundup of expert and student voices in the field to guide prospective students in their pursuit of a medical education. The blog is currently authored by Dr. Ali Loftizadeh, Dr. Azadeh Salek and Zach Grimmett at Admissions Helpers , a provider of medical school application services; Dr. Renee Marinelli at MedSchoolCoach , a premed and med school admissions consultancy; Dr. Rachel Rizal, co-founder and CEO of the Cracking Med School Admissions consultancy; Dr. Cassie Kosarec at Varsity Tutors , an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report; Dr. Kathleen Franco, a med school emeritus professor and psychiatrist; and Liana Meffert, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and a writer for Admissions Helpers. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Reapply to Medical School

If you didn’t get into medical school on the first try, don’t be discouraged! You’re by no means alone and it isn’t the end of the road.

First, Reapplying Isn’t a Bad Thing

A lot of pre-med students assume that getting rejected means they’re simply not cut out for a career in medicine. Others that received interview invitations may feel too embarrassed to reapply to the same schools, assuming they messed up in front of the admissions committee.

But remember, getting into medical school is tough. It’s an extremely competitive landscape and adcoms have to review thousands of applications. Some years there is a more competitive applicant pool, and other years there may be an increase in applicants overall . There could be any number of reasons you didn’t get in the first year – some you can control, and others you can’t. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when reapplying to medical school is that your goal is to improve upon your application (and interview skills if you made it that far). You can’t do the same thing and expect different results. If your application appears the same as last year, why would admissions committees take notice this year? Do everything you can to ensure your application is as strong as possible by reevaluating and finding ways to improve it.

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. But, try again strategically.

Next, Do an Honesty Check With Yourself 

If you’ve got the numbers, experience, and extracurriculars and are truly a competitive applicant, then you should confidently reapply to medical school.

But if you didn’t get any traction at all, even from your safety or “undershoot” schools, you need to take an objective look at your application and qualifications to see if medical school is really the right path for you – especially if you’ve reapplied multiple times.

If you’re passionate about a career in medicine, remember that medical school is just one path that you can take. There are countless other careers that don’t require medical school where you can still work with patients and make a difference. 

FAQs About Reapplying to Medical School

While every student’s situation is unique, here are some of the most frequent questions we get about reapplying to medical school: 

What went wrong?

Getting rejected is disappointing. But the best way to boost your chances in the next application cycle is to figure out what went wrong the first time. The first step is to identify what point in the application process you were rejected. 

No secondary essay requests – If you didn’t receive any secondaries, then your primary application wasn’t strong enough in the first place.

No interview invitations – If you didn’t receive any interview invitations, your secondary essays likely fell flat. Secondaries are tough as you really should aim to complete them within two weeks, and if you received secondaries from multiple schools, consider your summer booked solid with writing. The best way to better prepare yourself for secondaries in the next application cycle is to use a secondary essay prompt database and familiarize yourself with what schools ask. Then, pre-write secondaries for your target schools. Yes, this is a pain, but it will save you a lot of future stress. 

No acceptance letters – If you made it through the interview process and didn’t get any acceptances, your interview skills may have been lacking. Or, schools may have had a lot of really great applicants and you were just edged out. It’s hard to know exactly what happened at this point. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can reach out to schools where you interviewed and ask for feedback. While not all schools are receptive, if you do receive any feedback you can use it to approve your application or interview skills the next time around. 

When should I reapply? 

While you can reapply to medical school in the very next application cycle, that’s not always the best option. Take some time to carefully evaluate your application and look for gaps and areas for improvement. You may find that you need to take time to gain more experience through work, volunteering, or earning a post-baccalaureate certificate. Or, you may need to retake the MCAT to raise your score enough to be a competitive applicant at more target schools. 

What should I change on my application?

If you used the AMCAS application , the good news is that a lot of your information will remain the same. There are a few sections you’ll need to revisit:

Work & Activities –  Update this section if you used the time between applying to earn any additional work, personal, or professional experience that is applicable to your application. 

Letters of Evaluation – While you may reuse letters of recommendation, AMCAS will not retain letters from previous application cycles so you will need to resubmit them. Also, if you plan to reuse a letter, you should ask the letter writer to submit it again with a new date and add any additional information to the original letter. If you worked with a new mentor in the past year, you may want to request new letters.

School List – You can apply to the same or similar schools, but reevaluate them critically and be completely honest with yourself about your level of competitiveness.

Personal Statement –  Reapplicants are expected to submit new personal statements . There is no problem using the same theme, personal attributes, and reasons for wanting to become a physician, but the stories and anecdotes need to be changed, and you should aim to write a stronger essay than the first time. 

How many times can I reapply to medical school?

This is specific to each school. Some schools only allow students to apply two times whereas others have no limit. However, this goes back to doing an honesty check with yourself. Instead of thinking in terms of how many times you can apply, think about how many times you should apply. 

Do medical schools know I’m reapplying?

If you apply to the same schools/program, yes, they know you’re a reapplicant. However, unless they saved your first application to their database, they will not be able to compare your applications side by side. For new schools you’re applying to, they will not know from AMCAS that you are a reapplicant, but some schools ask this question on their secondary applications.

Can I reapply to the same schools?

Yes, but as mentioned earlier you should carefully reevaluate your school list. Your school list could be the very reason you didn’t get into medical school the first time. Remember, a good school list has a balance of target, reach, and undershoot schools. Even if your stats are stellar if you only apply to top programs, your chances are slimmer simply because those schools are so competitive. If you apply to all undershoot schools, schools may see you as overqualified and not waste an interview spot on you when you should clearly be in a higher tier program. 

How to Improve Your Application when Reapplying to Medical School

First things first, improve the things that you can control – like your MCAT score and GPA. Next, enhance your extracurricular activities. Medical schools are primarily looking for hours and experience in five areas: volunteering/community service, research, leadership, shadowing, and patient care.

If you made it through the interview process, also consider professional interview preparation services to help you improve your facetime with adcoms. One-on-one interview prep with physician advisors who have served on admissions committees provides invaluable feedback and can help boost your confidence. 

Finally, apply early. We always encourage students to submit their application as early as possible in the cycle. If you’ve been working on your personal statement and pre-writing secondaries in the months leading up to the AMCAS opening, you can alleviate much of the stress that comes with reapplying to medical school. 

MedSchoolCoach Can Boost Your Chances of Being a Successful Reapplicant

More than half of all students that apply to medical school don’t make it the first time. That’s ok – don’t let rejection get you down if you’re passionate about a career in medicine! Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes on your application and school list to boost your chances of being a successful reapplicant. 

MedSchoolCoach has helped thousands of students successfully reapply to medical school. Our physician advisors have been through the process personally, they’ve served on admissions committees, and they know exactly what it takes to help you become a strong reapplicant. 

Learn more about our application advising , interview preparation , personal statement editing , and MCAT tutoring services. We invite you to schedule a free consultation to learn more and see how we can help you achieve your medical school dreams.

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Great Medical School Personal Statement Examples (2024-2025) Insider’s Guide

A physician and former medical school admissions officer teaches you how to write your medical school personal statement, step by step. Read several full-length medical school personal statement examples for inspiration.

In this article, a former medical school admissions officer explains exactly how to write a stand-out medical school personal statement!

Our goal is to empower you to write a medical school personal statement that reflects your individuality, truest aspirations and genuine motivations.

This guide also includes:

• Real life medical school personal statement examples
• Medical school personal statement inventory template and outline exercise
• AMCAS, TMDSAS, and AACOMAS personal statement prompts
• Advanced strategies to ensure you address everything admissions committees want to know
• The secret to writing a great medical school personal statement

So, if you want your medical school personal statement to earn more more medical school interviews, you will love this informative guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Table of Contents

Medical School Personal Statement Fundamentals

If you are getting ready to write your medical school personal statement for the 2024-2025 application year, you may already know that almost 60% of medical school applicants are not accepted every year . You have most likely also completed all of your medical school requirements and have scoured the internet for worthy medical school personal statement examples and guidance.

You know the medical school personal statement offers a crucial opportunity to show medical schools who you are beyond your GPA and MCAT score .

It provides an opportunity to express who you are as an individual, the major influences and background that have shaped your interests and values, what inspired you to pursue medicine, and what kind of a physician you envision yourself becoming.

However, with so much information online, you are not sure who to trust. We are happy you have found us!

Because the vast majority of people offering guidance are not former admissions officers or doctors , you must be careful when searching online.

We are real medical school admissions insiders and know what goes on behind closed doors and how to ensure your medical school personal statement has broad appeal while highlighting your most crucial accomplishments, perspectives, and insights.

With tight limits on space, it can be tough trying to decide what to include in your medical school personal statement to make sure you stand out. You must think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture” while showing you possess the preprofessional competencies med schools are seeking.

When a medical school admissions reviewer finishes reading your medical school personal statement, ask yourself:

• What are the most important things you want that person to remember about you?
• Does your medical school personal statement sum up your personality, interests, and talents?
• Does your medical school personal statement sound as if it’s written from the heart?

It’s pretty obvious to most admissions reviewers when applicants are trying too hard to impress them. Being authentic and upfront about who you are is the best way to be a memorable applicant.

The Biggest Medical School Personal Statement Mistakes

The most common medical school personal statement mistake we see students make is that they write about:

• What they have accomplished
• How they have accomplished it

By including details on what you have accomplished and how, you will make yourself sound like every other medical school applicant. 

Most medical school applicants are involved in similar activities: research, clinical work, service, and social justice work. 

To stand out, you must write from the heart making it clear you haven’t marched through your premedical years and checking boxes.

We also strongly discourage applicants from using ChatGPT or any AI bot to write their medical school personal statement. Writing in your own voice is essential and using anything automated will undermine success.

The Medical School Personal Statement Secret

MedEdits students stand out in the medical school personal statement because in their personal statements they address:

WHY they have accomplished what they have.

In other words, they write in more detail about their passions, interests, and what is genuinely important to them. 

It sounds simple, we know, but by writing in a natural way, really zeroing in on WHY YOU DO WHAT YOU DO, you will appeal to a wide variety of people in a humanistic way. 

MedEdits students have done extremely well in the most recent medical school admissions cycle. Many of these applicants have below average “stats” for the medical schools from which they are receiving interviews and acceptances.

Why? How is that possible? They all have a few things in common:

• They write a narrative that is authentic and distinctive to them.
• They write a medical school personal statement with broad appeal (many different types of people will be evaluating your application; most are not physicians).
• They don’t try too hard to impress; instead they write about the most impactful experiences they have had on their path to medical school.
• They demonstrate they are humble, intellectual, compassionate, and committed to a career in medicine all at the same time.

Keep reading for a step by step approach to write your medical school personal statement.

“After sitting on a medical school admissions committee for many years, I can tell you, think strategically about how you want to present your personal “big picture.” We want to know who you are as a human being.”

As physicians, former medical school faculty, and medical school admissions committee members, this article will offer a step by step guide to simplify the medical school personal statement brainstorming and writing process.

By following the proven strategies outlined in this article, you will be and to write a personal statement that will earn you more medical school interviews . This proven approach has helped hundreds of medical school applicants get in to medical school the first time they apply!

Learn the 2024-2025 Medical School Personal Statement Prompts ( AMCAS , TMDSAS , AACOMAS )

The personal statement is the major essay portion of your primary application process. In it, you should describe yourself and your background, as well as any important early exposures to medicine, how and why medicine first piqued your interest, what you have done as a pre med, your personal experiences, and how you became increasingly fascinated with it. It’s also key to explain why medicine is the right career for you, in terms of both personal and intellectual fulfillment, and to show your commitment has continued to deepen as you learned more about the field.

The personal statement also offers you the opportunity to express who you are outside of medicine. What are your other interests? Where did you grow up? What did you enjoy about college? Figuring out what aspects of your background to highlight is important since this is one of your only chances to express to the med school admissions committee before your interview what is important to you and why.

However, it is important to consider the actual personal statement prompt for each system through which you will apply, AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS, since each is slightly different.

Getting into a medical school has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your medical school application materials. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been admitted to medical school.

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2024 AMCAS Personal Statement Prompt

The AMCAS personal statement instructions are as follows:

Use the Personal Comments Essay as an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Consider and write your Personal Comments Essay carefully; many admissions committees place significant weight on the essay. Here are some questions that you may want to consider while writing the essay:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that hasn’t been disclosed in other sections of the application?

In addition, you may wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits
• Comments on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application

As you can see, these prompts are not vague; there are fundamental questions that admissions committees want you to answer when writing your personal statement. While the content of your statement should be focused on medicine, answering the open ended third question is a bit trickier.

The AMCAS personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces maximum.

2024 TMDSAS Personal Statement Prompt

The TMDSAS personal statement is one of the most important pieces of your medical school application.

The TMDSAS personal statement prompt is as follows:

Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.

This TMDSAS prompt is very similar to the AMCAS personal statement prompt. The TMDSAS personal statement length is 5,000 characters with spaces whereas the AMCAS personal statement length is 5,300 characters with spaces. Most students use the same essay (with very minor modifications, if necessary) for both application systems.

You’ve been working hard on your med school application, reading medical school personal statement examples, editing, revising, editing and revising.  Make sure you know where you’re sending your personal statement and application.  Watch this important medical school admissions statistics video.

2024 AACOMAS Personal Statement Prompt

The AACOMAS personal statement is for osteopathic medical schools specifically. As with the AMCAS statement, you need to lay out your journey to medicine as chronologically as possible in 5,300 characters with spaces or less. So you essentially have the same story map as for an AMCAS statement. Most important, you must show you are interested in osteopathy specifically. Therefore, when trying to decide what to include or leave out, prioritize any osteopathy experiences you have had, or those that are in line with the osteopathic philosophy of the mind-body connection, the body as self-healing, and other tenets.

Medical School Application Timeline and When to Write your Personal Statement

If you’re applying to both allopathic and osteopathic schools, you can most likely use the same medical school personal statement for both AMCAS and AACOMAS. In fact, this is why AACOMAS changed the personal statement length to match the AMCAS length several years ago.

Most medical school personal statements can be used for AMCAS and AACOMAS.

Know the Required Medical School Personal Statement Length

Below are the medical schools personal statement length limits for each application system. As you can see, they are all very similar. When you start brainstorming and writing your personal statement, keep these limits in mind.

AMCAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces.

As per the AAMC website :   “The available space for this essay is 5,300 characters (spaces are counted as characters), or approximately one page. You will receive an error message if you exceed the available space.”

AACOMAS Personal Statement Length : 5,300 characters with spaces

TMDSAS Personal Statement Length : 5,000 characters with spaces

As per the TMDSAS Website (Page 36): “The personal essay asks you to explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician. The essay is limited to 5000 characters, including spaces.”

Demonstrate Required Preprofessional Competencies

Next, your want to be aware of the nine preprofessional core competencies as outlined by the Association of American Medical Colleges . Medical school admissions committees want to see, as evidenced by your medical school personal statement and application, that you possess these qualities and characteristics. Now, don’t worry, medical school admissions committees don’t expect you to demonstrate all of them, but, you should demonstrate some.

• Service Orientation
• Social Skills
• Cultural Competence
• Oral Communication
• Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
• Reliability and Dependability
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Capacity for Improvement

In your personal statement, you might be able to also demonstrate the four thinking and reasoning competencies:

• Critical Thinking
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Written Communication
• Scientific Inquiry

So, let’s think about how to address the personal statement prompts in a slightly different way while ensuring you demonstrate the preprofessional competencies. When writing your personal statement, be sure it answers the four questions that follow and you will “hit” most of the core competencies listed above.

1. What have you done that supports your interest in becoming a doctor?

I always advise applicants to practice “evidence based admissions.” The reader of your essay wants to see the “evidence” that you have done what is necessary to understand the practice of medicine. This includes clinical exposure, research, and community service, among other activities.

2. Why do you want to be a doctor?

This may seem pretty basic – and it is – but admissions officers need to know WHY you want to practice medicine. Many applicants make the mistake of simply listing what they have done without offering insights about those experiences that answer the question, “Why medicine?” Your reasons for wanting to be a doctor may overlap with those of other applicants. This is okay because the experiences in which you participated, the stories you can tell about those experiences, and the wisdom you gained are completely distinct—because they are only yours. 

“In admissions committee meetings we were always interested in WHY you wanted to earn a medical degree and how you would contribute to the medical school community.”

Medical school admissions committees want to know that you have explored your interest deeply and that you can reflect on the significance of these clinical experiences and volunteer work. But writing only that you “want to help people” does not support a sincere desire to become a physician; you must indicate why the medical profession in particular—rather than social work, teaching, or another “helping” profession—is your goal. 

3. How have your experiences influenced you?

It is important to show how your experiences are linked and how they have influenced you. How did your experiences motivate you? How did they affect what else you did in your life? How did your experiences shape your future goals? Medical school admissions committees like to see a sensible progression of involvements. While not every activity needs to be logically “connected” with another, the evolution of your interests and how your experiences have nurtured your future goals and ambitions show that you are motivated and committed.

4. Who are you as a person? What are your values and ideals?

Medical school admissions committees want to know about you as an individual beyond your interests in medicine, too. This is where answering that third open ended question in the prompt becomes so important. What was interesting about your background, youth, and home life? What did you enjoy most about college? Do you have any distinctive passions or interests? They want to be convinced that you are a good person beyond your experiences. Write about those topics that are unlikely to appear elsewhere in your statement that will offer depth and interest to your work and illustrate the qualities and characteristics you possess.

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• How to Get into NYU Medical School
• How To Get Into Columbia Medical School
• How To Get Into UT Southwestern Medical School
• How To Get Into Harvard Medical School

Complete Your Personal Inventory and Outline (Example Below)

The bulk of your essay should be about your most valuable experiences, personal, academic, scholarly, clinical, academic and extracurricular activities that have impacted your path to medical school and through which you have learned about the practice of medicine. The best personal statements cover several topics and are not narrow in scope. Why is this important? Many different people with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and ideas of what makes a great medical student will be reading your essay. You want to make sure you essay has broad appeal.

The following exercise will help you to determine what experiences you should highlight in your personal statement. 

When composing your personal statement, keep in mind that you are writing, in effect, a “story” of how you arrived at this point in your life. But, unlike a “story” in the creative sense, yours must also offer convincing evidence for your decision to apply to medical school. Before starting your personal statement, create an experience- based personal inventory:

• Write down a list of the most important experiences in your life and your development. The list should be all inclusive and comprise those experiences that had the most impact on you. Put the list, which should consist of personal, extracurricular, and academic events, in chronological order.
• From this list, determine which experiences you consider the most important in helping you decide to pursue a career in medicine. This “experience oriented” approach will allow you to determine which experiences best illustrate the personal competencies admissions committees look for in your written documents. Remember that you must provide evidence for your interest in medicine and for most of the personal qualities and characteristics that medical school admissions committees want to see.
• After making your list, think about why each “most important” experience was influential and write that down. What did you observe? What did you learn? What insights did you gain? How  did the experience influence your path and choices?
• Then think of a story or illustration for why each experience was important.
• After doing this exercise, evaluate each experience for its significance and influence and for its “story” value. Choose to write about those experiences that not only were influential but that also will provide interesting reading, keeping in mind that  your goal is to weave the pertinent experiences together into a compelling story. In making your choices, think about how you will link each experience and transition from one topic to the next.
• Decide which of your listed experiences you will use for your introduction first (see below for more about your introduction). Then decide which experiences you will include in the body of your personal statement, create a general outline, and get writing!

Remember, you will also have your work and activities entries and your secondary applications to write in more detail about your experiences. Therefore, don’t feel you must pack everything in to your statement!

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement Introduction and Body

You hear conflicting advice about application essays. Some tell you not to open with a story. Others tell you to always begin with a story. Regardless of the advice you receive, be sure to do three things:

• Be true to yourself. Everyone will have an opinion regarding what you should and should not write. Follow your own instincts. Your personal statement should be a reflection of you, and only you.
• Start your personal statement with something catchy.  Think about the list of potential topics above.
• Don’t rush your work. Composing thoughtful documents takes time and you don’t want your writing and ideas to be sloppy and underdeveloped.

Most important is to begin with something that engages your reader. A narrative, a “story,” an anecdote written in the first or third person, is ideal. Whatever your approach, your first paragraph must grab your reader’s attention and motivate him to want to continue reading. I encourage applicants to start their personal statement by describing an experience that was especially influential in setting them on their path to medical school. This can be a personal or scholarly experience or an extracurricular one. Remember to avoid clichés and quotes and to be honest and authentic in your writing. Don’t try to be someone who you are not by trying to imitate personal statement examples you have read online or “tell them what you think they want to hear”; consistency is key and your interviewer is going to make sure that you are who you say you are!

When deciding what experiences to include in the body of your personal statement, go back to your personal inventory and identify those experiences that have been the most influential in your personal path and your path to medical school. Keep in mind that the reader wants to have an idea of who you are as a human being so don’t write your personal statement as a glorified resume. Include some information about your background and personal experiences that can give a picture of who you are as a person outside of the classroom or laboratory.

Ideally, you should choose two or three experiences to highlight in the body of your personal statement. You don’t want to write about all of your accomplishments; that is what your application entries are for!

Write Your Personal Statement Conclusion

In your conclusion, it is customary to “go full circle” by coming back to the topic—or anecdote—you introduced in the introduction, but this is not a must. Summarize why you want to be a doctor and address what you hope to achieve and your goals for medical school. Write a conclusion that is compelling and will leave the reader wanting to meet you.

Complete Personal Statement Checklist

When reading your medical school personal statement be sure it:

Shows insight and introspection

The best medical school personal statements tell a great deal about what you have learned through your experiences and the insights you have gained.

You want to tell your story by highlighting those experiences that have been the most influential on your path to medical school and to give a clear sense of chronology. You want your statement always to be logical and never to confuse your reader.

Is interesting and engaging

The best personal statements engage the reader. This doesn’t mean you must use big words or be a literary prize winner. Write in your own language and voice, but really think about your journey to medical school and the most intriguing experiences you have had.

Gives the reader a mental image of who you are

You want the reader to be able to envision you as a caregiver and a medical professional. You want to convey that you would be a compassionate provider at the bedside – someone who could cope well with crisis and adversity.

Illustrates your passion for, and commitment to, medicine

Your reader must be convinced that you are excited about and committed to a career in medicine!

Above all, your personal statement should be about you. Explain to your reader what you have done and why you want to be a doctor with insight, compassion, and understanding.

Medical School Personal Statement Myths

Also keep in mind some common myths about personal statements that I hear quite often:

My personal statement must have a theme.

Not true. The vast majority of personal statements do not have themes. In fact, most are somewhat autobiographical and are just as interesting as those statements that are woven around a “theme.” It is only the very talented writer who can creatively write a personal statement around a theme, and this approach often backfires since the applicant fails to answer the three questions above.

My personal statement must be no longer than one page.

Not true. This advice is antiquated and dates back to the days of the written application when admissions committees flipped through pages. If your personal statement is interesting and compelling, it is fine to use the entire allotted space. The application systems have incorporated limits for exactly this reason! Many students, depending on their unique circumstances, can actually undermine their success by limiting their personal statement to a page. That said, never max out a space just for the sake of doing so. Quality writing and perspectives are preferable to quantity.

My personal statement should not describe patient encounters or my personal medical experiences.

Not true. Again, the actual topics on which you focus in your personal statement are less important than the understanding you gained from those experiences. I have successful clients who have written extremely powerful and compelling personal statements that included information about clinical encounters – both personal and professional. Write about whichever experiences were the most important on your path to medicine. It’s always best, however, to avoid spending too much space on childhood and high school activities. Focus instead on those that are more current.

In my personal statement I need to sell myself.

Not exactly true. You never want to boast in your personal statement. Let your experiences, insights, and observations speak for themselves. You want your reader to draw the conclusion – on his or her own – that you have the qualities and characteristics the medical school seeks. Never tell what qualities and characteristics you possess; let readers draw these conclusions on their own based on what you write.

Medical School Personal Statement Examples and Analysis for Inspiration

Below are examples of actual medical school personal statements. You can also likely find medical school personal statements on Reddit.

AMCAS Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #1 with Personal Inventory  

We will use Amy to illustrate the general process of writing an application to medical school, along with providing the resulting documents. Amy will first list those experiences, personal, extracurricular, and scholarly, that have been most influential in two areas: her life in general and her path to medical school. She will put this personal inventory in chronologic order for use in composing her personal statement.

She will then select those experiences that were the most significant to her and will reflect and think about why they were important. For her application entries, Amy will write about each experience, including those that she considers influential in her life but not in her choice of medicine, in her application entries. Experiences that Amy will not write about in her activity entries or her personal statement are those that she does not consider most influential in either her life or in her choice of medicine.

Amy’s personal inventory (from oldest to most recent)

• Going with my mom to work. She is a surgeon — I was very curious about what she did. I was intrigued by the relationships she had with patients and how much they valued her efforts. I also loved seeing her as “a doctor” since, to me, she was just “mom.”
• I loved biology in high school. I started to think seriously about medicine then. It was during high school that I became fascinated with biology and how the human body worked. I would say that was when I thought, “Hmm, maybe I should be a doctor.”
• Grandmother’s death, senior year of high school. My grandmother’s death was tragic. It was the first time I had ever seen someone close to me suffer. It was one of the most devastating experiences in my life.
• Global Health Trip to Guatemala my freshman year of college. I realized after going to Guatemala that I had always taken my access to health care for granted. Here I saw children who didn’t have basic health care. This made me want to become a physician so I could give more to people like those I met in Guatemala.
• Sorority involvement. Even though sorority life might seem trivial, I loved it. I learned to work with different types of people and gained some really valuable leadership experience.
• Poor grades in college science classes. I still regret that I did badly in my science classes. I think I was immature and was also too involved in other activities and didn’t have the focus I needed to do well. I had a 3.4 undergraduate GPA.
• Teaching and tutoring Jose, a child from Honduras. In a way, meeting Jose in a college tutoring program brought my Guatemala experience to my home. Jose struggled academically, and his parents were immigrants and spoke only Spanish, so they had their own challenges. I tried to help Jose as much as I could. I saw that because he lacked resources, he was at a tremendous disadvantage.
• Volunteering at Excellent Medical Center. Shadowing physicians at the medical center gave me a really broad view of medicine. I learned about different specialties, met many different patients, and saw both great and not-so-great physician role models. Counselor at Ronald McDonald House. Working with sick kids made me appreciate my health. I tried to make them happy and was so impressed with their resilience. It made me realize that good health is everything.
• Oncology research. Understanding what happens behind the scenes in research was fascinating. Not only did I gain some valuable research experience, but I learned how research is done.
• Peer health counselor. Communicating with my peers about really important medical tests gave me an idea of the tremendous responsibility that doctors have. I also learned that it is important to be sensitive, to listen, and to be open-minded when working with others.
• Clinical Summer Program. This gave me an entirely new view of medicine. I worked with the forensics department, and visiting scenes of deaths was entirely new to me. This experience added a completely new dimension to my understanding of medicine and how illness and death affect loved ones.
• Emergency department internship. Here I learned so much about how things worked in the hospital. I realized how important it was that people who worked in the clinical department were involved in creating hospital policies. This made me understand, in practical terms, how an MPH would give me the foundation to make even more change in the future.
• Master’s in public health. I decided to get an MPH for two reasons. First of all, I knew my undergraduate science GPA was an issue so I figured that graduate level courses in which I performed well would boost my record. I don’t think I will write this on my application, but I also thought the degree would give me other skills if I didn’t get into medical school, and I knew it would also give me something on which I could build during medical school and in my career since I was interested in policy work.

As you can see from Amy’s personal inventory list, she has many accomplishments that are important to her and influenced her path. The most influential personal experience that motivated her to practice medicine was her mother’s career as a practicing physician, but Amy was also motivated by watching her mother’s career evolve. Even though the death of her grandmother was devastating for Amy, she did not consider this experience especially influential in her choice to attend medical school so she didn’t write about it in her personal statement.

Amy wrote an experience-based personal statement, rich with anecdotes and detailed descriptions, to illustrate the evolution of her interest in medicine and how this motivated her to also earn a master’s in public health.

Amy’s Medical School Personal Statement Example:

She was sprawled across the floor of her apartment. Scattered trash, decaying food, alcohol bottles, medication vials, and cigarette butts covered the floor. I had just graduated from college, and this was my first day on rotation with the forensic pathology department as a Summer Scholar, one of my most valuable activities on the path to medical school. As the coroner deputy scanned the scene for clues to what caused this woman’s death, I saw her distraught husband. I did not know what to say other than “I am so sorry.” I listened intently as he repeated the same stories about his wife and his dismay that he never got to say goodbye. The next day, alongside the coroner as he performed the autopsy, I could not stop thinking about the grieving man.

Discerning a cause of death was not something I had previously associated with the practice of medicine. As a child, I often spent Saturday mornings with my mother, a surgeon, as she rounded on patients. I witnessed the results of her actions, as she provided her patients a renewed chance at life. I grew to honor and respect my mother’s profession. Witnessing the immense gratitude of her patients and their families, I quickly came to admire the impact she was able to make in the lives of her patients and their loved ones.

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine as my mother had, and throughout high school and college I sought out clinical, research, and volunteer opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of medicine. After volunteering with cancer survivors at Camp Ronald McDonald, I was inspired to further understand this disease. Through my oncology research, I learned about therapeutic processes for treatment development. Further, following my experience administering HIV tests, I completed research on point-of-care HIV testing, to be instituted throughout 26 hospitals and clinics. I realized that research often served as a basis for change in policy and medical practice and sought out opportunities to learn more about both.

All of my medically related experiences demonstrated that people who were ‘behind the scenes’ and had limited or no clinical background made many of the decisions in health care. Witnessing the evolution of my mother’s career further underscored the impact of policy change on the practice of medicine. In particular, the limits legislation imposed on the care she could provide influenced my perspective and future goals. Patients whom my mother had successfully treated for more than a decade, and with whom she had long-standing, trusting relationships, were no longer able to see her, because of policy coverage changes. Some patients, frustrated by these limitations, simply stopped seeking the care they needed. As a senior in college, I wanted to understand how policy transformations came about and gain the tools I would need to help effect administrative and policy changes in the future as a physician. It was with this goal in mind that I decided to complete a master’s in public health program before applying to medical school.

As an MPH candidate, I am gaining insight into the theories and practices behind the complex interconnections of the healthcare system; I am learning about economics, operations, management, ethics, policy, finance, and technology and how these entities converge to impact delivery of care. A holistic understanding of this diverse, highly competitive, market-driven system will allow me, as a clinician, to find solutions to policy, public health, and administration issues. I believe that change can be more effective if those who actually practice medicine also decide where improvements need to be made.

For example, as the sole intern for the emergency department at County Medical Center, I worked to increase efficiency in the ED by evaluating and mapping patient flow. I tracked patients from point of entry to point of discharge and found that the discharge process took up nearly 35% of patients’ time. By analyzing the reasons for this situation, in collaboration with nurses and physicians who worked in the ED and had an intimate understanding of what took place in the clinical area, I was able to make practical recommendations to decrease throughput time. The medical center has already implemented these suggestions, resulting in decreased length of stays. This example illustrates the benefit of having clinicians who work ‘behind the scenes’ establish policies and procedures, impacting operational change and improving patient care. I will also apply what I have learned through this project as the business development intern at Another Local Medical Center this summer, where I will assist in strategic planning, financial analysis, and program reviews for various clinical departments.

Through my mother’s career and my own medical experiences, I have become aware of the need for clinician administrators and policymakers. My primary goal as a physician will be to care for patients, but with the knowledge and experience I have gained through my MPH, I also hope to effect positive public policy and administrative changes.

What’s Good About Amy’s Medical School Personal Statement:  

Paragraphs 1 and 2: Amy started her personal statement by illustrating a powerful experience she had when she realized that medical caregivers often feel impotent, and how this contrasted with her understanding of medicine as a little girl going with her mother to work. Recognition of this intense contrast also highlights Amy’s maturity.

Paragraph 3: Amy then “lists” a few experiences that were important to her.

Paragraph 4: Amy describes the commonality in some of her experiences and how her observations were substantiated by watching the evolution of her mother’s practice. She then explains how this motivated her to earn an MPH so she could create change more effectively as a physician than as a layman.

Paragraph 5: Amy then explains how her graduate degree is helping her to better understand the “issues in medicine” that she observed.

Paragraph 6: Amy then describes one exceptional accomplishment she had that highlights what she has learned and how she has applied it.

Paragraph 7: Finally, Amy effectively concludes her personal statement and summarizes the major topics addressed in her essay.

As you can see, Amy’s statement has excellent flow, is captivating and unusual, and illustrates her understanding of, and commitment to, medicine. She also exhibits, throughout her application entries and statement, the personal competencies, characteristics, and qualities that medical school admissions officers are seeking. Her application also has broad appeal; reviewers who are focused on research, cultural awareness, working with the underserved, health administration and policy, teaching, or clinical medicine would all find it of interest.

med school personal statement examples

Osteopathic Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #2

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background: This is a nontraditional applicant who applied to osteopathic medical schools. With a 500 and a 504 on the MCAT , he needed to showcase how his former career and what he learned through his work made him an asset. He also needed to convey why osteopathic medicine was an ideal fit for him. The student does an excellent job illustrating his commitment to medicine and explaining why and how he made the well-informed decision to leave his former career to pursue a career in osteopathic medicine.

What’s Good About It: A nontraditional student with a former career, this applicant does a great job outlining how and why he decided to pursue a career in medicine. Clearly dedicated to service, he also does a great job making it clear he is a good fit for osteopathic medical school and understands this distinctions of osteopathic practice.. 

Working as a police officer, one comes to expect the unexpected, but sometimes, when the unexpected happens, one can’t help but be surprised. In November 20XX, I had been a police officer for two years when my partner and I happened to be nearby when a man had a cardiac emergency in Einstein Bagels. Entering the restaurant, I was caught off guard by the lifeless figure on the floor, surrounded by spilled food. Time paused as my partner and I began performing CPR, and my heart raced as I watched color return to the man’s pale face.

Luckily, paramedics arrived within minutes to transport him to a local hospital. Later, I watched as the family thanked the doctors who gave their loved one a renewed chance at life. That day, in the “unexpected,” I confirmed that I wanted to become a physician, something that had attracted me since childhood.

I have always been enthralled by the science of medicine and eager to help those in need but, due to life events, my path to achieving this dream has been long. My journey began following high school when I joined the U.S. Army. I was immature and needed structure, and I knew the military was an opportunity to pursue my medical ambitions. I trained as a combat medic and requested work in an emergency room of an army hospital. At the hospital, I started IVs, ran EKGs, collected vital signs, and assisted with codes. I loved every minute as I was directly involved in patient care and observed physicians methodically investigating their patients’ signs and symptoms until they reached a diagnosis. Even when dealing with difficult patients, the physicians I worked with maintained composure, showing patience and understanding while educating patients about their diseases. I observed physicians not only as clinicians but also as teachers. As a medic, I learned that I loved working with patients and being part of the healthcare team, and I gained an understanding of acute care and hospital operations.

Following my discharge in 20XX, I transferred to an army reserve hospital and continued as a combat medic until 20XX. Working as a medic at several hospitals and clinics in the area, I was exposed to osteopathic medicine and the whole body approach to patient care. I was influenced by the D.O.s’ hands-on treatment and their use of manipulative medicine as a form of therapy. I learned that the body cannot function properly if there is dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system.

In 20XX, I became a police officer to support myself as I finished my undergraduate degree and premed courses. While working the streets, I continued my patient care experiences by being the first to care for victims of gunshot wounds, stab wounds, car accidents, and other medical emergencies. In addition, I investigated many unknown causes of death with the medical examiner’s office. I often found signs of drug and alcohol abuse and learned the dangers and power of addiction. In 20XX, I finished my undergraduate degree in education and in 20XX, I completed my premed courses.

Wanting to learn more about primary care medicine, in 20XX I volunteered at a community health clinic that treats underserved populations. Shadowing a family physician, I learned about the physical exam as I looked into ears and listened to the hearts and lungs of patients with her guidance. I paid close attention as she expressed the need for more PCPs and the important roles they play in preventing disease and reducing ER visits by treating and educating patients early in the disease process. This was evident as numerous patients were treated for high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes, all conditions that can be resolved or improved by lifestyle changes. I learned that these changes are not always easy for many in underserved populations as healthier food is often more expensive and sometimes money for prescriptions is not available. This experience opened my eyes to the challenges of being a physician in an underserved area.

The idea of disease prevention stayed with me as I thought about the man who needed CPR. Could early detection and education about heart disease have prevented his “unexpected” cardiac event? My experiences in health care and law enforcement have confirmed my desire to be an osteopathic physician and to treat the patients of the local area. I want to eliminate as many medical surprises as I can.

Texas Medical School Personal Statement Example and Analysis #3

Medical School Personal Statement Example Background: This applicant, who grew up with modest means, should be an inspiration to us all. Rather than allowing limited resources to stand in his way, he took advantage of everything that was available to him. He commuted to college from home and had a part-time job so he was stretched thin, and his initial college performance suffered. However, he worked hard and his grades improved. Most medical school admissions committees seek out applicants like this because, by overcoming adversity and succeeding with limited resources, they demonstrate exceptional perseverance, maturity, and dedication. His accomplishments are, by themselves, impressive and he does an outstanding job of detailing his path, challenges, and commitment to medicine. He received multiple acceptances to top medical schools and was offered scholarships.

What’s Good About It: This student does a great job opening his personal statement with a beautifully written introduction that immediately takes the reader to Central America. He then explains his path, why he did poorly early in college, and goes on to discuss his academic interests and pursuits. He is also clearly invested in research and articulates that he is intellectually curious, motivated, hard working, compassionate and committed to a career in medicine by explaining his experiences using interesting language and details. This is an intriguing statement that makes clear the applicant is worthy of an interview invitation. Finally, the student expresses his interest in attending medical school in Texas.

They were learning the basics of carpentry and agriculture. The air was muggy and hot, but these young boys seemed unaffected, though I and my fellow college students sweated and often complained. As time passed, I started to have a greater appreciation for the challenges these boys faced. These orphans, whom I met and trained in rural Central America as a member of The Project, had little. They dreamed of using these basic skills to earn a living wage. Abandoned by their families, they knew this was their only opportunity to re-enter society as self- sufficient individuals. I stood by them in the fields and tutored them after class. And while I tried my best to instill in them a strong work ethic, it was the boys who instilled in me a desire to help those in need. They gave me a new perspective on my decision to become a doctor.

I don’t know exactly when I decided to become a physician; I have had this goal for a long time. I grew up in the inner city of A City, in Texas and attended magnet schools. My family knew little about higher education, and I learned to seek out my own opportunities and advice. I attended The University with the goal of gaining admission to medical school. When I started college, I lacked the maturity to focus on academics and performed poorly. Then I traveled to Central America. Since I was one of the few students who spoke Spanish, many of the boys felt comfortable talking with me. They saw me as a role model.

The boys worked hard so that they could learn trades that would help them to be productive members of society. It was then I realized that my grandparents, who immigrated to the US so I would have access to greater opportunities, had done the same. I felt like I was wasting what they had sacrificed for me. When I returned to University in the fall, I made academics my priority and committed myself to learn more about medicine .

Through my major in neuroscience, I strengthened my understanding of how we perceive and experience life. In systems neurobiology, I learned the physiology of the nervous system. Teaching everything from basic neural circuits to complex sensory pathways, Professor X provided me with the knowledge necessary to conduct research in Parkinson’s disease. My research focused on the ability of antioxidants to prevent the onset of Parkinson’s, and while my project was only a pilot study at the time, Professor X encouraged me to present it at the National Research Conference. During my senior year, I developed the study into a formal research project, recruiting the help of professors of statistics and biochemistry.

Working at the School of Medicine reinforced my analytical skills. I spent my summer in the department of emergency medicine, working with the department chair, Dr. Excellent. Through Dr. Excellent’s mentorship, I participated in a retrospective study analyzing patient charts to determine the efficacy of D-dimer assays in predicting blood clots. The direct clinical relevance of my research strengthened my commitment and motivated my decision to seek out more clinical research opportunities.

A growing awareness of the role of human compassion in healing has also influenced my choice to pursue a career in medicine. It is something no animal model or cell culture can ever duplicate or rival. Working in clinical research has allowed me to see the selflessness of many physicians and patients and their mutual desire to help others. As a research study assistant in the department of surgery, I educate and enroll patients in clinical trials. One such study examines the role of pre-operative substance administration in tumor progression. Patients enrolled in this study underwent six weeks of therapy before having the affected organ surgically excised. Observing how patients were willing to participate in this research to benefit others helped me understand the resiliency of the human spirit.

Working in clinical trials has enabled me to further explore my passion for science, while helping others. Through my undergraduate coursework and participation in volunteer groups I have had many opportunities to solidify my goal to become a physician. As I am working, I sometimes think about my second summer in Central America. I recall how one day, after I had turned countless rows of soil in scorching heat, one of the boys told me that I was a trabajador verdadero—a true worker. I paused as I realized the significance of this comment. While the boy may not have been able to articulate it, he knew I could identify with him. What the boy didn’t know, however, was that had my grandparents not decided to immigrate to the US, I would not have the great privilege of seizing opportunities in this country and writing this essay today. I look forward to the next step of my education and hope to return home to Texas where I look forward to serving the communities I call home.

Final Thoughts

Above all, and as stated in this article numerous times, your personal statement should be authentic and genuine. Write about your path and and journey to this point in your life using anecdotes and observations to intrigue the reader and illustrate what is and was important to you. Good luck!

Medical School Personal Statement Help & Consulting

If all this information has you staring at your screen like a deer in the headlights, you’re not alone. Writing a superb medical school personal statement can be a daunting task, and many applicants find it difficult to get started writing, or to express everything they want to say succinctly. That’s where MedEdits can help. You don’t have to have the best writing skills to compose a stand-out statement. From personal-statement editing alone to comprehensive packages for all your medical school application needs, we offer extensive support and expertise developed from working with thousands of successful medical school applicants. We can’t promise applying to medical school will be stress-free, but most clients tell us it’s a huge relief not to have to go it alone.

MedEdits offers personal statement consulting and editing. Our goal when working with students is to draw out what makes each student distinctive. How do we do this? We will explore your background and upbringing, interests and ideals as well as your accomplishments and activities. By helping you identify the most distinguishing aspects of who you are, you will then be able to compose an authentic and genuine personal statement in your own voice to capture the admissions committee’s attention so you are invited for a medical school interview. Our unique brainstorming methodology has helped hundreds of aspiring premeds gain acceptance to medical school.

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Reapplying to Medical School? Tips from Admissions Officers

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It goes without saying that the medical school application process is competitive. If you weren’t accepted on your first try, don’t be discouraged! We asked three medical school admissions officers to give their best advice for how to approach reapplying and ways to strengthen your application.

It goes without saying that applying to medical school is a competitive process. In the 2017 AMCAS® application cycle, of those students who applied, about 40% were accepted [See Applying to Medical School: 2017 AMCAS® Medical School Applications by the Numbers ]. If you applied and didn’t get accepted on your first try, don’t be discouraged! Many students before you have applied more than once before they were accepted to medical school. So what can you do to strengthen your application? Before you dive headfirst into a new application cycle, we asked three medical school admissions officers to share their best advice for students who are reapplying. In summary, self-reflection is key.

“Applying to medical school can be a very stressful process, and this stress can be magnified if you don’t get accepted. If this happens to you, first, take a deep breath and put it in context. The average acceptance rate to U.S. MD-granting medical schools has ranged from 40% - 42% for the past few years. Give yourself some time to work through whatever feelings you may have, and then take a good, hard look at your application and at yourself.

There are many reasons why an applicant may not be accepted, including low academic credentials, poor interview performance, the timing of application submission, weak exploration and understanding of medicine, or poorly written essays. The first impulse for some candidates who have not been accepted to medical school is to reapply immediately in the next cycle. In reality, it is very important to slow down and to consider whether any changes you need to implement will take more time, such as retaking the MCAT exam, bolstering a suboptimal GPA, or increasing medical exploration. It is also important to seek advice from pre-health advisors and/or medical school admissions representatives to help you better understand your application weaknesses and to more fully understand how and which improvements may need to be made.”

--Lina Mehta, MD, Associate Dean for Admissions, Associate Professor of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

“The first step to being a successful medical school re-applicant is reflection and self-assessment. Take some time to thoroughly review your application. What are your strengths? What are your areas for further growth? In addition to assessing your application on your own, consider reaching out for help. Has your pre-health advisor reviewed your application and given you advice? Have you asked the schools where you were not accepted if they offer feedback? Have you reviewed the medical school’s websites to really understand what they are seeking in their applicants? Note that some medical schools even publish self-assessment guides for applicants.

Once you have identified areas of growth, take the time to grow! Rushing into another application cycle when you have more work to do may not be the best route. Attack the gaps in your application with excitement and energy. How can you learn from further studies or experiences to help you become an exceptional future health care provider? Journal about your experiences. What stories can you tell about your journey? Reflect on the opportunities you’ve had, the people you’ve learned from, and the kind of physician you want to be. Remember, the end game is not to get into medical school, but to provide much-needed care to patients. How will you become the type of physician you would want to care for your loved ones?”

--Christina Grabowski, PhD, Associate Dean for Admissions and Enrollment Management, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

“Every year, many more students apply to medical school than are accepted. What can you do if you are one of the students who needs to reapply? Take a deep breath and remind yourself why you are doing this!

There are four things to consider before you resubmit your application. First, the Holistic Review paradigm developed by the AAMC can be your guide on how to improve your application. Carefully look at your Experiences (E), Attributes (A), and Metrics (M). Where in these three areas are you not the best you can be? Where in the three areas are you not in the range of students that were successful the previous year? Second, how well did you articulate your commitment to medicine in your application? Is your commitment well supported by your various activities? Third, timing is important. If your application has not changed significantly from the previous submission, the likelihood of a different outcome is small. Admissions committees want to see noticeable changes in a re-applicant. Finally, reach out to the medical schools you previously applied to for advice on how you can enhance your application. Many schools may not have the resources to provide you with this information, but it does not hurt to try. Lastly, consider sitting down with your pre-health advisor who will have the most comprehensive understanding of what successful applicants from your school look like and can offer suggestions for improving your application.”

--Leila Amiri, MA, Director of Admissions, University of Illinois College of Medicine

As you prepare to reapply, it can also be helpful to see how other applicants overcame not being accepted on the first try and then ultimately matriculated to medical school. The AAMC’s Inspiring Stories is a collection of interviews with medical students about their path to medical school where you’ll find that many involve multiple application attempts. It can also be helpful to know what medical schools are looking for in their future students. The AAMC’s Anatomy of an Applicant breaks down applications of current medical students and shares what led these applicants to acceptance.

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Select and purchase a package above.  If you have questions, please contact us down below. 

After you purchase your package, Dr. Rishi Mediratta & Dr. Rachel Rizal will email and learn more about your background and interests.

It's crunch time! We will start working with you to  plan your medical school application, including medical school letters of recommendation and a customized school list.  We will also start editing your medical school personal statement and AMCAS work & activities descriptions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our team encourages all re-applicants to substantially change their personal statements. The admissions committee needs a fresh look at your application.

This is our strength and special sauce! We think outside-the-box about how to improve your medical school applications. Then, we will strategize with you, set goals, and followup to make sure you are continuing to improve your next medical school application!

Typically, you can reuse the same letters of recommendation for medical school. However, Drs. Rizal and Mediratta strongly encourage your letters to be updated, at a minimum. We will discuss each of your previous letter of recommendation writers with you and then plan whether you should submit his or her recommendation letter again. 

Dr. Rachel Rizal and Rishi Mediratta will be your application coaches. We love mentoring and advising! 🙂 We see ourselves as your mentors for life. Many of our students who have worked with us for their medical school applications are now our advisees for residency applications. 

Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta will be the ones who edit your AMCAS work & activities, personal statement and secondary essays. We do not hire other consultants. So rest assured, you will have top-tier feedback!

We aim to turnaround your edits within 48 hours. We typically provide students with feedback within 1 day.

We will ask you details about your medical school interview. What medical school? What’s the interview format? When is your interview?

Then, we will schedule a mock interview with you. If you are in Boston or the San Francisco Bay Area, we may be able to schedule an interview in person, schedule permitting. Otherwise, our mock interviews are held over video chat. 

Each mock interview is 60 to 75 minutes. During this time, we will ask you several questions and give you our frank and direct feedback. If we need to practice some responses again and again, we can do so. This interview preparation is personalized and tailored for each student to shine!

The Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview course was created by Dr. Rachel Rizal. It helps students create frameworks to be ready for any type of Multiple Mini Interview question for their interview day! Additionally, there are timed practice questions. For more information about the course content, please visit this website:  Mastering the Multiple Mini Interview Online Course

Students utilize the monthly 1-hour advising calls for various reasons. Each call is tailored to YOU and YOUR application. Here are common topics we discuss during our advising calls:

• Overall medical school application strategy
• Set timeline and deadlines for application materials
• Letter of recommendation planning – who you will ask your letters of recommendations from, how to ask your letter of recommenders for references, and what content each recommender will highlight about you.
• AMCAS application questions
• Personal statement brainstorming
• Verbal feedback and discussion about work and activities
• Brainstorming for secondary essays
• Secondary essay editing
• Brainstorm interview responses
• Additional mock interview preparation
• Application strategy, including when to send letters of intent and update letters

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The Unbearable Vagueness of Medical ‘Professionalism’

Since its inception, this murky term has straddled the dual role of disciplining and inspiring.

By Rachel E. Gross

When Joel Bervell thought about professionalism as an undergrad, he thought of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Specifically, he thought about how residents on the show were expected to be, although often were not: on time, prepared for their cases and respectful to everyone around them.

“That was the only standard that I had of what it meant to be a doctor — especially someone like me, who doesn’t come from a family of doctors,” said Mr. Bervell, 28 , a fourth-year medical student at Washington State University. Mr. Bervell, who is Ghanaian American, is one of the first Black medical students at the medical college, which opened in 2017.

From the moment students set foot in medical school, they are instilled with the concept of medical professionalism: their sacred responsibility to conduct themselves with the values of a profession that is granted automatic trust in society. “It is the first thing they tell you: You are now literally a medical professional,” Mr. Bervell said.

The same metric can be used to determine whether or not a med student becomes a doctor at all.

Starting in their third year, Mr. Bervell learned, he and his classmates would be regularly assessed on their professional behavior , along with other attributes like communication skills. Faculty, staff and other students could also report specific concerns about an individual’s professionalism, resulting in write-ups, the contents of which could become attached to their permanent records, following them like scarlet letters.

The problem, as many medical students have also learned, is that where “professional” is vague, “unprofessional” is even more so. Depending on who makes the call, unprofessional behavior can mean hugging your program director, letting a bra strap show , wearing braids , donning a swimsuit over the weekend or wearing a “Black Lives Matter” sweatshirt in the E.R.

As a result, professionalism exists at two levels, as both a lofty standard of behavior and a ( sometimes literal) list of dos and don’ts that blur ethics and appearance. That second meaning can prove particularly pernicious to residents of color, said Dr. Adaira Landry, an adviser at Harvard Medical School and co-author on a recent journal article on the “overpolicing” of Black residents.

The article, published in The New England Journal of Medicine , adds to growing literature documenting the ways residents of color are disciplined or pushed out of medicine. In 2015-16, 20 percent of trainees dismissed from their residency were Black, although Black students make up only 5 percent of residents, according to unpublished data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, or A.C.G.M.E.

For students who did not grow up in the culture of medicine or do not resemble an outdated notion of what a doctor should look like (white, male, elite), these opaque rules can present a minefield. “The environment is so restrictive of what is allowed that when you behave or look or speak differently, it feels like it’s unprofessional,” Dr. Landry said.

Among minority students with whom Dr. Landry works and who are facing probation or dismissal, she has seen a common thread. “I have never had a student reach out to me that they’re being kicked out because of an academic grade,” she said. “The overwhelming theme is that it’s interpersonal conflicts, labeled as professionalism challenges.”

From ethics code to dress code

The lofty ideals that Mr. Bervell encountered on his first day are more in line with how professionalism was originally conceived, said Dr. David C. Leach, who served as executive director of the A.C.G.M.E. from 1997 to 2007.

At the time, medicine was at a crossroads. Giant companies were snapping up individual practices and turning them into for-profit enterprises. Doctors saw their time with patients dwindle, and patients saw their quality of care decline.

“There was a rising public perception that doctors were just like everyone else: They’re just looking to make a buck,” said Dr. Matthew Wynia, a medical ethicist studying the ethics of managed care during this period. “The fear was that our sense of professionalism was being lost.”

In response, the council set out to define a set of general competencies: measurable outcomes that a resident needed to demonstrate before moving forward in the journey to becoming a physician.

Of the six competencies the council ultimately established, professionalism came closest to the heart of what it meant to be a doctor. “It is a set of promises about the trustworthiness of both the profession as a whole and the individuals practicing in it,” Dr. Leach wrote in 2014. Many believed that professionalism was key to helping medicine re-establish its values as an ethics-based altruistic profession — one committed to patients, not the bottom line.

Professionalism was also the vaguest competency on the list. The 1999 definition characterized professionalism as “a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles and sensitivity to a diverse patient population.” Doctors were also expected to demonstrate an array of attributes in every interaction, including compassion, respect, humility, integrity, accountability.

Residency directors complained that, compared to things like patient care and medical knowledge, professionalism was squishy and difficult to measure. The concerns boiled down to, “I’m a really busy program director, so what the hell am I supposed to do?” recalled Dr. Leach.

The vagueness problem never went away, said Dr. Deborah Powell, a former executive dean at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, who was on the A.C.G.M.E. board at the time. In the 2000s, conversations about what constituted professionalism often devolved to focus on how doctors should dress. “You shouldn’t have beards, you shouldn’t have long hair, women should wear skirts,” Dr. Powell said. “It was crazy. We went overboard.”

Those conversations are still happening today. Dr. Londyn Robinson, now a resident at Duke University, learned the second definition of professionalism in 2020. While looking for tips on applying to residencies, she stumbled across an article in the journal Vascular Surgery titled “Prevalence of Unprofessional Social Media Content Among Young Vascular Surgeons.”

The authors had trawled the social media accounts of 500 surgery trainees and rated them for professionalism without their knowledge. By the authors’ definition, potentially unprofessional content included photos of residents holding alcoholic drinks, wearing Halloween costumes or “provocative posing in bikinis/swimwear.”

To Dr. Robinson, who is the first in her family to earn an M.D., the paper revealed that, for some, professionalism had been reduced to superficial attributes rather than to ethical behavior with patients. “Basically, they said the quiet part out loud,” she said.

A new ideal

As Dr. Robinson learned, professionalism now radiates beyond the clinic or classroom. Mr. Bervell’s instructors had cautioned him about the consequences of social media: Because medical students represented the profession at all times, they said, being a professional meant thinking twice before talking online about politics or hot-button issues like abortion.

Mr. Bervell didn’t exactly heed that warning. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he began making TikTok videos pointing out racial bias in medical tools like the pulse oximeter and lung function tests . (Both are less accurate for non-white patients, studies have found), earning him the moniker of “medical mythbuster.” His videos have been added to medical school syllabuses, drawn praise from the American Medical Association and earned him a seat on the White House’s Healthcare Leaders in Social Media Roundtable.

By the standards of his own school, Mr. Bervell said, his social media activism could be seen as unprofessional. But, he added, he saw challenging health care’s gaping racial disparities is part of his role in changing medicine — and, maybe, giving doctors something better than “Grey’s Anatomy” as a model for how to be a professional.

The vagueness of professionalism can pose a challenge not only for students of color but for anyone who falls outside the historical stereotype of a doctor. Dr. Robinson noted that the people being judged for their swimwear in the Vascular Surgery paper were more often women than men.

In 2020, incensed by the paper, she posted a photo of herself in a bikini top and shorts on X, formerly known as Twitter, with the hashtag #MedBikini. “I’ll say it: I wear bikinis. I am going to be a doctor,” Dr. Robinson wrote. By the next day, her post had gone viral , and the paper was formally retracted.

In an apology , the editors of the journal acknowledged that “professionalism has historically been defined by and for white, heterosexual men and does not always speak to the diversity of our work force or our patients.”

As the face of medicine changes and platforms like TikTok and Twitter transform the way that medical knowledge is shared, the original architects of professionalism still believe that the core tenets of the term will remain central to medicine.

For Dr. Leach, the definition is simple. “Are you discerning and telling the truth? Are you putting the patient’s interests ahead of your own? And are you developing practical wisdom that can incorporate the best science with the particulars of this particular patient to come up with a creative clinical decision?” he said. “If you’re doing those three things, then you’re professional.”

He added: “And a dress code is so far and away from those three things.”

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40 facts about elektrostal.

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Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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• Elektrostal

Elektrostal’

(until 1938, Zatish’e), a city under oblast jurisdiction in Moscow Oblast, RSFSR; situated 58 km east of Moscow. Railroad station on a branch line of the Moscow-Orekhovo-Zuevo line. Population, 135,000 (1977; 43,000 in 1939; 97,000 in 1959; 123,000 in 1970). Enterprises in the city include the Elektrostal’ Electrometallurgical Plant, a heavy machinery plant, a book bindery, and a plant for the production of motor vehicles and railroad equipment. The main educational institutes are a branch of the Moscow Institute of Steel and Alloys, machine-building and construction technicums, and a music school.

(full name, I. F. Tevosian Elektrostal’), an electrometallurgical plant located in the city of Elektrostal’, Moscow Oblast. It manufactures high-quality alloy and special steels.

Formed from a foundry that had opened in 1916, Elektrostal’ began operation in 1918. It was thoroughly retooled between 1926 and 1937, with the addition of two steelmaking shops equipped with open-hearth and electric furnaces, a rolling shop equipped with model 350, model 600, and model 800 mills, a heat-treating shop, a stamping shop, a forging shop, and a drop-hammer shop. In 1940, the plant produced 226,000 tons of steel.

Elektrostal’ was evacuated to the Urals at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–45. It was reevacuated in 1942 and began production for the front in July of that year. In the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s, a number of production sections were modernized and fully mechanized; shops with special equipment of the newest design were built, as were first-class laboratories with modern apparatus.

Elektrostal’ makes use of many advanced production processes, including oxygen steelmaking, subsurface deoxidation, and refining in molten slags and under high vacuums. Electron-beam melting and plasma-arc melting have been introduced.

Research is conducted at Elektrostal’ on the development and commercial production of new types of steel. The plant is now capable of producing more than 2,000 types of steel and alloys. Its steel output increased by a factor of 3.5 between 1945 and 1975.

Elektrostal’ was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1945 and the Order of the October Revolution in 1971.

I. S. P RIANISHNIKOV

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