Letter for medicine work experience?

[AK]

Hi
Could somebody please read through this work experience letter for me and let me know if it is allright?? Have I nattered in too much or does it show a passion for medicine??
Thanks

22.12.2012

Dear Dr Jacobs

I am writing to you to enquire about the possibility of undertaking a work experience placement in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at XXXl Hospital.

I am 17 years old and am currently studying A levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English Literature at XXX School. I have wanted to pursue a career in medicine since the age of eleven but I believe that I originally became interested in a career in medicine due to my personal experiences in the hospital. The doctors and nurses saved my life when I was admitted into hospital with a severe asthma attack and since then I have felt the need to repay these individuals by giving others the chance to live fulfilling lives despite illness. I have enjoyed studying science since an early age and I am especially intrigued by the complexity of the human body. I am attracted to a career in medicine as it combines life-long study of the mechanisms of the human body with a job which involves working on a daily bases with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. I am also attracted to a career in medicine due to the constant challenge and room for progress and development.

I am a motivated individual who thrives on a constant challenge. Throughout secondary school I have been homeschooled and I have achieved 9 A*s and 1 A in my GCSEs and IGCSEs including GCSE Mathematics which I completed in year 8. I have also completed AS Arabic in which I achieved a B grade and AS Mathematics in which I achieved a very high A grade. I am due to finish my A2 Mathematics this January and I am predicted an A grade. Through my homeschooled education I feel that I developed skills in independent learning and organisation. I tutor on the weekends as I enjoy passing on the knowledge I have learnt.

At school, I was nominated for the role of Medics Director where I help organise weekly Medic Society meetings at XXXXX School. Outside school, I am a member of St John Ambulance. I attend weekly meetings and volunteer on duties. I find the first aid knowledge which I learn through the training fascinating and I like the fact that I have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice. I also volunteer weekly across XXXXX wards at xxxx hospital where I help at mealtimes and tea rounds; delivering lunches and tea, feeding patients, helping to write up care plans or simply lending a listening ear.Through my role at the hospital I have developed my communication skills and I have learnt to relate to patients of different backgrounds and ages. I am really enjoying my voluntary work as I experience a feeling of satisfaction knowing that a small gesture on my behalf such as taking the time to listen to a patient’s worries can make such a big impact on the patient’s wellbeing.

I spent my summer holidays this year organising a fundraising dinner for my former primary school where I took the role of marketing manager. This helped me to develop my teamwork skills and social skills. In addition to this, I undertook a week of work experience in the A&E department at XXXX hospital. I have independently arranged all of my volunteering and work experience so far which has been difficult but ultimately it was worth it as it was an invaluable opportunity to gain an insight into what medicine is really like.

My work experience and voluntary work so far has inspired me further to pursue a career in medicine. I would love to undertake some work experience in Obstetrics and Gynaecology as this is a field which I am particularly passionate about and would consider as a choice of specialism. I recently attended a lecture on gynaecology and obstetrics which I found truly inspirational. I feel that this is a unique specialism as doctors care for the health and wellbeing of not just one patient but both the mother and the unborn child. I would love to play such a vital role during pregnancy and childbirth in my future career; helping to bring new life on to earth and giving a couple with fertility problems the greatest gift they could ever receive.

I would really appreciate it if you could help me secure some work experience in your department of the hospital. I am flexible with dates so if I can come along for a few days, please let me know which timings are suitable for you.

Thank you for all your help.
Yours Sincerely,
xxxxx

[sillyBandit573]

Wow :O this is an amazing letter you have written!
I really enjoyed reading your letter and even though it was long, you weren't waffling on, it was very well written - clear and straight to the point. The letter has really shown your passion for medicine and how much you want to become a doctor. It also shows how academically bright you are and also your caring and outgoing personality (as you do a lot for your community and helping other people). I think you should write a little bit more about your work experience at your hospital and what you have learned from it, and why this would be beneficial to you while doing other work experience. Also write a bit more about why you want to volunteer at the hospital and why you want to work in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Your letter is very impressive but you do have to remember is that doctors receive hundreds of letters a week from eager students wanting to do work experience, so don't be annoyed if the doctor takes long to reply as he will probably have a lot to read and get through, and also don't be dis-heartened if he says no. Apply to other hospitals and other departments too just to make sure you have some form of work experience. You could maybe do work experience in maternity, pediatric wards and also a neonatal ward as they are linked to Obstetrics in a way.

Good luck and this letter is fabulous x