A course in medicine is academically, physically and emotionally demanding, and you will need to be particularly robust to be able to deal with setbacks, crises and stress. I therefore think that as an opening statement a reference to your father's unfortunate death is highly appropriate - there can be few better reasons why one might want to study Medicine. But then don't dwell on it. Instead, ensure that your Personal Statement highlights as many as possible of the personal qualities that are sought by the Medical schools and colleges.

If you are called for interview you will face searching questions about your motivation, work at school and personal interests. A key issue will be your reasons for wanting to become a doctor, and whether you have the critical personal qualities of compassion, resourcefulness, boundless energy and perseverance that are required. For your application to be successful you will need to demonstrate all of the following qualities:
 

• A clear sense of vocation
• Self-motivation and excellent personal organisation (with evidence from your present work and activities)
• A willingness to learn at all times
• Practical concern for the welfare of others (through, for example, voluntary or charity work)
• Excellent communication and ‘inter-personal’ skills
• Determination, energy, perseverance, resilience, enthusiasm and the ability to make a success of the course; tenacity in pursuit of a result
• A curiosity about the scientific basis of medicine, and some knowledge of strategies for treatment of diseases, and for prevention of illness
• Humanity, compassion and patience
• Originality and initiative; creativity; flexibility
• Honesty, integrity, modesty and a sense of humour
• Evidence that you are a balanced individual, with hobbies and interests that will counter some of the stress
• Leadership skills and an ability to accept responsibility, and to take difficult decisions
• An awareness of current medical and ethical issues (such as abortion, euthanasia, embryology, HIV and AIDS, CJD, and cancer and circulatory diseases)
• An ability to find solutions to problems and the confidence to rise to challenges
• Evidence that you are a team player
• ICT skills (at least at a basic level)
• Excellent physical and mental health

It is vital that you study carefully the student entry profile published for each course, which outlines the skills and personal qualities that the selectors are looking for. While these profiles naturally have a great deal in common, you should ensure that your Personal Statement comes as close as possible to matching the requirements of your chosen institutions. You must therefore highlight any efforts you have made to discover more about the reality of medical practice, and emphasise any relevant work experience you have had. This should not simply be a catalogue of what, where and when; rather it should focus on your experience differed from your expectations, what you learned from it, and how it has reinforced your determination to enter the medical profession. You are at a very serious disadvantage if you have neglected to arrange plenty of work experience, and preferably in more than one location or context. There is no doubt that experience of the extended kind is the most useful and the most impressive, since it helps you to discover things about your own character (stamina, maturity, commitment) and represents an acid test of your conviction. The selectors are also looking for information about your interests, hobbies and achievements (both in and out of school), especially those that demonstrate qualities of teamwork, initiative and concern for others. Evidence of community service, such as voluntary work with the elderly or the handicapped, or involvement in local charity ventures, is often a critical factor.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your application.