Pharmacy Personal Statement 2
After a work experience at a local pharmacy, I became captivated by the deeply personal relationship between pharmacist and patient. Each patient’s unwavering trust in their pharmacist was reciprocated by the empathy and care enacted by the professional, allowing me to ponder not only the impact a pharmacist can have on their local community but the importance of pharmacists to society as a whole. To have the privilege of providing medicines to improve the quality of a person’s life is an exceptionally rewarding honour and inspires me to pursue a career in pharmacy.
I achieved first place in a prestigious science competition, where I led a team in creating a poster about the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. During my research, I explored a study on the use of adrenergic alpha and beta blockades in treating Raynaud’s. I found it particularly fascinating that while alpha blockades by themselves performed favourably, beta blockades were also needed to counteract side effects—such as fluid retention—caused by the alpha blockades, demonstrating how drugs can work in unison to have the desired effect in the body. I further considered more convenient ways drugs can be administered to Raynaud’s sufferers, leading me to research a company that develops transdermal patches for drug delivery. The way a drug can diffuse across the layers of skin and enter the bloodstream, releasing the drug in a non-intrusive yet effective manner was revolutionary to me. I was then able to present my research to a panel of healthcare professionals, conveying my findings in a simple yet effective manner, a skill I hope to develop in the future. Not only did this project highlight to me the ever-evolving nature of medicines and treatment—an important aspect in pharmacy—but it also provided the invaluable opportunity to develop my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
While working at a pharmaceutical distribution company, I ensured that orders taken met Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines, from verifying that both medicine and customer documents were up to date to regulating warehouse temperatures. I gained an appreciation of just how crucial patient safety is within medicine handling, allowing me to improve my skills of precision and attention to detail. I developed these skills further when I was entrusted with dispensing medicines into dosette boxes for a local care home, a task that required focus and accuracy to ensure patients were kept safe.
Studying Chemistry A-Level, I realised the extent of the role of chemistry within pharmacy when I had to determine the maximum mass of sodium fluoride in toothpaste a person can swallow without reaching the toxic concentration—a simple calculation on paper that in reality could have significant impact. I understood then how vital chemistry is in providing the correct dosage of a drug to ensure patient well-being. Delving further into the role of chemistry in medicine, I embarked to find out more from a professional society and discovered the development of the Ventolin inhaler to treat asthma, a superior alternative to the adrenaline injection. I was astounded that in the face of an imperfect treatment—here, adrenaline’s short-lived nature—pharmacists and chemists were able to work together to synthesise new chemicals that were more resistant to enzyme digestion to elevate patient care. I found this discovery enlightening, as it demonstrated how crucial chemistry is in drug formulation and performance, illustrating how my passion for chemistry can aid me in studying pharmacy, an interest I was keen to develop through attending weekly chemistry supervisions.
I am excited about the prospect of making a difference in people’s lives. This, together with the lifelong learning and immersive scientific work that I hope to be a part of, fuels my desire to study pharmacy at university and practice as a pharmacist in the future.
Analysis of Personal Statement Using Key Points
Introduction:
The introduction effectively sets the tone by highlighting the personal connection between pharmacist and patient. The writer describes their experience at a local pharmacy, where they were captivated by the trust and care shared between pharmacists and their patients. This experience inspired the writer to pursue a career in pharmacy, showing a clear and personal reason for choosing this path.
Key Point 1: Why Pharmacy Specifically?
The statement provides specific reasons for choosing pharmacy:
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The writer is inspired by the pharmacist’s role in improving the quality of life for patients.
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The detailed example of their experience with Raynaud’s phenomenon research demonstrates their fascination with how drugs work together to achieve desired effects. This shows a deep interest in the scientific and practical aspects of pharmacy.
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The writer’s interest in innovative drug delivery methods, such as transdermal patches, highlights their curiosity and desire to improve patient care through advanced pharmaceutical technologies.
Key Point 2: Relevant Work Experience:
The personal statement includes several examples of relevant work experience:
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The experience at a pharmaceutical distribution company taught the writer about Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines and the importance of patient safety. This work helped them develop precision and attention to detail.
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Dispensing medicines into dosette boxes for a care home further enhanced their skills in accuracy and safety, crucial for a pharmacist.
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The writer's involvement in a science competition, where they led a team and conducted research, showcases their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Key Point 3: Unique Experiences:
The writer's participation in a prestigious science competition and their innovative research on Raynaud’s phenomenon set them apart. Presenting their findings to a panel of healthcare professionals demonstrates their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, their research into transdermal patches shows a proactive approach to learning and a keen interest in cutting-edge pharmaceutical developments.
Key Point 4: Relevant Skills:
The writer highlights several relevant skills:
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Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills were developed through their role in the science competition.
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Precision and attention to detail were emphasised through their work at the pharmaceutical distribution company and dispensing medicines for a care home.
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Analytical and problem-solving skills were demonstrated through their A-Level Chemistry project and their exploration of the Ventolin inhaler development.
Content (Paragraphs 2-4):
These paragraphs provide detailed descriptions of the writer's experiences and insights gained from various pharmacy-related activities. The writer effectively links these experiences to the qualities and skills needed in the profession:
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The A-Level Chemistry project and the research into the Ventolin inhaler illustrate their strong academic background and interest in the scientific aspects of pharmacy.
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The personal story of their work experience and volunteer activities adds depth and a personal touch to the statement.
Conclusion:
The conclusion restates the writer’s goal of pursuing a degree in pharmacy and their excitement about making a difference in people's lives. It acknowledges the demanding nature of the career while emphasising the rewards of lifelong learning and scientific work. The statement ends on a positive note, showing the writer's commitment to the field of pharmacy and their desire to become a pharmacist.
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