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Best Medical Essay Topics for Students & Expert Writing Tips

#i',$content, -1); --> table of contents medical topics for essay: the essentials medical essay topics: how to choose a good one 15 strong medical argumentative essay topics some interesting medical ethics topics for essay the most relevant medical persuasive essay topics top medical research essay topics to save you time good medical assistant essay topics writing a modern medical education essay can be an effective way of communicating information, discussing research findings, or educating others about important topics related to health and healthcare. in this 5-minute read, we’ll go over the essentials to help you write a very organized and insightful nursing paper, as well as offer an extensive list of fresh medical essay topics that will make your paper outstanding. medical topics for essay: the essentials.

A nursing essay is an academic writing assignment that aims to demonstrate your knowledge throughout the application process for nursing school, a nursing program, or during your years as a medical student. Essay writing for nurses is also a great way to advance careers and emphasize critical issues or exceptional cases.

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Here’s how to write a good health essay step by step:

  • Choose a topic that aligns with your subject matter or interest in nursing.
  • Conduct thorough research to have a strong foundation for your paper.
  • Develop a clear, concise thesis statement.
  • Create a detailed outline that arranges the information consistently.
  • Write a compelling introduction that gives background on the subject.
  • Develop body paragraphs that focus on particular issues related to your thesis.
  • Support all claims with valid evidence and cite sources using a suitable citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).
  • Craft a thoughtful conclusion that sums up the key points examined in the paper and restates the thesis.

Last but not least, use clear and concise language to convey your ideas, and always take the time to proofread the completed paper and ensure it meets the provided guidelines.

Medical Essay Topics: How to Choose a Good One

These are some of ​​the most effective tips for selecting a topic for any essay, including a nursing one:

  • Think of the nursing essay topics you find interesting.
  • Check for possible resources to base your paper on; ensure there’s plenty available.
  • Make sure the topic is not too specific, as it will be harder to research.
  • Ensure it’s broad enough to tackle lots of ideas and thoughts.
  • Review samples online to find some inspiration.
  • Ask a friend or someone from your institution to brainstorm medical topics for essay with you.
  • Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s take a look at the best fifteen argumentative medical essay topics available today.

15 Strong Medical Argumentative Essay Topics

The medical argumentative essay topics below were hand-selected by our best experts in the field, so you can quickly get started with your paper.

  • Should insurance cover holistic treatments?
  • Recent advances in stem cell research and ethical issues.
  • Gene editing: ethical implications.
  • Vaccination: public health necessity or infringement on personal liberty?
  • AI in healthcare and its potential risks and benefits.
  • Which way to treat mental health issues is better: psychotherapy or medication?
  • The effects of genetically modified foods on population health.
  • Who should be held accountable for childhood obesity?
  • Cosmetic surgery: a personal preference or a necessity?
  • Should organ donation be made compulsory or remain voluntary?
  • The right to try experimental drugs: a humanitarian act or a dangerous business?
  • Opioid dependence vs. patient autonomy in chronic pain management.
  • What are the short-term and long-term effects of prenatal drug exposure?
  • Ethical aspects of human cloning.
  • Is animal-assisted therapy a pseudoscience or an efficient treatment?

Next, we’ll cover medical ethics essay topics that offer room to build a strong argument and support it with research.

Some Interesting Medical Ethics Topics for Essay

This list of medical ethics topics for essay can help you narrow down your choices and find the one that is both relevant to your studies and interesting:

  • The implications of pregnancy termination due to a genetic condition.
  • The ethical side of using social media in medicine.
  • Should minors have access to birth control without parental consent?
  • Is it ethical to test potentially dangerous medication on animals?
  • Should technology be used to do open-heart surgery?
  • Should artificial intelligence be used to reduce human errors?
  • Donation of organs and ethnic preference.
  • What are the ethical implications of active euthanasia and physician-assisted one?
  • Learning nursing by incorporating handheld devices.
  • Is it ethical to obtain patient-specific information for predictive analysis?
  • The global disparities in medical ethics.
  • The implications of genetically modified animals.
  • Models of ethical decision-making in counseling.
  • John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant’s moral theories.
  • The 9/11 attack’s impact on the ethics.

Now let’s move on to persuasive essay medical topics that will definitely impress your professor.

The Most Relevant Medical Persuasive Essay Topics

We’ve combed through several lists of medical persuasive essay topics to provide you with 15 that are relevant, simple, and current:

  • Does technology positively or negatively impact people’s mental health and well-being?
  • Are genetically modified crops good or bad for society?
  • Can science assist people with physical limitations in living better lives?
  • The influence of mental health disorders on the community.
  • Is infertility connected to couples’ stress levels and poor lifestyle choices?
  • Is obesity a result of the food business?
  • Is biohacking healthy?
  • Are genetically modified foods harmful to our health?
  • Can crystal healing help improve our physical and mental health?
  • Should broad-use drugs have a 20-year patent?
  • Do needle exchange programs help limit the transmission of blood-borne infections?
  • Is bone marrow transplantation helpful for patients with blood cancer?
  • Do contraceptive pills pose risks?
  • Can food allergies cause behavior problems?
  • Should dental insurance be required for everyone?

More interested in controversial medical essay topics? Below, you’ll find a collection of specially selected ones so you can find something that is ideal for you.

Best Controversial Medical Essay Topics for Discussion

Another sign of great medical research essay topics is that they leave no one indifferent. Let’s see what ideas you can develop for further discussion.

  • Is there any connection between poverty and poor health?
  • What factors influence healthcare costs in the U.S.?
  • Should the government provide free health care to people without homes?
  • Is the cost of healthcare in the United States reasonable?
  • Is it necessary to urge patients to begin utilizing homeopathy?
  • What donor system is better: opt-in or opt-out?
  • Should uninsured persons be given access to healthcare?
  • Should euthanasia be made illegal?
  • Should surrogacy be utilized on demand or solely for medical reasons?
  • Is womb transplanting a viable surrogacy option?
  • Should someone be rejected for an organ transplant just because they lead an unhealthy lifestyle?
  • Should abortion be legalized?
  • Should newborn vaccination be mandatory?
  • Should doctors be permitted to promote certain medicinal products?
  • Should there be legal consequences for medical mistakes?

In case you’re doing research, the medical essay topics discussed in the next section might come in handy, so check them out now!

Top Medical Research Essay Topics to Save You Time

We’ve spent hours researching current trends in health research so that we can provide you with the best research ideas for your paper. And here’s the result:

  • The placebo effect in homeopathic treatments.
  • Pandemics vs. epidemics.
  • Vaccination: risks vs. benefits.
  • Communication problems caused by deafness.
  • Diseases brought on by a lack of physical activity.
  • Urban pollution’s impact on respiratory diseases.
  • Causes of the rising number of cancer cases.
  • The most recent medical device advancements.
  • Natural coma vs. induced coma.
  • Terrorism’s impact on mental health.
  • Electronic health record systems: pros and cons.
  • Causes and consequences of heart attacks.
  • Quality of patient care in public vs. private hospitals.
  • Chemotherapy and its effects on the body.
  • Causes and predispositions to anxiety disorders.

Lastly, let’s take a quick look at some of the most compelling medical assistant essay topics. Using any of them will help you produce an exceptional paper.

Good Medical Assistant Essay Topics

When it comes to choosing medical assistant topics, you need something meaningful. Hover over these examples to spot the fitting idea for your essay:

  • Is medical assistant a rewarding career?
  • The role of medical assistants in preventive healthcare.
  • Reflection on a specialized clinical procedure.
  • Milestones and pitfalls of being an anesthesiologist assistant.
  • Ethical considerations of medical assistance.
  • The role of medical assistants in intravenous therapy.
  • Medical assistant qualities.
  • The contribution of assistants to chronic disease management.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of being a clinical assistant.
  • Professional development opportunities for medical assistants.
  • Cultural competence in medical assisting.
  • Consequences of working outside of the legal scope of practice.
  • Technological advancements in medical assisting.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on medical assistant practice.
  • Trends and innovations in medical assisting.

We hope these ideas will help you find a suitable area to cover. In case you need any further assistance with your paper or want to get more great topics, our medical essay writing service is here for you 24/7!

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300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose

Medical Research Paper Topics

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Every healthcare research begins with a single step. But in the world of academia, that step often involves hours of pondering over the perfect medical research topic idea. When it comes to medical research paper topics, there's a seemingly limitless array of options that stretches as far as the mind can wander. The potential of this field is exciting but can also be challenging to explore.

To help you narrow down your choices and research effectively, our research paper writer team compiled a list of interesting medical research topics. Whether you want to write about the latest developments in public health or explore the implications of emerging technologies, this blog won't disappoint you.

What Are Medical Research Paper Topics?

Medical research topics are the ideas or concepts related to health and medicine. They often explore new treatments, developments in diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, or even the effects of lifestyle choices. The scope of topics in medicine is vast and can include such aspects:

  • Clinical medicine
  • Biomedical research
  • Public health
  • Mental health research topics
  • Medical technology
  • Health services research.

Your choice should stem from your interests and existing gaps that need to be filled.

Characteristics of Good Medical Research Topics

Choosing the right medical topic for a research paper is like finding a golden ticket to a successful study. Here's what makes a medicine research idea a real showstopper:

  • Engagement Research should be engaging and relevant to the audience.
  • Precision Good ideas are always specific, so that you can focus your research on a particular area without being too vague.
  • Authenticity A good topic needs to address an issue that hasn't been studied before.
  • Feasibility Ensure your topic is realistic. Good research topics in healthcare should fit within your budget, timeframe, and available resources.
  • Relevance Winning medical research project topics should address current and pressing issues in healthcare.

How to Choose a Medical Research Topic?

Selecting the best idea out of multiple medicine research topics can be a daunting task, especially when you have so many fields to explore. Here are a few steps that will help you settle on a theme:

  • Brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible.
  • Narrow down your list by considering factors such as your interest and resources.
  • Look for current tendencies in healthcare research.
  • Consult your supervisor or a librarian to verify the pertinence of the topic that you have chosen.
  • Make sure your topic is specific enough to be addressed within the scope of your project.

Once you come up with a fitting medical research topic, consider half the battle won. But in case you have difficulties creating an original title, our online paper writers prepared a list of research ideas for medical students you might like.

List of Top Medical Research Topics

Below we collected various medical topics to research in your study. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging diseases, there are countless avenues to investigate. If you're on the hunt for a compelling topic, here are some of the top medical researches topics capturing attention in 2023:

  • Effective strategies for medical talent acquisition and retention.
  • The best methods for enhancing preventative care measures in contemporary medicine.
  • The role and impact of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management.
  • Implications of artificial intelligence on diagnostics and treatment plans.
  • The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and its effects on global health.
  • The link between environmental changes and public health outcomes.
  • Complexities of vaccine development and human immune responses.
  • Health inequities: Causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
  • New treatment approaches for neurodegenerative disorders.
  • A multidisciplinary approach to tackling obesity and metabolic disorders.

Good Medical Research Topics

Navigating countless medical topics for research papers can often feel like a journey through a labyrinth. Here are some intriguing ideas that could ignite your curiosity and fuel your research:

  • How does climate change impact human health?
  • Communication disorders: A closer look at deafness.
  • The hidden dangers of household air pollution.
  • The escalating threat of diabetes in the public sphere.
  • Coronavirus and how it changed the landscape of public health.
  • Assessing oral health: Beyond the basics.
  • Tobacco and alcohol control: A public health perspective.
  • Health implications of a sedentary lifestyle.
  • Urban pollution and its impact on respiratory diseases
  • The role of healthy diets in disease prevention.
  • Exploring the mental health impact of social media.
  • How do cultural factors influence public health initiatives?
  • The role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases.
  • Investigating the genetics of neurodegenerative disorders.
  • What are some ethical considerations in gene editing?

Interesting Medical Research Topics

Exploring the depths of medicine can be an exciting experience. You'll discover that every issue has a plethora of complexities and avenues to investigate. Here are some interesting medical topics for research paper that could pique your curiosity:

  • The influence of lifestyle changes on cardiovascular health.
  • What are some psychological impacts of chronic illness?
  • Connection between gut health and mental well-being.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth during the pandemic.
  • How do genetic factors influence addiction susceptibility?
  • Autoimmune diseases and their peculiarities.
  • How does stress affect immune function?
  • What are some health impacts of sleep disorders?
  • The link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
  • Exploring innovations in pain management.
  • Analyzing implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
  • Effect of climate change on infectious disease patterns.
  • A look into advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating degenerative diseases.
  • How does diet influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

Easy Medical Research Topics

You may be looking for simple research topics in medicine that won't take too much time and effort to complete. Explore these straightforward ideas that could make your paper stand out:

  • Importance of proper sanitation in healthcare settings.
  • Exploring the role of patient support groups in disease management.
  • Analyzing the efficacy of physical therapy interventions.
  • What are the cost-effective interventions for healthcare delivery?
  • What are some effects of new pharmaceuticals?
  • What are some health consequences of air pollution?
  • How does meditation improve outcomes in mental health care?
  • Evaluating the role of nutritionists in weight loss management.
  • An analysis of trends and patterns in emerging diseases.
  • Exploring alternative medicines in contemporary healthcare.
  • Examining the impact of healthcare policies on public health outcomes.
  • Can the use of herbs provide an effective remedy for certain illnesses?
  • How does mental health stigma affect access to treatment?
  • Drug abuse: Causes, consequences and prevention strategies.
  • What are some psychological issues associated with chronic illnesses?

Best Medical Research Topics

When it comes to choosing medical research topics, you need something that's striking and meaningful. Hover over these ideas to spot the fitting idea for your medical research:

  • Exploring new strategies for treating neurological disorders.
  • What is the role of medical ethics in modern healthcare?
  • What are some implications of genetics in personalized healthcare?
  • Exploring innovations in non-invasive diagnosis techniques.
  • Effect of temperature on patient outcomes in critical care.
  • How does air pollution influence healthcare costs?
  • How do changes in lifestyle lead to better health outcomes?
  • Implications of electronic health records for patient privacy.
  • Role of nutritionists in disease prevention.
  • How technology is being used to revolutionize healthcare?
  • What are the most effective treatments for rare diseases?
  • How have medical imaging techniques advanced over the years?
  • Investigating potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
  • Exploring innovative approaches to mental healthcare delivery.
  • What are some implications of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis?

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

Navigate through the most contentious research topics in health and explore the debate that surrounds them. Consider these thought-provoking ideas and medical controversial topics:

  • Ethical implications of genetic engineering.
  • Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide - where do we draw the line?
  • Are mandatory vaccinations an infringement on personal freedom or a public health necessity?
  • Evaluating medical and legal perspectives on the use of medical marijuana.
  • Ethical concerns around animal testing in medical research.
  • How do we navigate the morality and legality of abortion?
  • Should the criminal justice system focus more on mental health treatment than punishment?
  • Is stem cell research a moral dilemma or a medical breakthrough?
  • Ethical considerations in organ trading and transplantation.
  • Who should shoulder the burden of healthcare costs?
  • Is access to healthcare a privilege or a human right?
  • Ethics of using placebo in clinical trials – is it justified?
  • Assessing the role of Big Pharma in healthcare - is it a necessary evil?
  • Can genetic screening lead to discrimination, despite its benefits?
  • Should modern medicine take precedence over traditional medicine, or is there room for both?

New Medical Research Topics

Discover the latest studies in healthcare and explore the newest topics for a medical research paper. Below we prepared some cutting-edge topics for you to consider:

  • Can gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR transform the treatment of genetic disorders?
  • How does microbiome therapy potentially influence the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
  • Exploring the advent of personalized medicine through genomics and precision diagnostics.
  • How is virtual reality altering the landscape of surgical training and rehabilitation therapies?
  • How can telehealth improve healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas?
  • The role of nanotechnology in developing more efficient drug delivery systems.
  • What are some implications of the rising antimicrobial resistance, and where does the future of antibiotics lie?
  • How are advances in non-invasive treatments changing the face of chronic disease management?
  • Is precision oncology the future of cancer treatment?
  • What are some implications and potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering?
  • Can advancements in wearable technology revolutionize personal health monitoring?
  • How are gut microbiota affecting our understanding and treatment of metabolic disorders?
  • What role do nanobots play in medical treatments?
  • Can big data analytics be used to improve the accuracy of medical diagnosis?

Medical Research Topics Ideas for Students

There are multiple medical topics to write about. But as a student, you're probably looking for something more specific. For your convenience, we divided the titles by academic levels. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to explore these health topics for research that your professor will surely appreciate.

Medical Research Topics for High School

For students who want to investigate different aspect of healthcare, we provided these examples of ideas. Browse through these medical research topics for high school students to spot the most relevant theme:

  • How does the human immune system work?
  • Vaccinations as an essential tool in preventing diseases.
  • A basic overview of genetic disorders.
  • What makes viruses unique?
  • How does the body fight off bacterial infections?
  • The impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
  • Diabetes: Types, causes, and prevention strategies.
  • The importance of mental health in the medical field.
  • Skin health: Understanding common skin conditions like acne and eczema.
  • Structure and function of the human heart.
  • Role of antibiotics and how do they fight bacteria?
  • Journey of a pill: From ingestion to action.
  • What happens in an allergic reaction?
  • How does physical exercise impact the body and mind?
  • Racial disparities in healthcare and access to treatment.

Medical Research Topics for College Students

At the college level, you may be asked to write a research paper on a complex issue. We prepared these health research topics for college students to help you get started on your assignment:

  • Exploring the implications of health insurance reform.
  • Genomic sequencing in the early detection of genetic disorders.
  • Machine learning in diagnostic imaging: A new era in radiology?
  • The role of diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
  • Exploring the link between circadian rhythms and health disorders.
  • The role of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
  • Development and use of prosthetics in physical rehabilitation.
  • Understanding autoimmune diseases: The body fighting itself.
  • Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions.
  • Inflammation in the development of chronic diseases.
  • The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Causes and implications.
  • Innovations in drug delivery systems: From nanoparticles to smart pills.
  • How can we address the opioid crisis in America?
  • Investigating the use of mobile technology for delivering healthcare services.
  • Exploring medical implications of 3D printing technology.

Medical Research Topics by Subjects

We've also provided some research topics for medical students grouped by specific subjects. Check them out and pick the one you find most captivating.

Medical Research Topics in Pediatrics

Pediatrics involves the care and health of children. As such, it is a broad field ripe with interesting medical topics. Given the unique physiology needs of these younger populations, pediatric research is crucial for understanding illnesses. Below you can find captivating research topics in pediatrics:

  • Exploring the impact of nutrition on childhood development.
  • Assessing the effects of screen time on adolescent mental health.
  • Investigating genetic factors in pediatric cancers.
  • The role of vaccinations in preventing common childhood illnesses.
  • Strategies for managing childhood obesity.
  • The impact of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol on infant health.
  • Development and evaluation of therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Understanding the rise of food allergies in children.
  • Advances in the treatment of congenital heart defects.
  • Exploring the causes and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
  • The impact of environmental toxins on child health.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic approaches for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
  • Implications of early life stress on mental health in adolescence.
  • The role of gut microbiota in pediatric diseases.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of rare childhood disorders.

Medical Research Topics on Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the organization and structure of the body. It encompasses many topics for medical research papers, from bones and organs to cell structures. Consider these ideas when writing your next anatomy paper:

  • The role of genetics in bone fragility disorders.
  • A comparative study of the skeletal systems across different species.
  • The role and function of the lymphatic system in human health.
  • Investigating complexities of the human brain's structure.
  • Development and growth of human muscles.
  • Impact of aging on bone health and structure.
  • Exploring the intricate workings of the human cardiovascular system.
  • Understanding structural changes in lungs in chronic respiratory diseases.
  • The anatomical basis of speech and language development.
  • Neuroanatomy of pain: Understanding pain pathways and mechanisms.
  • Structural adaptations of the human body for athletic performance.
  • Anatomy of the human eye and its role in vision.
  • How does connective tissue support body structures?
  • How does endocrine system impact hormone production?
  • How does female anatomy change during pregnancy?

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology looks at health and illness from a cultural perspective. It draws on expertise from across disciplines such as biology, psychology, and sociology to better understand how medical systems can work within different communities. If you’re interested in this field, use these ideas for med research topics:

  • Investigating cultural beliefs and practices surrounding childbirth.
  • Impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes in different cultures.
  • Understanding the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems.
  • An exploration of how cultural beliefs influence mental health perceptions.
  • Effect of migration on health outcomes.
  • The role of diet and nutrition in health from a cultural perspective.
  • Cultural competence in healthcare delivery: Challenges and opportunities.
  • Intersection of gender, culture, and health.
  • Impact of societal norms and values on disease prevalence.
  • Health disparities among indigenous populations.
  • Role of social support networks in health and wellness across cultures.
  • The impact of stigma on health outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients.
  • The role of cultural anthropology in global health interventions.
  • Ethnobotany and its implications for drug discovery.
  • Understanding health practices in post-conflict societies.

Medicine Research Topics on Physiology

Physiology studies how living organisms function. This branch covers a range of medicine topics and ideas you might like. Here are some suggestions for your next med paper in physiology:

  • How does nervous system contribute to the perception of pain?
  • What physiological changes are triggered by acute and chronic stress?
  • How does regular exercise influence cardiovascular health and overall well-being?
  • How do hormones influence our metabolic rate and energy utilization?
  • A detailed study on physiological transformations during pregnancy and lactation.
  • How does the process of aging affect the function and resilience of various organs?
  • Exploring the role of homeostasis in maintaining the body's internal balance.
  • What are the key physiological processes involved in the sleep cycle?
  • Unraveling complexities of the human digestive system from ingestion to excretion.
  • How does the renal system contribute to maintaining blood pressure?
  • Physiological adaptations humans undergo when living at high altitudes.
  • How does dehydration disrupt normal bodily functions?
  • Implications of obesity on respiratory function and efficiency.
  • How does the endocrine system orchestrate growth and development?
  • Investigating the neurophysiological underpinnings of memory formation and retrieval.

Medical Research Topics on Dermatology

From understanding skin conditions to exploring new procedures, dermatological research is a crucial part of improving skin health. Look through these medical research ideas centered around dermatology:

  • Investigating the causes and treatments of acne in adolescents.
  • Diet and the development of psoriasis.
  • Understanding genetic factors involved in atopic dermatitis.
  • Skin cancer: Risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.
  • How do environmental factors cause skin aging?
  • Exploring new treatments for hair loss.
  • Understanding the correlation between stress and skin conditions.
  • The role of the microbiome in skin health and disease.
  • New approaches in the treatment of vitiligo.
  • The impact of UV radiation on skin health.
  • Exploring the pathophysiology of rosacea.
  • The role of telemedicine in dermatology.
  • Clinical advancements in the treatment of fungal skin infections.
  • The correlation between skin health and mental health.
  • Advances in cosmetic dermatology: Safety and effectiveness of new procedures.

Medical Research Paper Topics on Nursing

Nursing is a versatile profession that covers many areas of health care. It’s also an ever-changing field, with new research and advancements being released all the time. Here are some topics for medical research paper focusing on nursing:

  • The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient outcomes.
  • Exploring the effects of nurse fatigue on job performance.
  • How does nurse practitioner autonomy influence patient care?
  • Importance of bedside manner in nursing.
  • The role of technology in nursing practice.
  • Understanding challenges associated with ethical decision-making in nursing.
  • How does nurse burnout affect patient safety?
  • Analyzing factors contributing to nurse retention and turnover rates.
  • The effects of staffing ratios on nurse and patient satisfaction.
  • Exploring the role of leadership in nursing practice.
  • What are implications of nurse workload on healthcare outcomes?
  • The impact of health policy on nursing education and practice.
  • Ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in end-of-life care.
  • How does culture affect perceptions of healthcare and nursing.
  • What are some effects of managed care on nurse autonomy?

>> Read more: Nursing Research Paper Topics

Medical Research Topics on Primary Care

Primary care is the first point of contact between patients and medical professionals. This branch is often overlooked, but it’s an important area of research that can improve health outcomes in communities around the world. Check out these interesting health topics to discuss in primary care:

  • Exploring the impact of primary care physician shortages on health outcomes.
  • How do socio-economic factors influence health outcomes in primary care?
  • Strategies to improve patient adherence to treatment.
  • What are some challenges and opportunities of providing mental health services?
  • The role of primary care in managing chronic diseases.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in primary care.
  • How does patient education influence health outcomes in primary care?
  • The role of health technology in improving primary care delivery.
  • What are some best practices for managing multimorbidity in primary care?
  • Developing effective communication strategies for diverse patient populations in primary care.
  • The impact of health policy changes on care delivery.
  • How can primary care practices be adapted to meet the needs of an aging population?
  • Assessing the effectiveness of integrated care models.
  • The role of primary care in addressing health disparities.
  • Strategies for improving patient satisfaction in primary care.

Medical Research Topics on Public Health

Public health is an important area of research - understanding how to improve health in communities and prevent illness and injury are crucial skills for medical professionals. Here are some medical related research topics that could kick-start your next project:

  • What are the causes, implications and solutions to food insecurity?
  • The role of public health in the management of infectious diseases.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.
  • The role of public health initiatives in combating the obesity epidemic.
  • What are some policy interventions that can improve public health?
  • The impact of racism and discrimination on public health outcomes.
  • Exploring new models for delivering mental health services in underserved communities.
  • The impact of urbanization on public health outcomes.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based health education programs.
  • Strategies for managing public health crises during natural disasters.
  • The implications of antibiotic resistance for public health.
  • How can community engagement improve public health initiatives?
  • The role of public health in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
  • What are the effects of environmental toxins on human health?
  • How can mutual efforts reduce maternal and infant mortality rates?

>> View more: Public Health Research Topics

Medical Research Topics on Mental Health

Mental health is an important area of research, as it affects so many people around the world. Here are some medical research paper ideas to get you started on your next mental health project:

  • The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
  • How does social media influence adolescents' mental health?
  • Exploring the link between gut health and wellbeing.
  • The role of mindfulness in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.
  • Understanding the genetic factors in schizophrenia.
  • How can stigma associated with mental illness be reduced in society?
  • How do traumatic events influence mental health?
  • Potential art therapy application in emotional health treatment.
  • The role of mental health in managing chronic diseases.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health.
  • Understanding the correlation between sleep deprivation and emotional wellbeing.
  • Strategies for improving mental health services in rural areas.
  • How can nutrition benefit mental health?
  • Exploring the effectiveness of peer support in mental health recovery.
  • The benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Medical Ethics Research Topics

Medical ethics is an important direction in healthcare research. Check these fascinating health topics to research for your next paper:

  • Exploring moral implications of assisted suicide.
  • How do ethical considerations come into play during organ transplantation?
  • The ethical conundrum of maintaining patient confidentiality in the digital age.
  • The integral role of informed consent in the physician-patient relationship.
  • What ethical dilemmas arise from genetic testing and gene editing technologies?
  • Ethical considerations of implementing artificial intelligence in healthcare.
  • Is it ethical to use placebos in clinical trials?
  • Balancing individual rights and public health in the context of a pandemic.
  • Navigating ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care.
  • Ethical challenges involved in the rationing of limited healthcare resources.
  • What ethical considerations are necessary when conducting clinical research in low-resource settings?
  • Ethical debate surrounding the use of animals for medical research.
  • Ethical questions raised by advancements in reproductive technologies and rights.
  • What are ethical implications of mandatory vaccination policies?
  • Understanding ethical dilemmas associated with using health data for research.

Extra Medical Research Papers Topics

Medical research is an important topic for many people. Below you can find more medical research topic ideas that didn't fall in any of categories offered above.

Health Research Topics

Health research paper topics are crucial to understanding the effects of trends and developments in the medical field. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

  • How does virtual reality change physical rehabilitation?
  • Investigating the effects of pollution on respiratory health.
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in mental health.
  • The role of nutrition in managing cardiovascular diseases.
  • Assessing health impacts of climate change.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs in schools.
  • Strategies for promoting mental health in the workplace.
  • Investigating the links between diet and cognitive function.
  • How does health literacy influence individual health outcomes?
  • Implications of stress on immune function.
  • Effectiveness of public health campaigns on smoking cessation.
  • Exploring the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating diseases.
  • The role of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
  • Strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse.
  • Pros and cons of electronic record systems in healthcare.

Clinical Research Topics

Clinical ideas are essential for approaching healthcare from a scientific point of view. Find some medical research paper topics to cover in your project:

  • Exploring the effectiveness of novel treatments in rare diseases.
  • The role of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment.
  • How do medical interventions influence patient satisfaction?
  • Exploring links between nutrition and cancer prevention.
  • How do lifestyle modifications influence diabetes management?
  • Understanding the implications of drug interactions.
  • How does genetic testing influence medical decision-making?
  • What are some challenges associated with disseminating medical evidence?
  • Predicting disease progression through machine learning.
  • Assessing the accuracy of various diagnostic tools.
  • Implications of medical robotics and automation in healthcare.
  • Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on quality outcomes.
  • Clinical trials: Challenges and opportunities.
  • How can vulnerable populations access medical care?
  • How can public-private partnerships benefit healthcare delivery?

Bottom Line on Medical Topics to Research

Choosing healthcare research paper topics can be quite overwhelming. We hope our suggestions will help you in developing an engaging medical research topic for your upcoming project or assignment. Remember to always check with your instructor before starting any project, so that you are aware of all specific requirements.

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  • A Research Guide
  • Essay Topics
  • 120 Medical & Health Essay Topics

120 Medical & Health Essay Topics

Health essay topics: how to choose the perfect one.

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Health Argumentative Essay Topics:

  • The impact of fast food on public health
  • Should the government regulate the advertising of unhealthy foods?
  • The benefits and drawbacks of vaccination
  • The role of genetics in determining health outcomes
  • Should smoking be banned in public places?
  • The effects of excessive screen time on mental and physical health
  • The importance of sex education in schools
  • Should the consumption of sugary beverages be taxed?
  • The ethical implications of genetic engineering in healthcare
  • The impact of social media on body image and mental health
  • Should healthcare be a universal right?
  • The benefits and risks of alternative medicine
  • The role of exercise in preventing chronic diseases
  • Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
  • The impact of climate change on public health

Health Persuasive Essay Topics:

  • The importance of regular exercise for overall health and well-being
  • The benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet for maintaining good health
  • The dangers of smoking and the need for stricter regulations on tobacco products
  • The impact of excessive sugar consumption on health and the need for sugar taxes
  • The benefits of mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help when needed
  • The dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the need for stricter alcohol regulations
  • The importance of vaccinations in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health
  • The impact of technology on physical and mental health and the need for digital detox
  • The benefits of practicing mindfulness and meditation for stress reduction and overall well-being
  • The dangers of excessive screen time and the need for limiting technology use, especially in children
  • The importance of sleep for physical and mental health and the need for better sleep habits
  • The benefits of regular health check-ups and preventive screenings for early disease detection
  • The impact of air pollution on respiratory health and the need for stricter environmental regulations
  • The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby’s health and the need for support and education
  • The dangers of sedentary lifestyles and the need for promoting physical activity in schools and workplaces

Health Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:

  • Traditional medicine vs alternative medicine: A comparative analysis of their effectiveness in treating common ailments
  • Vegetarianism vs veganism: Examining the health benefits and drawbacks of these two dietary choices
  • Cardiovascular exercise vs strength training: Which is more effective in improving overall health and fitness?
  • Mental health vs physical health: Analyzing the impact of each on overall well-being
  • Organic food vs conventional food: Comparing the nutritional value and potential health risks associated with each
  • Western medicine vs Eastern medicine: Exploring the differences in approach and effectiveness in treating chronic illnesses
  • Smoking vs vaping: Assessing the health risks and benefits of these two forms of nicotine consumption
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs steady-state cardio: Determining the most efficient method for weight loss and cardiovascular health
  • Prescription medication vs natural remedies: Evaluating the effectiveness and potential side effects of each in managing common health conditions
  • Physical health vs emotional health: Examining the interplay between these two aspects of well-being and their impact on overall health
  • Conventional dentistry vs holistic dentistry: Comparing the approaches and benefits of these two dental care practices
  • Traditional Chinese medicine vs Ayurvedic medicine: Analyzing the principles and effectiveness of these ancient healing systems
  • Fast food vs home-cooked meals: Assessing the nutritional value and potential health risks associated with each
  • Conventional childbirth vs natural childbirth: Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of these two delivery methods for both mother and baby
  • Prescription drugs vs over-the-counter drugs: Evaluating the differences in safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of these two types of medications

Health Informative Essay Topics:

  • The impact of stress on mental and physical health
  • The benefits of regular exercise for overall well-being
  • The importance of a balanced diet for maintaining good health
  • The dangers of smoking and its effects on the body
  • The role of sleep in promoting optimal health and productivity
  • The benefits of practicing mindfulness and its impact on mental health
  • The effects of excessive screen time on eye health and overall well-being
  • The importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases
  • The impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem
  • The benefits of regular check-ups and preventive healthcare measures
  • The dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and its effects on the body
  • The role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
  • The impact of air pollution on respiratory health and ways to mitigate its effects
  • The benefits of practicing yoga and its positive effects on physical and mental health
  • The importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for overall well-being

Health Cause and Effect Essay Topics:

  • The Impact of Smoking on Lung Cancer Rates
  • The Relationship between Poor Diet and Obesity
  • The Effects of Stress on Mental Health
  • The Connection between Sedentary Lifestyle and Heart Disease
  • The Influence of Air Pollution on Respiratory Disorders
  • The Link between Alcohol Abuse and Liver Damage
  • The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
  • The Relationship between Excessive Sugar Consumption and Diabetes
  • The Impact of Fast Food Consumption on Weight Gain
  • The Connection between Lack of Physical Activity and Depression
  • The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Eye Health
  • The Relationship between Environmental Toxins and Cancer
  • The Influence of Genetics on the Development of Chronic Diseases
  • The Link between Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease
  • The Effects of Excessive Noise Exposure on Hearing Loss

Health Narrative Essay Topics:

  • Overcoming a life-threatening illness: My journey to recovery
  • The impact of a healthy lifestyle on my overall well-being
  • Coping with mental health challenges: My battle with anxiety
  • The transformative power of exercise: How I regained my strength
  • Navigating the healthcare system: My experience as a patient advocate
  • The role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases: My personal story
  • Finding hope in the face of a terminal illness: A story of resilience
  • The importance of self-care: Learning to prioritize my well-being
  • Overcoming addiction: My path to recovery and a healthier life
  • The impact of stress on physical health: My journey to finding balance
  • The power of alternative medicine: How it changed my perspective on health
  • Living with a disability: Embracing a new normal and finding joy
  • The role of genetics in health: My family’s journey with hereditary diseases
  • The importance of mental health awareness: Breaking the stigma
  • The healing power of nature: How spending time outdoors improved my well-being

Health Opinion Essay Topics:

  • The effectiveness of alternative medicine in treating chronic illnesses
  • The role of government in promoting healthy eating habits
  • The benefits and drawbacks of vaccination mandates
  • The influence of advertising on unhealthy food choices
  • The importance of mental health education in schools
  • The impact of technology on physical fitness levels
  • The role of pharmaceutical companies in the rising cost of healthcare
  • The benefits and risks of using medical marijuana
  • The impact of stress on overall health and well-being
  • The ethical considerations of organ transplantation
  • The impact of air pollution on respiratory health
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness and meditation in reducing stress and anxiety

Health Evaluation Essay Topics:

  • The impact of social media on mental health
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing stress
  • Assessing the effectiveness of vaccination programs in preventing infectious diseases
  • Evaluating the impact of fast food consumption on obesity rates
  • The effectiveness of workplace wellness programs in improving employee health
  • Assessing the benefits and risks of alternative medicine practices
  • Evaluating the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
  • The role of nutrition education in promoting healthy eating habits
  • Assessing the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs
  • Evaluating the impact of air pollution on respiratory health
  • The effectiveness of mental health support services in schools
  • Assessing the benefits and risks of genetically modified foods
  • Evaluating the impact of alcohol consumption on liver health
  • The role of stress management techniques in improving overall well-being

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

  • How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

  • 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

  • Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

  • Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

  • Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

  • Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

  • Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

  • Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

  • Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

  • Identify trends in your medical research with Dovetail

Are you interested in contributing life-changing research? Today’s medical research is part of the future of clinical patient care. 

As your go-to resource for speedy and accurate data analysis , we are proud to partner with healthcare researchers to innovate and improve the future of healthcare.

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Explore the Best Medical and Health Research Topics Ideas

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Table of contents

  • 1 How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
  • 2 New Medical Research Paper Topics
  • 3 Medical Research Topics for College Students
  • 4 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
  • 5 Health Research Topics
  • 6 Medicine Research Topics
  • 7 Healthcare Research Topics
  • 8 Public Health Research Topics
  • 9 Mental Health Research Paper Topics
  • 10 Anatomy Research Topics
  • 11 Biomedical Research Topics
  • 12 Bioethics Research Topics
  • 13 Cancer Research Topics
  • 14 Clinical Research Topics
  • 15 Critical Care Research Topics
  • 16 Pediatric Research Topics
  • 17 Dental Research Topics Ideas
  • 18 Dermatology Research Topics
  • 19 Primary Care Research Topics
  • 20 Pharmaceutical Research Topics
  • 21 Medical Anthropology Research Topics
  • 22 Paramedic Research Paper Topics
  • 23 Surgery Research Topics
  • 24 Radiology Research Paper Topics
  • 25 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
  • 26 Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
  • 27 Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
  • 28 Conclusion

In such a complex and broad field as medicine, writing an original and compelling research paper is a daunting task. From investigating public care concerns to cancer treatment studies, each student decides where his interests lie. Our goal is to help students find new angles to study and focus on relevant topics. With our resources, you can write an engaging and rigorous paper.

How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics

Choosing good research paper topics is often more challenging than the writing process itself. You need to select a captivating subject matter that will grab the reader’s attention, showcase your knowledge of a specific field, help you progress in your studies, and perhaps even inspire future research.

To accomplish that, you need to start with brainstorming, followed by thorough research. Here are some great tips to follow:

  • Pick an interesting topic – The key is to pick something that you find interesting, and yet make sure it’s not too general or too narrow. It should allow you to delve deep into the subject matter and show that you’re a professional who is ready to take on a challenge when it comes to your chosen field of medicine.
  • Narrow down your focus – Once you have a list of potential topics, sift through recent medical research papers to get up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and issues in medicine and healthcare. Check out textbooks, news articles, and other relevant sources for more information related to your potential topics. If a particular condition or disease interests you (perhaps something that drew you to a career in medicine), there’s your cue for narrowing down your topic.
  • Pinpoint the “why,” “how,” and “what” – Whether you are looking into nutrition research paper topics , controversial medical topics, nursing research topics, or anything in-between, ask yourself why each of them is important. How could they contribute to the available medical studies, if any? What new information could they bring to improve the future of medicine? Asking these questions will help you pick the right medical research paper topic that suits you and helps you move forward and reach your aspirations.

To help you on that quest, we’ve compiled a list of topics that you could use or that might inspire you to come up with something unique. Let’s dive in.

New Medical Research Paper Topics

Are you interested in the newest and most interesting developments in medicine? We put hours of effort into identifying the current trends in health research so we could provide you with these examples of topics. Whether you hire a research paper writing service for students or write a paper by yourself, you need an appealing topic to focus on.

  • Epidemics versus pandemics
  • Child health care
  • Medical humanitarian missions in the developing world
  • Homoeopathic medicines – the placebo effect
  • Virus infections – causes and treatment
  • Is medical research on animals ethical
  • Vaccination – dangers versus benefits
  • Artificial tissues and organs
  • Rare genetic diseases
  • Brain injuries

Medical Research Topics for College Students

You don’t know where to start with your medical research paper? There are so many things you could write about that the greatest challenge is to narrow them down. This is why we decided to help.

  • Antibiotics treatments
  • Chronic diseases
  • Palliative treatment
  • Battling Alzheimer’s disease
  • How modern lifestyle affects public health
  • Professional diseases
  • Sleep disorders
  • Changes in physical and mental health due to aging
  • Eating disorders
  • Terminal diseases

Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper

In healthcare, new discoveries can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. This is also the reason why there are so many controversial topics in medicine, which involve anything from religion to ethics or social responsibility. Read on to discover our top controversial research topics.

  • Implementing food standards
  • Gluten allergy
  • Assisted suicide for terminal patients
  • Testing vaccines on animals – ethical concerns
  • Moral responsibilities regarding cloning
  • Marijuana legalization for medical purposes
  • Abortion – medical approaches
  • Vegan diets – benefits and dangers
  • Increased life expectancy: a burden on the healthcare system?
  • Circumcision effects

Health Research Topics

Students conducting health research struggle with finding good ideas related to their medical interests. If you want to write interesting college papers, you can select a good topic for our list.

  • How environmental changes affect human health
  • Deafness: communication disorders
  • Household air pollution
  • Diabetes – a public danger
  • Coronaviruses
  • Oral health assessment
  • Tobacco and alcohol control
  • Diseases caused by lack of physical exercise
  • How urban pollution affects respiratory diseases
  • Healthy diets

Medicine Research Topics

Regardless of the requirements in your research assignment, you can write about something that is both engaging and useful in your future career. Choose a topic from below.

  • Causes for the increasing cancer cases
  • Insulin resistance
  • How terrorism affects mental health
  • AIDS/HIV – latest developments
  • Treating pregnant women versus non-pregnant women
  • Latest innovations in medical instruments
  • Genetic engineering
  • Successful treatment of mental diseases
  • Is autism a disease
  • Natural coma versus artificial coma

Healthcare Research Topics

Healthcare research includes political and social aspects, besides medical. For college students who want to explore how medicine is affected by society’s values or principles, we provide examples of topics for papers. Select yours from the list below.

  • Government investment in healthcare services in the EU versus the USA
  • Inequalities in healthcare assistance and services
  • Electronic health records systems – pros and cons
  • Can asylums treat mental issues
  • Health care for prison inmates
  • Equipment for improving treatment of AIDS
  • Correlation between economic development and health care services across countries
  • Impact of smoking on organs
  • Heart attacks – causes and effects
  • Breast cancer – recent developments

Public Health Research Topics

For current examples of public health topics, browse our list. We provide only original, researchable examples for which you can easily find supporting data and evidence.

  • Public versus private hospitals
  • Health care professionals – management principles
  • Surgery failures – who is responsible
  • What legal responsibilities has the hospital administration
  • Patient service quality in public versus private hospitals
  • What benefits national health care systems have
  • Estimated costs of cancer treatments
  • Public health in developing countries
  • Banning tobacco ads – importance for public health
  • Government solutions to the anti-vaccine’s movement

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Mental health is one of the most complex areas of medicine, where things are never as clear as with other medical issues. This increases the research potential of the field with plenty of topics left for debate.

  • Causes of anxiety disorders
  • Bulimia versus anorexia
  • Childhood trauma
  • Mental health public policies
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Anatomy Research Topics

Anatomy covers everything about the human body and how it works. If you find that intriguing and want to pay for medical research paper, start by selecting a topic.

  • Chemotherapy: how it affects the body
  • Thyroid glands – functions in the body
  • Human endocrine system
  • Heart diseases
  • How does the human muscular system develop
  • Lymphatic system – importance
  • Investigating genetic diseases
  • Digestive system

Biomedical Research Topics

Biology and medicine often work together. For the newest changes in the biomedical field, check our topics.

  • Alzheimer’s disease – paths for treatment
  • Vaccines and drug development in the treatment of Ebola
  • Antibiotic resistance
  • Biological effects caused by aging
  • Air pollution effects on health
  • Infectious disease past versus present
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Biomedical diagnostics
  • Biomedical technology

Bioethics Research Topics

A controversial area of medicine, bioethics is where you get the chance to add personal input to a research topic and come up with new insights. You could consider these subjects.

  • Organ donation
  • Alternative or complementary medicine
  • Assisted suicide or the right to die
  • Artificial insemination or surrogacy
  • Chemical and biological warfare
  • Contraception
  • Environmental bioethics
  • In Vitro fertilization

Cancer Research Topics

Are you writing a paper related to cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment or effects? Look below for a hot topic that it’s easy to research and important for medical advance.

  • Ability of immune system cells to fight cancer
  • Computational oncology
  • Metastasis affected by drug resistance
  • Stem cells – applications for cancer treatment
  • Tumor microenvironment
  • Obesity and age in cancer occurrence
  • Early cancer detection – benefits
  • Artificial intelligence predicting cancer
  • Hematologic malignancies
  • Pathogen-related cancers

Clinical Research Topics

Learn more about clinical medicine by conducting more in-depth research. We prepared for you a list of relevant issues to touch upon.

  • Ethical concerns regarding research on human subjects
  • Subject recruitment
  • Budget preparation
  • Human subject protection
  • Clinical trials – financial support
  • Clinical practices for health professionals
  • Using vulnerable populations in clinical research
  • Quality assurance in clinical research
  • Academic clinical trials versus clinical trials units
  • Data collection and management

Critical Care Research Topics

Critical care is a key area in medical studies. Explore these topics in your research paper to gain more valuable knowledge in this field. You can also get in contact with nursing research paper writers .

  • Obesity and asthma – clinical manifestations
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Rhythm analysis for cardiac arrest
  • Traumatic brain injury – fluid resuscitation
  • Hydrocortisone for multiple trauma patients
  • Care and nutrition for critically ill adults
  • Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • Coma and sedation scales
  • Artificial airways suctioning
  • Arterial puncture and arterial line

Pediatric Research Topics

Any topic that refers to health care for children, pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents goes under pediatric care.

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Congenital heart disease in newborns
  • Adolescent medicine
  • Neonatal medicine
  • Rare diseases in children and teenagers
  • Obesity and weight fluctuations
  • Behavioral sleep problems in children
  • Children with anemia

Dental Research Topics Ideas

Choose a topic on oral health or dental care from this list of the most interesting topics in the field.

  • How smoking affects oral health
  • Children’s risk for dental caries
  • Dental anxiety
  • Types of dental materials – new advances
  • Bad breath bacteria
  • How diabetes affects oral health
  • Oral cancer
  • Dental pain – types, causes
  • Dental implants
  • Oral health-related quality of life

Dermatology Research Topics

Find the best research topic for your dermatology paper among our examples.

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Epidemiology behind uncommon skin disorders
  • Cutaneous aging
  • Risk factors of melanoma skin cancer
  • Acne versus rosacea
  • Genetic testing for skin conditions
  • Effects of cosmetic agents on skin health
  • Improving skin barrier with pharmaceutical agents
  • Skin manifestations of autoimmune disorders

Primary Care Research Topics

Write a primary care paper that can demonstrate your research skills and interest in powerful scientific findings.

  • Primary care for vulnerable/uninsured populations
  • Interpersonal continuity in care treatment
  • How primary care contributes to health systems
  • Primary care delivery models
  • Developments in family medicine
  • Occupational/environmental health
  • Pharmacotherapy approaches
  • Formal allergy testing
  • Oral contraception side effects
  • Dietary or behavioral interventions for obesity management

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

Pharma students who need paper topics can use one from our list. We include all things related to pharmacy life.

  • Drugs that can treat cancer
  • Drug excretion
  • Elimination rate constant
  • Inflammatory stress drug treatment
  • Aspirin poising
  • Ibuprofen – dangers versus benefits
  • Toxicodynamics
  • Opioid use disorder
  • Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia
  • Ketamine in depression treatment

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology unites different areas of human knowledge. Find powerful ideas for a paper below.

  • Cultural contexts regarding reproductive health
  • Women sexuality
  • Anthropological aspects of health care
  • Contributions of social sciences to public health
  • Euthanasia and medical ethics across cultures
  • Health-related behavior in adults across cultures
  • Transcultural nursing
  • Forensic psychiatry
  • Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
  • Nursing ethics

Paramedic Research Paper Topics

Topics for paramedic research must be based on evidence, data, statistics, or practical experience. Just like ours.

  • Trends and statistics in EMS
  • Disaster medicine
  • Mass casualties
  • Pandemics and epidemics
  • Infection control
  • Basic versus advanced life support
  • Scene safety in EMS
  • Shock management
  • Motor vehicle accidents

Surgery Research Topics

Discover all the intricacies of surgeries that save lives by writing about our topics.

  • Medical malpractice and legal issues
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pain management
  • Perioperative nursing
  • Wound management
  • Colorectal cancer surgery
  • Breast cancer surgery
  • Minimally invasive surgeries
  • Vascular disease

Radiology Research Paper Topics

Find a radiology topic related to your academic interests to write a successful paper.

  • Using MRI to diagnose hepatic focal lesions
  • Multidetector computer tomography
  • Ultrasound elastography in breast cancer
  • Assessing traumatic spinal cord injuries with MRI diffusion tensor imaging
  • Sonographic imaging to detect male infertility
  • Role of tomography in diagnosing cancer
  • Brain tumor surgery with magnetic resonance imaging
  • Bacterial meningitis imaging

Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

Any ideas for a medical research paper? We have included the most important topics for an anatomy and physiology paper.

  • What role has the endocrine system
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Environmental factors that affect development of human muscular system
  • What role has the lymphatic system
  • An investigation of genetic diseases
  • Explaining the aging process
  • The digestive tract
  • Effects of stress on cells and muscles
  • Evolution of the human nervous system
  • What role has the cardiovascular system

Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics

There are numerous topics you could write about when it comes to healthcare management. There’s a wide range of options to pick, from infrastructure, staff, and financial management to HR and patient management. Here are some of the top healthcare management research paper options.

  • Medical talent acquisition and retention
  • Best methods for enhancing preventative care measures
  • The role of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management
  • Patient care and the ability to pay for healthcare
  • Mid-level healthcare providers in the emergency department
  • The opioid crisis: policies and programs
  • Urgent care and walk-in clinics
  • Hospital emergency management plan during an epidemic
  • Hospital records management and patient privacy
  • Financial crises: challenges and opportunities

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Medical ethics is a field that opens the door to numerous compelling topics for research papers. Here are some of the most appealing ones you could tackle.

  • Clinical research on humans
  • Vaccines and immunization
  • Religious beliefs in healthcare
  • Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
  • Ethical issues across cultures
  • Amniocentesis or prenatal birth defect testing
  • Medical malpractice and going back to work
  • Racial and ethnic preferences and perceptions in organ donations
  • Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
  • Ethical concerns of AI in healthcare

If you need further assistance with your medical research paper, PapersOwl is here for you. Our expert writers can provide you with top-notch research and help you write an impressive paper. Contact us anytime, pick your writer, tell them more about your topic, and get a unique, plagiarism-free research paper with impeccable grammar and formatting.

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120+ controversial health care essay topics, dr. wilson mn.

  • August 3, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas , Samples

If you are a nursing student looking for medical argumentative essay topics, or health essay topics in general, you understand how crucial it is to choose controversial subjects you can explore in-depth. Your grade will depend not just on the content, but also how convincingly you support your stance through research and credible sources. That’s why it’s vital to pick topics that fascinate you and make your essay more engaging to write.(120+ Controversial Health Care Essay Topics)

When seeking healthcare or physical health argumentative essay topics for college or high school, consider aspects that provoke debate like alternative medicine instead of mainstream treatments, the role of pharmaceutical companies, or whether routine childhood vaccines should be mandatory. Mental health care accessibility, managing terminal illnesses, public health policies’ effectiveness, or the pros and cons of telemedicine also offer fertile ground.

Another avenue is examining ethical issues within the health field that nurses and doctors face, like prioritizing patient well-being over their wishes, rationing limited resources, confidentiality and privacy concerns, medical practices that conflict with personal beliefs, or the ethics of an organ transplantation committee deciding who will receive an organ.

It’s often wise to choose a topic ideas that connect to your own identity, environment, or experiences. You might explore health disparities among different populations, argue for promoting healthy lifestyles and inclusivity, or discuss impacts of issues like obesity, pollution’s role in disease, or health insurance costs.

For a master’s level paper, you could compare and contrast two healthcare systems, analyze a pandemic’s effects, delve into environmental health factors like air quality, or evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of measures like an assisted suicide mandate.

No matter the topic, select one that resonates with you and suits your needs for this next paper. Avoid overly broad subjects until you have strong writing skills and critical thinking abilities. With laser focus through tools like a mind map, you can craft an argumentative essay that showcases your knowledge in the field of medical research while supporting your arguments using credible sources.

If you are running out of time on your research paper, feel free to request for writing services from our professional writers.

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What You'll Learn

Strong Medical Argumentative Essay Topics

To help you get started, here are some strong Healthcare argumentative essay topics to consider:

  • Is there a nurse shortage in the United States? If so, what are the causes, and what can be done to mitigate it?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of various types of Nurse staffing models?
  • What are the implications of the current opioid epidemic on nurses and patients?
  • Are there any ethical considerations that should be taken into account when providing care to terminally ill patients?
  • What are the most effective ways to prevent or treat healthcare-acquired infections?
  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe medication? If so, under what circumstances?
  • How can nurses best advocate for their patients’ rights?
  • What is the role of nurses in disaster relief efforts?
  • The high cost of healthcare in the United States.
  • The debate over whether or not healthcare is a human right.
  • The role of the government in providing healthcare.
  • The pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act.
  • The impact of healthcare on the economy.
  • The problem of access to healthcare in rural areas.
  • The debate over single-payer healthcare in the United States.
  • The pros and cons of private health insurance.
  • The rising cost of prescription drugs in the United States.
  • The use of medical marijuana in the United States.
  • The debates over end-of-life care and assisted suicide in the United States.

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controversial health research topics to write

There is no shortage of controversial healthcare topics to write about. From the high cost of insurance to the debate over medical marijuana, there are plenty of issues to spark an interesting and thought-provoking argumentative essay.

Here are some Controversial healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:

1. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

2. Should the government do more to regulate the healthcare industry?

3. What is the best way to provide quality healthcare for all?

4. Should medical marijuana be legalized?

5. How can we control the rising cost of healthcare?

6. Should cloning be used for medical research?

7. Is it ethical to use stem cells from embryos?

8. How can we improve access to quality healthcare?

9. What are the implications of the Affordable Care Act?

10. What role should pharmaceutical companies play in healthcare?

11. The problems with the current healthcare system in the United States.

12. The need for reform of the healthcare system in the United States.

Great healthcare argumentative essay topics

Healthcare is a controversial and complex issue, and there are many different angles that you can take when writing an argumentative essay on the topic. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:

  • Should the government provide free or low-cost healthcare to all citizens?
  • Is private healthcare better than public healthcare?
  • Should there be more regulation of the healthcare industry?
  • Are medical costs too high in the United States?
  • Should all Americans be required to have health insurance?
  • How can the rising cost of healthcare be controlled?
  • What is the best way to provide healthcare to aging Americans?
  • What role should the government play in controlling the cost of prescription drugs?
  • What impact will the Affordable Care Act have on the healthcare system in the United States?

Hot healthcare argumentative essay topics for college

Healthcare is always a hot-button issue. Whether it’s the Affordable Care Act, single-payer healthcare, or something else entirely, there’s always plenty to debate when it comes to healthcare. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to help get you started.

1. Is the Affordable Care Act working?

2. Should the government do more to provide healthcare for its citizens?

3. Should there be a single-payer healthcare system in the United States?

4. What are the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act?

5. What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare costs in the United States?

6. Is the Affordable Care Act sustainable in the long run?

7. What challenges does the Affordable Care Act face?

8. What are the potential solutions to the problems with the Affordable Care Act?

9. Is single-payer healthcare a good idea?

10. What are the pros and cons of single-payer healthcare?

Related articles: 30+ Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

Argumentative topics related to health care

Healthcare is always an ever-evolving issue. It’s one of those topics that everyone has an opinion on and is always eager to discuss . That’s why it makes for such a great topic for an argumentative essay . If you’re looking for some fresh ideas, here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started.

1. Is our healthcare system in need of a complete overhaul?

3. Are rising healthcare costs making it difficult for people to access care?

4. Is our current healthcare system sustainable in the long term?

5. Should we be doing more to prevent disease and promote wellness?

6. What role should the private sector play in providing healthcare?

7. What can be done to reduce the number of errors in our healthcare system?

8. How can we make sure that everyone has access to quality healthcare?

9. What can be done to improve communication and collaboration between different parts of the healthcare system?

10. How can we make sure that everyone has access to the care they need when they need it?

Argumentative essay topics about health

There are many different stakeholders in the healthcare debate, and each one has their own interests and perspectives. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:

1. Who should pay for healthcare?

2. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?

3. What is the role of the government in healthcare?

4. Should there be limits on what treatments insurance companies must cover?

5. How can we improve access to healthcare?

6. What are the most effective methods of preventing disease?

7. How can we improve the quality of care in our hospitals?

8. What are the best ways to control costs in the healthcare system?

9. How can we ensure that everyone has access to basic care?

10. What are the ethical implications of rationing healthcare?

Argumentative health essay topics

  • Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

2. Should there be limits on medical research using human subjects?

3. Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes?

4. Should the government do more to regulate the use of prescription drugs?

5. Is alternative medicine effective?

6. Are there benefits to using placebos in medical treatment?

7. Should cosmetic surgery be covered by health insurance?

8. Is it ethical to buy organs on the black market?

9. Are there risks associated with taking herbal supplements?

10. Is it morally wrong to end a pregnancy?

11. Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?

12. Is it ethical to test new medical treatments on animals?

13. Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to end their lives?

14. Is it morally wrong to sell organs for transplantation?

15. Are there benefits to using stem cells from embryos in medical research?

16. Is it ethical to use human beings in medical experiments?

17. Should the government do more to fund medical research into cancer treatments?

18. Are there risks associated with genetic engineering of humans?

19. Is it ethical to clones humans for the purpose

Argumentative essays on mental health

  • Should there be more focus on mental health in schools?
  • Are our current treatments for mental illness effective?
  • Are mental health disorders more common now than they were in the past?
  • How does social media impact mental health?
  • How does trauma impact mental health?
  • What are the most effective treatments for PTSD?
  • Is therapy an effective treatment for mental illness?
  • What causes mental illness?
  • How can we destigmatize mental illness?
  • How can we better support those with mental illness?
  • Should insurance companies cover mental health treatments?
  • What are the most effective treatments for depression?
  • Should medication be used to treat mental illness?
  • What are the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders?
  • What are the most effective treatments for OCD?
  • What are the most effective treatments for eating disorders?
  • What are the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder?
  • How can we better support caregivers of those with mental illness?
  • What role does stigma play in mental illness?

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Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

100+ Healthcare Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Healthcare-related research topics and ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

  • Allopathic medicine
  • Alternative /complementary medicine
  • Veterinary medicine
  • Physical therapy/ rehab
  • Optometry and ophthalmology
  • Pharmacy and pharmacology
  • Public health
  • Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

  • The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
  • The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
  • The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
  • The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
  • The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
  • The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
  • The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
  • The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
  • The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
  • The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
  • The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
  • The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
  • The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
  • The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
  • The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Research topic idea mega list

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

  • The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
  • The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
  • The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
  • The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
  • The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
  • The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
  • The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
  • The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
  • The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
  • The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
  • The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
  • The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
  • The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
  • The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
  • The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Research topic evaluator

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

  • The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
  • The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
  • The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
  • The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
  • The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
  • The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
  • The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
  • The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
  • The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
  • The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
  • The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
  • The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
  • The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
  • The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
  • The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Tops & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

  • The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
  • The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
  • The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
  • The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
  • The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
  • The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
  • The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
  • The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
  • The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
  • The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
  • The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
  • The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
  • The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
  • The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

  • The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
  • The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
  • The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
  • A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
  • The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
  • The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
  • The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
  • The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
  • The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
  • The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
  • The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
  • The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
  • The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
  • The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
  • The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

  • The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
  • The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
  • The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
  • The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
  • The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
  • The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
  • The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
  • The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
  • The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
  • The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
  • The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
  • The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
  • The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
  • The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
  • The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

  • The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
  • The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
  • The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
  • The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
  • The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
  • The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
  • The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
  • The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
  • The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
  • The use of technology in medication management in the USA
  • The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
  • Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
  • The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
  • The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
  • The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

  • The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
  • The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
  • The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
  • The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
  • The effects of heat waves on public health
  • The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
  • The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
  • The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
  • The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
  • The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
  • The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
  • The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
  • The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
  • The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
  • The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a healthcare-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various healthcare-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

  • Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
  • On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
  • Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
  • Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
  • Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
  • When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
  • Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
  • Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
  • Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
  • Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
  • The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
  • Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
  • Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your healthcare dissertation or thesis, check out Topic Kickstarter service below.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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15 Comments

Mabel Allison

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Theophilus Ugochuku

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

sneha ramu

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Julia

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

Derek Jansen

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

vera akinyi akinyi vera

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Didjatou tao

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Gurtej singh Dhillon

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

Chikalamba Muzyamba

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Evans Amihere

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Patrick

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Biyama Chama Reuben

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

dominic muema

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

Precious

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

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40 Medical Argumentative Essay Topics – Tips & Ideas

Published by Jamie Walker at September 16th, 2022 , Revised On July 10, 2023

A good augmentative essay presents opposing viewpoints and allows the reader to decide which perspective is more attractive and powerful. However, the first step for you is to select an exciting topic for your medical essay. In most cases, you will be provided with the title by your tutor, but on rare occasions, you will be asked to come up with your own topic.

If you are finding it difficult to come up with medical argumentative essay topics, you are not alone because many students struggle with this aspect of academic research. Here are some 40 interesting and unique medical essay topics that you can consider for your medical essay. Our advice: choose a topic that motivates and interests you.

On the other hand, if you cannot get started due to any unforeseen circumstances, take advantage of our essay writing service UK . 

Intriguing Medical Argumentative Essay Topics.

Below are a few intriguing medical argumentative essay topics . The subjects covered in these courses have been thoroughly researched and offer a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the medical field. You can easily get sidetracked by research and fall behind on your writing if you are not aware of the time constraints. So, make sure to take care of that. 

  • The role of stem cells in reducing mortality, particularly in patients with cardiac problems.
  • How close are researchers to developing a treatment for cystic fibrosis?
  • Define inflammation of the bowels and the measures taken to treat it. The function of food in medicine.
  • Is it true that being obese or overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes or heart attack?
  • What risk are pet owners posing to the general public by failing to clean up their dog’s waste?
  • Can your body odour provide health-related information? Examine such smells and debate whether they are a reliable indicator of a patient’s disease or not.
  • Methods for lowering infant mortality rates in developing nations.
  • Are health campaigns useful strategies for preventing and controlling disease? Should the use of antibiotics be systematically and carefully regulated?
  • The biggest threat to American health in the twenty-first century is mental illness. Discuss
  • Is it possible to suggest that social variables impact how people live?
  • Should surrogacy be limited to necessary situations due to a medical condition?
  • Do you concur that hazardous industrial waste poses a threat to human life?
  • Can it be said that rejecting religions is a mental illness?
  • Is the disparity in the quality of healthcare services being given in the UK being widened by digital technology?
  • Should government organisations be the only ones who decide on and control medical research funding?
  • What impact does the development of health care have on electronic patient data?
  • How should school health services be set up to properly assist the student?
  • Why aren’t educational institutions and health care able to offer the support needed in trying circumstances?
  • How Does Regular Nursing Training Affect Patient Satisfaction?
  • Should public health initiatives promoting regular checkups and disease prevention be considered a top priority for healthcare funding?
  • Is the UK’s healthcare system less effective due to the Affordable Care Act?
  • Would patients have a say in how they pass away?
  • Should the government’s healthcare programme include alternative therapies?
  • Which human rights can have an impact on the idea of public health?
  • What are the medical measures necessary to lower mortality brought on by the heat?
  • How can health care accept it? What kind of living circumstances should each individual have for their health to be normal?
  • What measures does health care take to fight chronic diseases?
  • Do some healthcare providers benefit more from the UK tax overhaul at the expense of others?
  • The use of 3D printing in medicine is expanding. Discuss how.
  • What makes Pfizer’s case involving the equipment used to treat arthritis special?
  • How are medical students prepared to use technology to heal?
  • Traditional medicine versus smart technology.
  • How can coronavirus-infected rural hospitals manage without the required tools?
  • How does technology assist in cancer organ transplants?
  • Why can’t doctors adapt to modern medical technology?
  • What must be done by the medical community to provide all hospitals with cutting-edge technology?
  • Do patients have more choices in selecting between chemical and natural medicines?
  • How can genetic engineering be permitted as a treatment for terminal illnesses?
  • Does marijuana be considered a prescribed medication for managing pain?

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How to Write an Essay on a Medical Argumentative Topic?

To write an argumentative essay, you must avoid narrations and lame ideas since argumentative essay writing relies on reasoning.

Don’t forget to include relevant textual information or supporting evidence, and remember to create an outline for the argumentative essay .

A proposal describing your topic choice and its justification should be presented before you begin writing an argumentative piece. In most cases, it refers to the opening paragraph.

The author of the argumentative essay must support his previous proposal with evidence in the subsequent paragraphs. Here, the rationale behind this claim is defended.

It is also important to provide a variety of viewpoints in the argumentative paragraph.

There must be a conclusion to the argument text. Closure refers to the final sentence of an article and should be used until the end.

A writer must be able to communicate clearly, accurately, and concisely. Don’t overuse complex words, and use acceptable phrases. In addition, it is much better to include and properly credit the ideas of reputable authors since they help to keep what is discussed afloat. Readers will then be able to understand the author’s viewpoint and form their conclusions.

Read: How to write an first-class essay

If you have knowledge of the subject, you will not have any difficulty coming up with strong arguments. When it comes to persuading your readers, it is best to prepare yourself in advance with reasons. The best ones may be chosen by making a list of them and analysing them.

Currently, you have access to a wide range of resources for writing argumentative essays. You can even take inspiration and ideas from the list of medical argumentative essay topics mentioned above.

How to write an argumentative essay on medical?

Choose a debatable medical topic, gather evidence from credible sources, present a clear thesis statement, and support your arguments with logical reasoning and persuasive language in your essay.

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Looking for some excellent research topic essays to get started with your assignment? This article lists 100s of free research essay topics and titles to help you kickstart your essay without delay.

Technology has evolved at a lightning pace over the last few decades. Advancements in this area and the potential for the future appear to be endless. However, the growth of technology has also created uncertainty and fear among some people.

Narrative essays are one of the most popular types of essays. They allow the author to use their imagination and creativity to present a story. Narrative essays provide an excellent opportunity to reflect upon personal experiences and give your views on a specific event in your life.

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50 controversial medical topics for an essay or a research paper

Consider some great controversial medical topics to read and write about. They are meant for the general public, not for medical students only.

Controversial Topics in Healthcare for an Essay

1. Is there a link between poverty and poor health? (How does poverty contribute to poor health?)

2. Is the cost of healthcare in the United States justified?

3. What drives the cost of healthcare in the United States? (Be informed that the state spends on healthcare much more than European countries but covers the smallest percentage of healthcare costs).

4.  Should there be an opt-in or opt-out donor system?  Review of credible sources on the topic .

5. Should the state provide free health care to homeless people?

6. Should people be encouraged to turn to homeopathy first?

7. Should unconventional forms of medicine be part of national healthcare?

8. Should uninsured people be provided with any medical care?

9. Should there be criminal responsibility for medical errors?

10. Should doctors be allowed to promote particular medical products?

11. Should US hospitals provide a free translator to non-English speaking patients?

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Controversial Topics in Medicine: Laws and Policies

12. Should euthanasia be illegal?

13. Should abortion be legal? (Browse this and other  challenging topics surrounding abortion  with recommended sources on each topic)

14. Should surrogate pregnancy be used on-demand or only for health reasons?

15. Is womb transplantation a good alternative to surrogate pregnancy?

16. Should people with mental health issues be treated in or outside of the community?

17. Should children vaccination be mandatory?

18. Should people be refused organ transplantation for leading an unhealthy lifestyle?  Review of credible sources on the topic .

19. Should the organ transplantation committee consider the patient’s personal details (marital status, children, accomplishments, personal qualities) when choosing what person will receive an organ?  Review of credible sources on the topic .

20. Should doctors be required to report the cases of organ trafficking (when a person has a needed organ, even though he did not get it being on the national list)?  Review of credible sources on the topic .

21. Should a doctor be able to provide medical care to a minor despite their parent’s wishes?       

Controversial Medical Topics

Essay Topics on Policies and Practices that Affect Health of the Nation

22. Should marijuana/drugs be legalized?

23. What are the  effects  of TV shows concerned with diets and losing weight? (Do they motivate and inspire others or promote body image ideal and the related issues?)

24. Do TV shows portraying cosmetic surgery make people more inclined to refer to it? If yes, should they be banned?

25. Should TV commercials for alcohol/fast-food chains be banned?

26. Should the state regulate social media use to prevent its negative impact on mental health and social media addiction? (Find more  ideas and sources for a social media essay )

27. Should there be  state regulation  of fast food chains?

28. How should the issue of obesity be treated: as a personal problem or as a public concern? (Should obese people be entitled to better healthcare coverage or additional days off?)

29. Can exercising worsen health?

30. Should teens be able to obtain birth control pills?

31. Who should decide whether to place an elderly in the elderly center: an elderly person himself/herself, children, healthcare specialist?

32. Should the state refuse to import the products, which were manufactured/obtained at the cost of someone’s health? (Consider pollution in China, child labor, etc.)

33. Should the state do more or less to make people lead a healthy lifestyle? Consider if such interference into personal lives is justified or no. Try to think about all the state does and can do, e.g. ban smoking and drinking under a certain age or in certain areas, ban advertisements and censor films promoting unhealthy lifestyle or unhealthy body image standards, establish more recreation zones easily accessible and attractive to people, educate people on the effects of the unhealthy lifestyle, … or instead invest the money in the economy as the higher economic level is associated with better health.       

Essay Topics on Medical Research

34. Should cloning/genetic engineering research be allowed?  Review of credible sources on the topic. 

35. Can medical research pose a threat? If yes, what are the ways to mitigate it?

36. Should scientists work to make computers displace doctors? What can be the potential benefits/drawbacks?

37. Can animals be used to test drugs?

38. Should there be any limits to medical tests on humans?

39. Should more funding be allocated to practical research projects, which provide direct medical help to individuals, or the National Institute of Health dealing mostly with projects without immediate practical application?

40. Should scientists research options for people to become immortal? ( Ray Kurzweil  manufactures and takes himself hundreds of pills to delay aging and claims people will become virtually immortal soon).

41. If the research was able to provide a solution to one healthcare issue, what should it be? (a cure from cancer, AIDS, infertility, creation of organs from artificial materials/with the help of cloning, etc.)

Medical Debate Topics

The Impact of Covid-19 on Doctors and Healthcare

42. Assess the decision of some countries to use undergraduate nursing students for Covid-19 response. (Check out other nursing research topics )

43. Is quarantine an effective measure? How to balance the need to halt the spread of the virus and the need for employment and socialization?

44. Has Covid-19 risen the need for global coordination of healthcare? How will respective policies change the national healthcare systems?

45. Do we need a dedicated global agency that would deal with Covid-19 and future pandemics?

46. Should doctors that leave their jobs not to deal with Covid-19 be not allowed to work in medicine again?

47. The impact of Coronavirus on a specific vulnerable population: the poor, homeless, people with mental illnesses, etc.

48. Issues surrounding vaccine testing. Is the French doctors’  suggestion to test vaccines in Africa  a sound strategy or an act of racism?

49. Doctors have the highest mortality rate from Covid-19. What are the ways to decrease it?

50. Has Coronavirus given a boost to telemedicine? Is it a viable alternative to traditional consultations?

For more ideas on how to write an essay about Covid, check this post .

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90+ Strong Health Essay Topics And How To Handle Them

Haiden Malecot

Table of Contents

essay medical ideas

You can write about healthy lifestyle, rehabilitation after traumas, childcare, common or rare diseases, global advances in health and medicine, environmental health issues, and more.

How to deal with essay on health?

Your essay will be the most impressive if you choose a topic that is familiar to you or you can write about something you have experience with. It will be easier for you to do a health essay paper and build a convincing argument. Another approach is choosing a topic which is not familiar to you but in which you are interested in. It would be a great opportunity for you to educate yourself.

If you pick an interesting essay topic idea which is too broad to cover in your essay, you should do additional keyword research and look for some specific aspects of this topic to narrow it.

Keep in mind that you should look for a narrow topic which has enough available resources that you can use for researching it.

Before you start writing, make sure you have found enough evidence and examples to support your argument. A good idea is to create a working outline or a mind map for your essay that will guide your writing and help you stay focused on your key points.

First, create a strong thesis statement and think about several main points to support it.

If you are looking for health topics to write about and are not sure what to write about, here we have gathered a lot of exciting ideas that you won’t find on any other essay writing services.

Feel free to use them as inspiration own topic ideas or for writing your essays.

Health topics to write about

  • How Can We Help Children Maintain a Healthy Body Weight?
  • Ethical and Legal Issues of Surrogate Pregnancy.
  • How Dangerous are Long-term Consequences of Anorexia?
  • Principles of Preventing Medical Errors in Hospitals.
  • How Can Doctors Promote Healthy Lifestyle?
  • Why is Homeopathy a Pseudo-Science?
  • What Are Side Effects of Blood Transfusion?
  • Types of Eating Disorders.
  • Can a Vegan Diet Be Healthy?
  • The Best Strategies to Maintain Healthy Body Weight.
  • Psychological Issues of Breast Cancer.
  • Importance of Organ Donation after Death.
  • Can Cloning Help Save Lives?
  • Ethics in Human Experimentation.
  • Symptoms of Heart Attacks in Women.
  • Is It Possible to Cure Diabetes in the Future?

Interesting health topics to write about

  • What is the Difference Between Western Medicine and Alternative Medicine?
  • Health Consequences of Eating Disorders.
  • Bioprinting as the Future of Organ Transplants.
  • Use of Stem Cell Technologies for Cancer Treatment.
  • Ethical and Social Issues of Cosmetic Surgery.
  • How Does Advertising Influence Healthy Food Choices?
  • Role of Nutrition Education in Promoting Healthy Diets.
  • Fast Food Consumption and Obesity.
  • How Can Exercise Help Senior Improve Strength and Balance?
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Weight Loss Surgery.
  • Obesity as a Medical and Social Problem.
  • Strategies for Heart Disease Prevention.
  • How Long Can Humans Actually Live?
  • Pros and Cons of Clinical Trials.
  • Alternative Ways to Treat Depression.
  • Is There a Cure for HIV or AIDS?

Controversial health essay topics

  • Is There a Link Between Sugary Drinks and Cancer?
  • Health Consequences of Caffeine.
  • Can Little Kid Food Habits Signal Autism?
  • Should Euthanasia Be Legalized?
  • Pros and Cons of Medical Marijuana.
  • Is Alternative Medicine Dangerous?
  • Is Doing Sports always Healthy?
  • Which Diet Is Better: Low-Fat or Low-Carb?
  • Discuss Measures for Prevention of Communicable Diseases.
  • Social Determinants That Influence People’s Well-being.
  • Are Doctors Responsible for the Opioid Epidemic?
  • Is Religion a Mental Disorder?
  • Is Nuclear Waste Really Dangerous for People?
  • Is a No-Carb Diet Safe?
  • Are We Too Dependent on Antibiotics?
  • Are Natural Medicines a Good Alternative to Pharmaceutical?
  • Can Blockchain Help Improve the Trust in the Accuracy of Clinical Trials Data?

Mental health argumentative essay topics

  • Influence of Environmental Factors on Mental Health.
  • Drug Misuse and Mental Disorders.
  • Social Effects of Mental Disorders.
  • Alcohol Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders.
  • Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Teen Depression.
  • How to Protect Your Mental Health from Social Media Dangers.
  • Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Severe Mental Disorders.
  • Negative Effects of Total Isolation on Physical and Mental Health.
  • Mental Health Benefits Associated with Physical Activity.
  • Association between Exercise and Mood.
  • Mental Health Problems of Homeless People.
  • Stress as a Risk Factor for Mental Disorders.
  • Effect of Disposer to Violence on Mental Disorders.
  • Common Mental Disorders in the USA.
  • Depression and Anxiety Disorders among Adults.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders.
  • Economic Burden of Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
  • Influence of Anxiety Disorders on the Quality of Life.

Health care essay topics

  • Advantages and Challenges of E-health Technology.
  • Application of Big Data to the Medical Care System.
  • Risk Connected with Untested Methods of Alternative Medicine.
  • Controversial Issues in the US Medical Care System.
  • Telemedicine and Other Disruptive Innovations in Health Care System.
  • How Can We Achieve Health Equity?
  • Impact of Racism on the Well-Being of the Nation.
  • School-based Health Care and Educational Success of Children.
  • Role of School-based Health Care in Preventing Dropout.
  • What Can Be Done to Curb Rising Suicide Rates?
  • Do Adults and Senior Still Need Vaccines?
  • What Human Rights Issues Have an Impact on Public Health?
  • What Measures Should Be Taken to Prevent Heat-related Deaths?
  • Discuss Healthy Housing Standards.
  • What Are Common Strategies for Prevention of Chronic Diseases?

Health essay topics for high school students

  • Can Computers Displace Doctors?
  • Can People Become Immortal?
  • Can Happiness Cure Diseases?
  • How to Prevent Teen Pregnancy?
  • The Biggest Health Challenges Facing Youth.
  • Importance of Balanced Diet for Teenagers.
  • Does Being Healthy Make You Happy?
  • Why Is Exercise Important to Teenagers?
  • Why Is Obesity Becoming an Epidemic?
  • How to Become a Healthy Person.
  • Importance of Healthy Lifestyle for Teens.
  • Negative Impact of Smoking Teenagers.
  • How Does Stress Affect Teenagers?
  • Why Do Teenagers Experiment with Drugs?
  • How to Develop Healthy Eating Habits.

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10 Successful Medical School Essays

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I started writing in 8th grade when a friend showed me her poetry about self-discovery and finding a voice. I was captivated by the way she used language to bring her experiences to life. We began writing together in our free time, trying to better understand ourselves by putting a pen to paper and attempting to paint a picture with words. I felt my style shift over time as I grappled with challenges that seemed to defy language. My poems became unstructured narratives, where I would use stories of events happening around me to convey my thoughts and emotions. In one of my earliest pieces, I wrote about a local boy’s suicide to try to better understand my visceral response. I discussed my frustration with the teenage social hierarchy, reflecting upon my social interactions while exploring the harms of peer pressure.

In college, as I continued to experiment with this narrative form, I discovered medical narratives. I have read everything from Manheimer’s Bellevue to Gawande’s Checklist and from Nuland’s observations about the way we die, to Kalanithi’s struggle with his own decline. I even experimented with this approach recently, writing a piece about my grandfather’s emphysema. Writing allowed me to move beyond the content of our relationship and attempt to investigate the ways time and youth distort our memories of the ones we love. I have augmented these narrative excursions with a clinical bioethics internship. In working with an interdisciplinary team of ethics consultants, I have learned by doing by participating in care team meetings, synthesizing discussions and paths forward in patient charts, and contributing to an ongoing legislative debate addressing the challenges of end of life care. I have also seen the ways ineffective intra-team communication and inter-personal conflicts of beliefs can compromise patient care.

Writing allowed me to move beyond the content of our relationship and attempt to investigate the ways time and youth distort our memories of the ones we love.

By assessing these difficult situations from all relevant perspectives and working to integrate the knowledge I’ve gained from exploring narratives, I have begun to reflect upon the impact the humanities can have on medical care. In a world that has become increasingly data driven, where patients can so easily devolve into lists of numbers and be forced into algorithmic boxes in search of an exact diagnosis, my synergistic narrative and bioethical backgrounds have taught me the importance of considering the many dimensions of the human condition. I am driven to become a physician who deeply considers a patient’s goal of care and goals of life. I want to learn to build and lead patient care teams that are oriented toward fulfilling these goals, creating an environment where family and clinician conflict can be addressed efficiently and respectfully. Above all, I look forward to using these approaches to keep the person beneath my patients in focus at each stage of my medical training, as I begin the task of translating complex basic science into excellent clinical care.

In her essay for medical school, Morgan pitches herself as a future physician with an interdisciplinary approach, given her appreciation of how the humanities can enable her to better understand her patients. Her narrative takes the form of an origin story, showing how a childhood interest in poetry grew into a larger mindset to keep a patient’s humanity at the center of her approach to clinical care.

This narrative distinguishes Morgan as a candidate for medical school effectively, as she provides specific examples of how her passions intersect with medicine. She first discusses how she used poetry to process her emotional response to a local boy’s suicide and ties in concern about teenage mental health. Then, she discusses more philosophical questions she encountered through reading medical narratives, which demonstrates her direct interest in applying writing and the humanities to medicine. By making the connection from this larger theme to her own reflections on her grandfather, Morgan provides a personal insight that will give an admissions officer a window into her character. This demonstrates her empathy for her future patients and commitment to their care.

Her narrative takes the form of an origin story, showing how a childhood interest in poetry grew into a larger mindset to keep a patient's humanity at the center of her approach to clinical care.

Furthermore, it is important to note that Morgan’s essay does not repeat anything in-depth that would otherwise be on her resume. She makes a reference to her work in care team meetings through a clinical bioethics internship, but does not focus on this because there are other places on her application where this internship can be discussed. Instead, she offers a more reflection-based perspective on the internship that goes more in-depth than a resume or CV could. This enables her to explain the reasons for interdisciplinary approach to medicine with tangible examples that range from personal to professional experiences — an approach that presents her as a well-rounded candidate for medical school.

Disclaimer: With exception of the removal of identifying details, essays are reproduced as originally submitted in applications; any errors in submissions are maintained to preserve the integrity of the piece. The Crimson's news and opinion teams—including writers, editors, photographers, and designers—were not involved in the production of this article.

-- Accepted To: A medical school in New Jersey with a 3% acceptance rate. GPA: 3.80 MCAT: 502 and 504

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"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The tribulations I've overcome in my life have manifested in the compassion, curiosity, and courage that is embedded in my personality. Even a horrific mishap in my life has not changed my core beliefs and has only added fuel to my intense desire to become a doctor. My extensive service at an animal hospital, a harrowing personal experience, and volunteering as an EMT have increased my appreciation and admiration for the medical field.

At thirteen, I accompanied my father to the Park Home Animal Hospital with our eleven-year-old dog, Brendan. He was experiencing severe pain due to an osteosarcoma, which ultimately led to the difficult decision to put him to sleep. That experience brought to light many questions regarding the idea of what constitutes a "quality of life" for an animal and what importance "dignity" plays to an animal and how that differs from owner to owner and pet to pet. Noting my curiosity and my relative maturity in the matter, the owner of the animal hospital invited me to shadow the professional staff. Ten years later, I am still part of the team, having made the transition from volunteer to veterinarian technician. Saving a life, relieving pain, sharing in the euphoria of animal and owner reuniting after a procedure, to understanding the emotions of losing a loved one – my life was forever altered from the moment I stepped into that animal hospital.

As my appreciation for medical professionals continued to grow, a horrible accident created an indelible moment in my life. It was a warm summer day as I jumped onto a small boat captained by my grandfather. He was on his way to refill the boat's gas tank at the local marina, and as he pulled into the dock, I proceeded to make a dire mistake. As the line was thrown from the dock, I attempted to cleat the bowline prematurely, and some of the most intense pain I've ever felt in my life ensued.

Saving a life, relieving pain, sharing in the euphoria of animal and owner reuniting after a procedure, to understanding the emotions of losing a loved one – my life was forever altered from the moment I stepped into that animal hospital.

"Call 911!" I screamed, half-dazed as I witnessed blood gushing out of my open wounds, splashing onto the white fiberglass deck of the boat, forming a small puddle beneath my feet. I was instructed to raise my hand to reduce the bleeding, while someone wrapped an icy towel around the wound. The EMTs arrived shortly after and quickly drove me to an open field a short distance away, where a helicopter seemed to instantaneously appear.

The medevac landed on the roof of Stony Brook Hospital before I was expeditiously wheeled into the operating room for a seven-hour surgery to reattach my severed fingers. The distal phalanges of my 3rd and 4th fingers on my left hand had been torn off by the rope tightening on the cleat. I distinctly remember the chill from the cold metal table, the bright lights of the OR, and multiple doctors and nurses scurrying around. The skill and knowledge required to execute multiple skin graft surgeries were impressive and eye-opening. My shortened fingers often raise questions by others; however, they do not impair my self-confidence or physical abilities. The positive outcome of this trial was the realization of my intense desire to become a medical professional.

Despite being the patient, I was extremely impressed with the dedication, competence, and cohesiveness of the medical team. I felt proud to be a critical member of such a skilled group. To this day, I still cannot explain the dichotomy of experiencing being the patient, and concurrently one on the professional team, committed to saving the patient. Certainly, this experience was a defining part of my life and one of the key contributors to why I became an EMT and a volunteer member of the Sample Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The startling ring of the pager, whether it is to respond to an inebriated alcoholic who is emotionally distraught or to help bring breath to a pulseless person who has been pulled from the family swimming pool, I am committed to EMS. All of these events engender the same call to action and must be reacted to with the same seriousness, intensity, and magnanimity. It may be some routine matter or a dire emergency; this is a role filled with uncertainty and ambiguity, but that is how I choose to spend my days. My motives to become a physician are deeply seeded. They permeate my personality and emanate from my desire to respond to the needs of others. Through a traumatic personal event and my experiences as both a professional and volunteer, I have witnessed firsthand the power to heal the wounded and offer hope. Each person defines success in different ways. To know even one life has been improved by my actions affords me immense gratification and meaning. That is success to me and why I want to be a doctor.

This review is provided by EFIIE Consulting Group’s Pre-Health Senior Consultant Jude Chan

This student was a joy to work with — she was also the lowest MCAT profile I ever accepted onto my roster. At 504 on the second attempt (502 on her first) it would seem impossible and unlikely to most that she would be accepted into an allopathic medical school. Even for an osteopathic medical school this score could be too low. Additionally, the student’s GPA was considered competitive at 3.80, but it was from a lower ranked, less known college, so naturally most advisors would tell this student to go on and complete a master’s or postbaccalaureate program to show that she could manage upper level science classes. Further, she needed to retake the MCAT a third time.

However, I saw many other facets to this student’s history and life that spoke volumes about the type of student she was, and this was the positioning strategy I used for her file. Students who read her personal statement should know that acceptance is contingent on so much more than just an essay and MCAT score or GPA. Although many students have greater MCAT scores than 504 and higher GPAs than 3.80, I have helped students with lower scores and still maintained our 100% match rate. You are competing with thousands of candidates. Not every student out there requires our services and we are actually grateful that we can focus on a limited amount out of the tens of thousands that do. We are also here for the students who wish to focus on learning well the organic chemistry courses and physics courses and who want to focus on their research and shadowing opportunities rather than waste time deciphering the next step in this complex process. We tailor a pathway for each student dependent on their health care career goals, and our partnerships with non-profit organizations, hospitals, physicians and research labs allow our students to focus on what matters most — the building up of their basic science knowledge and their exposure to patients and patient care.

Students who read her personal statement should know that acceptance is contingent on so much more than just an essay and MCAT score or GPA.

Even students who believe that their struggle somehow disqualifies them from their dream career in health care can be redeemed if they are willing to work for it, just like this student with 502 and 504 MCAT scores. After our first consult, I saw a way to position her to still be accepted into an MD school in the US — I would not have recommended she register to our roster if I did not believe we could make a difference. Our rosters have a waitlist each semester, and it is in our best interest to be transparent with our students and protect our 100% record — something I consider a win-win. It is unethical to ever guarantee acceptance in admissions as we simply do not control these decisions. However, we respect it, play by the rules, and help our students stay one step ahead by creating an applicant profile that would be hard for the schools to ignore.

This may be the doctor I go to one day. Or the nurse or dentist my children or my grandchildren goes to one day. That is why it is much more than gaining acceptance — it is about properly matching the student to the best options for their education. Gaining an acceptance and being incapable of getting through the next 4 or 8 years (for my MD/PhD-MSTP students) is nonsensical.

-- Accepted To: Imperial College London UCAT Score: 2740 BMAT Score: 3.9, 5.4, 3.5A

My motivation to study Medicine stems from wishing to be a cog in the remarkable machine that is universal healthcare: a system which I saw first-hand when observing surgery in both the UK and Sri Lanka. Despite the differences in sanitation and technology, the universality of compassion became evident. When volunteering at OSCE training days, I spoke to many medical students, who emphasised the importance of a genuine interest in the sciences when studying Medicine. As such, I have kept myself informed of promising developments, such as the use of monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy. After learning about the role of HeLa cells in the development of the polio vaccine in Biology, I read 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' to find out more. Furthermore, I read that surface protein CD4 can be added to HeLa cells, allowing them to be infected with HIV, opening the possibility of these cells being used in HIV research to produce more life-changing drugs, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP). Following my BioGrad laboratory experience in HIV testing, and time collating data for research into inflammatory markers in lung cancer, I am also interested in pursuing a career in medical research. However, during a consultation between an ENT surgeon and a thyroid cancer patient, I learnt that practising medicine needs more than a scientific aptitude. As the surgeon explained that the cancer had metastasised to her liver, I watched him empathetically tailor his language for the patient - he avoided medical jargon and instead gave her time to come to terms with this. I have been developing my communication skills by volunteering weekly at care homes for 3 years, which has improved my ability to read body language and structure conversations to engage with the residents, most of whom have dementia.

However, during a consultation between an ENT surgeon and a thyroid cancer patient, I learnt that practising medicine needs more than a scientific aptitude.

Jude’s essay provides a very matter-of-fact account of their experience as a pre-medical student. However, they deepen this narrative by merging two distinct cultures through some common ground: a universality of compassion. Using clear, concise language and a logical succession of events — much like a doctor must follow when speaking to patients — Jude shows their motivation to go into the medical field.

From their OSCE training days to their school’s Science society, Jude connects their analytical perspective — learning about HeLa cells — to something that is relatable and human, such as a poor farmer’s notable contribution to science. This approach provides a gateway into their moral compass without having to explicitly state it, highlighting their fervent desire to learn how to interact and communicate with others when in a position of authority.

Using clear, concise language and a logical succession of events — much like a doctor must follow when speaking to patients — Jude shows their motivation to go into the medical field.

Jude’s closing paragraph reminds the reader of the similarities between two countries like the UK and Sri Lanka, and the importance of having a universal healthcare system that centers around the just and “world-class” treatment of patients. Overall, this essay showcases Jude’s personal initiative to continue to learn more and do better for the people they serve.

While the essay could have benefited from better transitions to weave Jude’s experiences into a personal story, its strong grounding in Jude’s motivation makes for a compelling application essay.

-- Accepted to: Weill Cornell Medical College GPA: 3.98 MCAT: 521

Sponsored by E fie Consulting Group : “ EFIIE ” boasts 100% match rate for all premedical and predental registered students. Not all students are accepted unto their pre-health student roster. Considered the most elite in the industry and assists from start to end – premed to residency. EFIIE is a one-stop-full-service education firm.

Following the physician’s unexpected request, we waited outside, anxiously waiting to hear the latest update on my father’s condition. It was early on in my father’s cancer progression – a change that had shaken our entire way of life overnight. During those 18 months, while my mother spent countless nights at the hospital, I took on the responsibility of caring for my brother. My social life became of minimal concern, and the majority of my studying for upcoming 12th- grade exams was done at the hospital. We were allowed back into the room as the physician walked out, and my parents updated us on the situation. Though we were a tight-knit family and my father wanted us to be present throughout his treatment, what this physician did was give my father a choice. Without making assumptions about who my father wanted in the room, he empowered him to make that choice independently in private. It was this respect directed towards my father, the subsequent efforts at caring for him, and the personal relationship of understanding they formed, that made the largest impact on him. Though my decision to pursue medicine came more than a year later, I deeply valued what these physicians were doing for my father, and I aspired to make a similar impact on people in the future.

It was during this period that I became curious about the human body, as we began to learn physiology in more depth at school. In previous years, the problem-based approach I could take while learning math and chemistry were primarily what sparked my interest. However, I became intrigued by how molecular interactions translated into large-scale organ function, and how these organ systems integrated together to generate the extraordinary physiological functions we tend to under-appreciate. I began my undergraduate studies with the goal of pursuing these interests, whilst leaning towards a career in medicine. While I was surprised to find that there were upwards of 40 programs within the life sciences that I could pursue, it broadened my perspective and challenged me to explore my options within science and healthcare. I chose to study pathobiology and explore my interests through hospital volunteering and research at the end of my first year.

Though my decision to pursue medicine came more than a year later, I deeply valued what these physicians were doing for my father, and I aspired to make a similar impact on people in the future.

While conducting research at St. Michael’s Hospital, I began to understand methods of data collection and analysis, and the thought process of scientific inquiry. I became acquainted with the scientific literature, and the experience transformed how I thought about the concepts I was learning in lecture. However, what stood out to me that summer was the time spent shadowing my supervisor in the neurosurgery clinic. It was where I began to fully understand what life would be like as a physician, and where the career began to truly appeal to me. What appealed to me most was the patient-oriented collaboration and discussions between my supervisor and his fellow; the physician-patient relationship that went far beyond diagnoses and treatments; and the problem solving that I experienced first-hand while being questioned on disease cases.

The day spent shadowing in the clinic was also the first time I developed a relationship with a patient. We were instructed to administer the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) test to patients as they awaited the neurosurgeon. My task was to convey the instructions as clearly as possible and score each section. I did this as best I could, adapting my explanation to each patient, and paying close attention to their responses to ensure I was understood. The last patient was a challenging case, given a language barrier combined with his severe hydrocephalus. It was an emotional time for his family, seeing their father/husband struggle to complete simple tasks and subsequently give up. I encouraged him to continue trying. But I also knew my words would not remedy the condition underlying his struggles. All I could do was make attempts at lightening the atmosphere as I got to know him and his family better. Hours later, as I saw his remarkable improvement following a lumbar puncture, and the joy on his and his family’s faces at his renewed ability to walk independently, I got a glimpse of how rewarding it would be to have the ability and privilege to care for such patients. By this point, I knew I wanted to commit to a life in medicine. Two years of weekly hospital volunteering have allowed me to make a small difference in patients’ lives by keeping them company through difficult times, and listening to their concerns while striving to help in the limited way that I could. I want to have the ability to provide care and treatment on a daily basis as a physician. Moreover, my hope is that the breadth of medicine will provide me with the opportunity to make an impact on a larger scale. Whilst attending conferences on neuroscience and surgical technology, I became aware of the potential to make a difference through healthcare, and I look forward to developing the skills necessary to do so through a Master’s in Global Health. Whether through research, health innovation, or public health, I hope not only to care for patients with the same compassion with which physicians cared for my father, but to add to the daily impact I can have by tackling large-scale issues in health.

Taylor’s essay offers both a straightforward, in-depth narrative and a deep analysis of his experiences, which effectively reveals his passion and willingness to learn in the medical field. The anecdote of Taylor’s father gives the reader insight into an original instance of learning through experience and clearly articulates Taylor’s motivations for becoming a compassionate and respectful physician.

Taylor strikes an impeccable balance between discussing his accomplishments and his character. All of his life experiences — and the difficult challenges he overcame — introduce the reader to an important aspect of Taylor’s personality: his compassion, care for his family, and power of observation in reflecting on the decisions his father’s doctor makes. His description of his time volunteering at St. Michael’s Hospital is indicative of Taylor’s curiosity about medical research, but also of his recognition of the importance of the patient-physician relationship. Moreover, he shows how his volunteer work enabled him to see how medicine goes “beyond diagnoses and treatments” — an observation that also speaks to his compassion.

His description of his time volunteering at St. Michael's Hospital is indicative of Taylor's curiosity about medical research, but also of his recognition of the importance of the patient-physician relationship.

Finally, Taylor also tells the reader about his ambition and purpose, which is important when thinking about applying to medical school. He discusses his hope of tackling larger scale problems through any means possible in medicine. This notion of using self interest to better the world is imperative to a successful college essay, and it is nicely done here.

-- Accepted to: Washington University

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Running has always been one of my greatest passions whether it be with friends or alone with my thoughts. My dad has always been my biggest role model and was the first to introduce me to the world of running. We entered races around the country, and one day he invited me on a run that changed my life forever. The St. Jude Run is an annual event that raises millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My dad has led or our local team for as long as I can remember, and I had the privilege to join when I was 16. From the first step I knew this was the environment for me – people from all walks of life united with one goal of ending childhood cancer. I had an interest in medicine before the run, and with these experiences I began to consider oncology as a career. When this came up in conversations, I would invariably be faced with the question “Do you really think you could get used to working with dying kids?” My 16-year-old self responded with something noble but naïve like “It’s important work, so I’ll have to handle it”. I was 16 years young with my plan to become an oncologist at St. Jude.

As I transitioned into college my plans for oncology were alive and well. I began working in a biochemistry lab researching new anti-cancer drugs. It was a small start, but I was overjoyed to be a part of the process. I applied to work at a number of places for the summer, but the Pediatric Oncology Education program (POE) at St. Jude was my goal. One afternoon, I had just returned from class and there it was: an email listed as ‘POE Offer’. I was ecstatic and accepted the offer immediately. Finally, I could get a glimpse at what my future holds. My future PI, Dr. Q, specialized in solid tumor translational research and I couldn’t wait to get started.

I was 16 years young with my plan to become an oncologist at St. Jude.

Summer finally came, I moved to Memphis, and I was welcomed by the X lab. I loved translational research because the results are just around the corner from helping patients. We began a pre-clinical trial of a new chemotherapy regimen and the results were looking terrific. I was also able to accompany Dr. Q whenever she saw patients in the solid tumor division. Things started simple with rounds each morning before focusing on the higher risk cases. I was fortunate enough to get to know some of the patients quite well, and I could sometimes help them pass the time with a game or two on a slow afternoon between treatments. These experiences shined a very human light on a field I had previously seen only through a microscope in a lab.

I arrived one morning as usual, but Dr. Q pulled me aside before rounds. She said one of the patients we had been seeing passed away in the night. I held my composure in the moment, but I felt as though an anvil was crushing down on me. It was tragic but I knew loss was part of the job, so I told myself to push forward. A few days later, I had mostly come to terms with what happened, but then the anvil came crashing back down with the passing of another patient. I could scarcely hold back the tears this time. That moment, it didn’t matter how many miraculous successes were happening a few doors down. Nothing overshadowed the loss, and there was no way I could ‘get used to it’ as my younger self had hoped.

I was still carrying the weight of what had happened and it was showing, so I asked Dr. Q for help. How do you keep smiling each day? How do you get used to it? The questions in my head went on. What I heard next changed my perspective forever. She said you keep smiling because no matter what happened, you’re still hope for the next patient. It’s not about getting used to it. You never get used to it and you shouldn’t. Beating cancer takes lifetimes, and you can’t look passed a life’s worth of hardships. I realized that moving passed the loss of patients would never suffice, but I need to move forward with them. Through the successes and shortcomings, we constantly make progress. I like to imagine that in all our future endeavors, it is the hands of those who have gone before us that guide the way. That is why I want to attend medical school and become a physician. We may never end the sting of loss, but physicians are the bridge between the past and the future. No where else is there the chance to learn from tragedy and use that to shape a better future. If I can learn something from one loss, keep moving forward, and use that knowledge to help even a single person – save one life, bring a moment of joy, avoid a moment of pain—then that is how I want to spend my life.

The change wasn’t overnight. The next loss still brought pain, but I took solace in moving forward so that we might learn something to give hope to a future patient. I returned to campus in a new lab doing cancer research, and my passion for medicine continues to flourish. I still think about all the people I encountered at St. Jude, especially those we lost. It might be a stretch, but during the long hours at the lab bench I still picture their hands moving through mine each step of the way. I could never have foreseen where the first steps of the St. Jude Run would bring me. I’m not sure where the road to becoming a physician may lead, but with helping hands guiding the way, I won’t be running it alone.

This essay, a description of the applicant’s intellectual challenges, displays the hardships of tending to cancer patients as a milestone of experience and realization of what it takes to be a physician. The writer explores deeper ideas beyond medicine, such as dealing with patient deaths in a way to progress and improve as a professional. In this way, the applicant gives the reader some insight into the applicant’s mindset, and their ability to think beyond the surface for ways to become better at what they do.

However, the essay fails to zero in on the applicant’s character, instead elaborating on life events that weakly illustrate the applicant’s growth as a physician. The writer’s mantra (“keep moving forward”) is feebly projected, and seems unoriginal due to the lack of a personalized connection between the experience at St. Jude and how that led to the applicant’s growth and mindset changes.

The writer explores deeper ideas beyond medicine, such as dealing with patient deaths in a way to progress and improve as a professional.

The writer, by only focusing on grief brought from patient deaths at St. Jude, misses out on the opportunity to further describe his or her experience at the hospital and portray an original, well-rounded image of his or her strengths, weaknesses, and work ethic.

The applicant ends the essay by attempting to highlight the things they learned at St. Jude, but fails to organize the ideas into a cohesive, comprehensible section. These ideas are also too abstract, and are vague indicators of the applicant’s character that are difficult to grasp.

-- Accepted to: New York University School of Medicine

Sponsored by MedEdits : MedEdits Medical Admissions has been helping applicants get into medical schools like Harvard for more than ten years. Structured like an academic medical department, MedEdits has experts in admissions, writing, editing, medicine, and interview prep working with you collaboratively so you can earn the best admissions results possible.

“Is this the movie you were talking about Alice?” I said as I showed her the movie poster on my iPhone. “Oh my God, I haven’t seen that poster in over 70 years,” she said with her arms trembling in front of her. Immediately, I sat up straight and started to question further. We were talking for about 40 minutes, and the most exciting thing she brought up in that time was the new flavor of pudding she had for lunch. All of sudden, she’s back in 1940 talking about what it was like to see this movie after school for only 5¢ a ticket! After an engaging discussion about life in the 40’s, I knew I had to indulge her. Armed with a plethora of movie streaming sights, I went to work scouring the web. No luck. The movie, “My Son My Son,” was apparently not in high demand amongst torrenting teens. I had to entreat my older brother for his Amazon Prime account to get a working stream. However, breaking up the monotony and isolation felt at the nursing home with a simple movie was worth the pandering.

While I was glad to help a resident have some fun, I was partly motivated by how much Alice reminded me of my own grandfather. In accordance with custom, my grandfather was to stay in our house once my grandmother passed away. More specifically, he stayed in my room and my bed. Just like grandma’s passing, my sudden roommate was a rough transition. In 8th grade at the time, I considered myself to be a generally good guy. Maybe even good enough to be a doctor one day. I volunteered at the hospital, shadowed regularly, and had a genuine interest for science. However, my interest in medicine was mostly restricted to academia. To be honest, I never had a sustained exposure to the palliative side of medicine until the arrival of my new roommate.

The two years I slept on that creaky wooden bed with him was the first time my metal was tested. Sharing that room, I was the one to take care of him. I was the one to rub ointment on his back, to feed him when I came back from school, and to empty out his spittoon when it got full. It was far from glamorous, and frustrating most of the time. With 75 years separating us, and senile dementia setting in, he would often forget who I was or where he was. Having to remind him that I was his grandson threatened to erode at my resolve. Assured by my Syrian Orthodox faith, I even prayed about it; asking God for comfort and firmness on my end. Over time, I grew slow to speak and eager to listen as he started to ramble more and more about bits and pieces of the past. If I was lucky, I would be able to stich together a narrative that may or may have not been true. In any case, my patience started to bud beyond my age group.

Having to remind him that I was his grandson threatened to erode at my resolve.

Although I grew more patient with his disease, my curiosity never really quelled. Conversely, it developed further alongside my rapidly growing interest in the clinical side of medicine. Naturally, I became drawn to a neurology lab in college where I got to study pathologies ranging from atrophy associated with schizophrenia, and necrotic lesions post stroke. However, unlike my intro biology courses, my work at the neurology lab was rooted beyond the academics. Instead, I found myself driven by real people who could potentially benefit from our research. In particular, my shadowing experience with Dr. Dominger in the Veteran’s home made the patient more relevant in our research as I got to encounter geriatric patients with age related diseases, such as Alzhimer’s and Parkinson’s. Furthermore, I had the privilege of of talking to the families of a few of these patients to get an idea of the impact that these diseases had on the family structure. For me, the scut work in the lab meant a lot more with these families in mind than the tritium tracer we were using in the lab.

Despite my achievements in the lab and the classroom, my time with my grandfather still holds a special place in my life story. The more I think about him, the more confident I am in my decision to pursue a career where caring for people is just as important, if not more important, than excelling at academics. Although it was a lot of work, the years spent with him was critical in expanding my horizons both in my personal life and in the context of medicine. While I grew to be more patient around others, I also grew to appreciate medicine beyond the science. This more holistic understanding of medicine had a synergistic effect in my work as I gained a purpose behind the extra hours in the lab, sleepless nights in the library, and longer hours volunteering. I had a reason for what I was doing that may one day help me have long conversations with my own grandchildren about the price of popcorn in the 2000’s.

The most important thing to highlight in Avery’s essay is how he is able to create a duality between his interest in not only the clinical, more academic-based side of medicine, but also the field’s personal side.

He draws personal connections between working with Alice — a patient in a hospital or nursing home — and caring intensely for his grandfather. These two experiences build up the “synergistic” relationship between caring for people and studying the science behind medicine. In this way, he is able to clearly state his passions for medicine and explain his exact motives for entering the field. Furthermore, in his discussion of her grandfather, he effectively employs imagery (“rub ointment on his back,” “feed him when I came back from school,” etc.) to describe the actual work that he does, calling it initially as “far from glamorous, and frustrating most of the time.” By first mentioning his initial impression, then transitioning into how he grew to appreciate the experience, Avery is able to demonstrate a strength of character, sense of enormous responsibility and capability, and open-minded attitude.

He draws personal connections between working with Alice — a patient in a hospital or nursing home — and caring intensely for his grandfather.

Later in the essay, Avery is also able to relate his time caring for his grandfather to his work with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, showcasing the social impact of his work, as the reader is likely already familiar with the biological impact of the work. This takes Avery’s essay full circle, bringing it back to how a discussion with an elderly patient about the movies reminds him of why he chose to pursue medicine.

That said, the essay does feel rushed near the end, as the writer was likely trying to remain within the word count. There could be a more developed transition before Avery introduces the last sentence about “conversations with my own grandchildren,” especially as a strong essay ending is always recommended.

-- Accepted To: Saint Louis University Medical School Direct Admission Medical Program

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The tension in the office was tangible. The entire team sat silently sifting through papers as Dr. L introduced Adam, a 60-year-old morbidly obese man recently admitted for a large open wound along his chest. As Dr. L reviewed the details of the case, his prognosis became even bleaker: hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, hyperlipidemia; the list went on and on. As the humdrum of the side-conversations came to a halt, and the shuffle of papers softened, the reality of Adam’s situation became apparent. Adam had a few months to live at best, a few days at worst. To make matters worse, Adam’s insurance would not cover his treatment costs. With no job, family, or friends, he was dying poor and alone.

I followed Dr. L out of the conference room, unsure what would happen next. “Well,” she muttered hesitantly, “We need to make sure that Adam is on the same page as us.” It’s one thing to hear bad news, and another to hear it utterly alone. Dr. L frantically reviewed all of Adam’s paperwork desperately looking for someone to console him, someone to be at his side. As she began to make calls, I saw that being a physician calls for more than good grades and an aptitude for science: it requires maturity, sacrifice, and most of all, empathy. That empathy is exactly what I saw in Dr. L as she went out of her way to comfort a patient she met hardly 20 minutes prior.

Since high school, I’ve been fascinated by technology’s potential to improve healthcare. As a volunteer in [the] Student Ambassador program, I was fortunate enough to watch an open-heart surgery. Intrigued by the confluence of technology and medicine, I chose to study biomedical engineering. At [school], I wanted to help expand this interface, so I became involved with research through Dr. P’s lab by studying the applications of electrospun scaffolds for dermal wound healing. While still in the preliminary stages of research, I learned about the Disability Service Club (DSC) and decided to try something new by volunteering at a bowling outing.

As she began to make calls, I saw that being a physician calls for more than good grades and an aptitude for science: it requires maturity, sacrifice, and most of all, empathy.

The DSC promotes awareness of cognitive disabilities in the community and seeks to alleviate difficulties for the disabled. During one outing, I collaborated with Arc, a local organization with a similar mission. Walking in, I was told that my role was to support the participants by providing encouragement. I decided to help a relatively quiet group of individuals assisted by only one volunteer, Mary. Mary informed me that many individuals with whom I was working were diagnosed with ASD. Suddenly, she started cheering, as one of the members of the group bowled a strike. The group went wild. Everyone was dancing, singing, and rejoicing. Then I noticed one gentleman sitting at our table, solemn-faced. I tried to start a conversation with him, but he remained unresponsive. I sat with him for the rest of the game, trying my hardest to think of questions that would elicit more than a monosyllabic response, but to no avail. As the game ended, I stood up to say bye when he mumbled, “Thanks for talking.” Then he quickly turned his head away. I walked away beaming. Although I was unable to draw out a smile or even sustain a conversation, at the end of the day, the fact that this gentleman appreciated my mere effort completely overshadowed the awkwardness of our time together. Later that day, I realized that as much as I enjoyed the thrill of research and its applications, helping other people was what I was most passionate about.

When it finally came time to tell Adam about his deteriorating condition, I was not sure how he would react. Dr. L gently greeted him and slowly let reality take its toll. He stoically turned towards Dr. L and groaned, “I don’t really care. Just leave me alone.” Dr. L gave him a concerned nod and gradually left the room. We walked to the next room where we met with a pastor from Adam’s church.

“Adam’s always been like that,” remarked the pastor, “he’s never been one to express emotion.” We sat with his pastor for over an hour discussing how we could console Adam. It turned out that Adam was part of a motorcycle club, but recently quit because of his health. So, Dr. L arranged for motorcycle pictures and other small bike trinkets to be brought to his room as a reminder of better times.

Dr. L’s simple gesture reminded me of why I want to pursue medicine. There is something sacred, empowering, about providing support when people need it the most; whether it be simple as starting a conversation, or providing support during the most trying of times. My time spent conducting research kindled my interest in the science of medicine, and my service as a volunteer allowed me to realize how much I valued human interaction. Science and technology form the foundation of medicine, but to me, empathy is the essence. It is my combined interest in science and service that inspires me to pursue medicine. It is that combined interest that makes me aspire to be a physician.

Parker’s essay focuses on one central narrative with a governing theme of compassionate and attentive care for patients, which is the key motivator for her application to medical school. Parker’s story focuses on her volunteer experience shadowing of Dr. L who went the extra mile for Adam, which sets Dr. L up as a role model for Parker as she enters the medical field. This effectively demonstrates to the reader what kind of doctor Parker wants to be in the future.

Parker’s narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end, making it easy for the reader to follow. She intersperses the main narrative about Adam with experiences she has with other patients and reflects upon her values as she contemplates pursuing medicine as a career. Her anecdote about bowling with the patients diagnosed with ASD is another instance where she uses a story to tell the reader why she values helping people through medicine and attentive patient care, especially as she focuses on the impact her work made on one man at the event.

Parker's story focuses on her volunteer experience shadowing of Dr. L who went the extra mile for Adam, which sets Dr. L up as a role model for Parker as she enters the medical field.

All throughout the essay, the writing is engaging and Parker incorporates excellent imagery, which goes well with her varied sentence structure. The essay is also strong because it comes back full circle at its conclusion, tying the overall narrative back to the story of Dr. L and Adam, which speaks to Parker’s motives for going to medical school.

-- Accepted To: Emory School of Medicine

Growing up, I enjoyed visiting my grandparents. My grandfather was an established doctor, helping the sick and elderly in rural Taiwan until two weeks before he died at 91 years old. His clinic was located on the first floor of the residency with an exam room, treatment room, X-ray room, and small pharmacy. Curious about his work, I would follow him to see his patients. Grandpa often asked me if I want to be a doctor just like him. I always smiled, but was more interested in how to beat the latest Pokémon game. I was in 8th grade when my grandfather passed away. I flew back to Taiwan to attend his funeral. It was a gloomy day and the only street in the small village became a mourning place for the villagers. Flowers filled the streets and people came to pay their respects. An old man told me a story: 60 years ago, a village woman was in a difficult labor. My grandfather rushed into the house and delivered a baby boy. That boy was the old man and he was forever grateful. Stories of grandpa saving lives and bringing happiness to families were told during the ceremony. At that moment, I realized why my grandfather worked so tirelessly up until his death as a physician. He did it for the reward of knowing that he kept a family together and saved a life. The ability for a doctor to heal and bring happiness is the reason why I want to study medicine. Medical school is the first step on a lifelong journey of learning, but I feel that my journey leading up to now has taught me some things of what it means to be an effective physician.

With a newfound purpose, I began volunteering and shadowing at my local hospital. One situation stood out when I was a volunteer in the cardiac stress lab. As I attached EKG leads onto a patient, suddenly the patient collapsed and started gasping for air. His face turned pale, then slightly blue. The charge nurse triggered “Code Blue” and started CPR. A team of doctors and nurses came, rushing in with a defibrillator to treat and stabilize the patient. What I noticed was that medicine was not only about one individual acting as a superhero to save a life, but that it takes a team of individuals with an effective leader, working together to deliver the best care. I want to be a leader as well as part of a team that can make a difference in a person’s life. I have refined these lessons about teamwork and leadership to my activities. In high school I was an 8 time varsity letter winner for swimming and tennis and captain of both of those teams. In college I have participated in many activities, but notably serving as assistant principle cellist in my school symphony as well as being a co-founding member of a quartet. From both my athletic experiences and my music experiences I learned what it was like to not only assert my position as a leader and to effectively communicate my views, but equally as important I learned how to compromise and listen to the opinions of others. Many physicians that I have observed show a unique blend of confidence and humility.

What I noticed was that medicine was not only about one individual acting as a superhero to save a life, but that it takes a team of individuals with an effective leader, working together to deliver the best care.

College opened me up to new perspectives on what makes a complete physician. A concept that was preached in the Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions in Medicine (GPPA) was that medicine is both an art and a science. The art of medicine deals with a variety of aspects including patient relationships as well as ethics. Besides my strong affinity for the sciences and mathematics, I always have had interest in history. I took courses in both German literature and history, which influenced me to take a class focusing on Nazi neuroscientists. It was the ideology of seeing the disabled and different races as test subjects rather than people that led to devastating lapses in medical ethics. The most surprising fact for me was that doctors who were respected and leaders in their field disregarded the humanity of patient and rather focused on getting results from their research. Speaking with Dr. Zeidman, the professor for this course, influenced me to start my research which deals with the ethical qualms of using data derived from unethical Nazi experimentation such as the brains derived from the adult and child euthanasia programs. Today, science is so result driven, it is important to keep in mind the ethics behind research and clinical practice. Also the development of personalized genomic medicine brings into question about potential privacy violations and on the extreme end discrimination. The study of ethics no matter the time period is paramount in the medical field. The end goal should always be to put the patient first.

Teaching experiences in college inspired me to become a physician educator if I become a doctor. Post-MCAT, I was offered a job by Next Step Test Prep as a tutor to help students one on one for the MCAT. I had a student who stated he was doing well during practice, but couldn’t get the correct answer during practice tests. Working with the student, I pointed out his lack of understanding concepts and this realization helped him and improves his MCAT score. Having the ability to educate the next generation of doctors is not only necessary, but also a rewarding experience.

My experiences volunteering and shadowing doctors in the hospital as well as my understanding of what it means to be a complete physician will make me a good candidate as a medical school student. It is my goal to provide the best care to patients and to put a smile on a family’s face just as my grandfather once had. Achieving this goal does not take a special miracle, but rather hard work, dedication, and an understanding of what it means to be an effective physician.

Through reflecting on various stages of life, Quinn expresses how they found purpose in pursuing medicine. Starting as a child more interested in Pokemon than their grandfather’s patients, Quinn exhibits personal growth through recognizing the importance of their grandfather’s work saving lives and eventually gaining the maturity to work towards this goal as part of a team.

This essay opens with abundant imagery — of the grandfather’s clinic, flowers filling the streets, and the village woman’s difficult labor — which grounds Quinn’s story in their family roots. Yet, the transition from shadowing in hospitals to pursuing leadership positions in high schools is jarring, and the list of athletic and musical accomplishments reads like a laundry list of accomplishments until Quinn neatly wraps them up as evidence of leadership and teamwork skills. Similarly, the section about tutoring, while intended to demonstrate Quinn’s desire to educate future physicians, lacks the emotional resonance necessary to elevate it from another line lifted from their resume.

This essay opens with abundant imagery — of the grandfather's clinic, flowers filling the streets, and the village woman's difficult labor — which grounds Quinn's story in their family roots.

The strongest point of Quinn’s essay is the focus on their unique arts and humanities background. This equips them with a unique perspective necessary to consider issues in medicine in a new light. Through detailing how history and literature coursework informed their unique research, Quinn sets their application apart from the multitude of STEM-focused narratives. Closing the essay with the desire to help others just as their grandfather had, Quinn ties the narrative back to their personal roots.

-- Accepted To: Edinburgh University UCAT Score: 2810 BMAT Score: 4.6, 4.2, 3.5A

Exposure to the medical career from an early age by my father, who would explain diseases of the human body, sparked my interest for Medicine and drove me to seek out work experience. I witnessed the contrast between use of bone saws and drills to gain access to the brain, with subsequent use of delicate instruments and microscopes in neurosurgery. The surgeon's care to remove the tumour, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding healthy brain and his commitment to achieve the best outcome for the patient was inspiring. The chance to have such a positive impact on a patient has motivated me to seek out a career in Medicine.

Whilst shadowing a surgical team in Texas, carrying out laparoscopic bariatric procedures, I appreciated the surgeon's dedication to continual professional development and research. I was inspired to carry out an Extended Project Qualification on whether bariatric surgery should be funded by the NHS. By researching current literature beyond my school curriculum, I learnt to assess papers for bias and use reliable sources to make a conclusion on a difficult ethical situation. I know that doctors are required to carry out research and make ethical decisions and so, I want to continue developing these skills during my time at medical school.

The chance to have such a positive impact on a patient has motivated me to seek out a career in Medicine.

Attending an Oncology multi-disciplinary team meeting showed me the importance of teamwork in medicine. I saw each team member, with specific areas of expertise, contributing to the discussion and actively listening, and together they formed a holistic plan of action for patients. During my Young Enterprise Award, I facilitated a brainstorm where everyone pitched a product idea. Each member offered a different perspective on the idea and then voted on a product to carry forward in the competition. As a result, we came runners up in the Regional Finals. Furthermore, I started developing my leadership skills, which I improved by doing Duke of Edinburgh Silver and attending a St. John Ambulance Leadership course. In one workshop, similar to the bariatric surgeon I shadowed, I communicated instructions and delegated roles to my team to successfully solve a puzzle. These experiences highlighted the crucial need for teamwork and leadership as a doctor.

Observing a GP, I identified the importance of compassion and empathy. During a consultation with a severely depressed patient, the GP came to the patient's eye level and used a calm, non-judgmental tone of voice, easing her anxieties and allowing her to disclose more information. While volunteering at a care home weekly for two years, I adapted my communication for a resident suffering with dementia who was disconnected from others. I would take her to a quiet environment, speak slowly and in a non-threatening manner, as such, she became talkative, engaged and happier. I recognised that communication and compassion allows doctors to build rapport, gain patients' trust and improve compliance. For two weeks, I shadowed a surgeon performing multiple craniotomies a day. I appreciated the challenges facing doctors including time and stress management needed to deliver high quality care. Organisation, by prioritising patients based on urgency and creating a timetable on the ward round, was key to running the theatre effectively. Similarly, I create to-do-lists and prioritise my academics and extra-curricular activities to maintain a good work-life balance: I am currently preparing for my Grade 8 in Singing, alongside my A-level exams. I also play tennis for the 1st team to relax and enable me to refocus. I wish to continue my hobbies at university, as ways to manage stress.

Through my work experiences and voluntary work, I have gained a realistic understanding of Medicine and its challenges. I have begun to display the necessary skills that I witnessed, such as empathy, leadership and teamwork. The combination of these skills with my fascination for the human body drives me to pursue a place at medical school and a career as a doctor.

This essay traces Alex's personal exploration of medicine through different stages of life, taking a fairly traditional path to the medical school application essay. From witnessing medical procedures to eventually pursuing leadership positions, this tale of personal progress argues that Alex's life has prepared him to become a doctor.

Alex details how experiences conducting research and working with medical teams have confirmed his interest in medicine. Although the breadth of experiences speaks to the applicant’s interest in medicine, the essay verges on being a regurgitation of the Alex's resume, which does not provide the admissions officer with any new insights or information and ultimately takes away from the essay as a whole. As such, the writing’s lack of voice or unique perspective puts the applicant at risk of sounding middle-of-the-road.

From witnessing medical procedures to eventually pursuing leadership positions, this tale of personal progress argues that Alex's life has prepared him to become a doctor.

The essay’s organization, however, is one of its strengths — each paragraph provides an example of personal growth through a new experience in medicine. Further, Alex demonstrates his compassion and diligence through detailed stories, which give a reader a glimpse into his values. Through recognizing important skills necessary to be a doctor, Alex demonstrates that he has the mature perspective necessary to embark upon this journey.

What this essay lacks in a unique voice, it makes up for in professionalism and organization. Alex's earnest desire to attend medical school is what makes this essay shine.

-- Accepted To: University of Toronto MCAT Scores: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems - 128, Critical Analysis and Reading Skills - 127, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems - 127, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior - 130, Total - 512

Moment of brilliance.

Revelation.

These are all words one would use to describe their motivation by a higher calling to achieve something great. Such an experience is often cited as the reason for students to become physicians; I was not one of these students. Instead of waiting for an event like this, I chose to get involved in the activities that I found most invigorating. Slowly but surely, my interests, hobbies, and experiences inspired me to pursue medicine.

As a medical student, one must possess a solid academic foundation to facilitate an understanding of physical health and illness. Since high school, I found science courses the most appealing and tended to devote most of my time to their exploration. I also enjoyed learning about the music, food, literature, and language of other cultures through Latin and French class. I chose the Medical Sciences program because it allowed for flexibility in course selection. I have studied several scientific disciplines in depth like physiology and pathology while taking classes in sociology, psychology, and classical studies. Such a diverse academic portfolio has strengthened my ability to consider multiple viewpoints and attack problems from several angles. I hope to relate to patients from all walks of life as a physician and offer them personalized treatment.

I was motivated to travel as much as possible by learning about other cultures in school. Exposing myself to different environments offered me perspective on universal traits that render us human. I want to pursue medicine because I believe that this principle of commonality relates to medical practice in providing objective and compassionate care for all. Combined with my love for travel, this realization took me to Nepal with Volunteer Abroad (VA) to build a school for a local orphanage (4). The project’s demands required a group of us to work closely as a team to accomplish the task. Rooted in different backgrounds, we often had conflicting perspectives; even a simple task such as bricklaying could stir up an argument because each person had their own approach. However, we discussed why we came to Nepal and reached the conclusion that all we wanted was to build a place of education for the children. Our unifying goal allowed us to reach compromises and truly appreciate the value of teamwork. These skills are vital in a clinical setting, where physicians and other health care professionals need to collaborate as a multidisciplinary team to tackle patients’ physical, emotional, social, and psychological problems.

I hope to relate to patients from all walks of life as a physician and offer them personalized treatment.

The insight I gained from my Nepal excursion encouraged me to undertake and develop the role of VA campus representative (4). Unfortunately, many students are not equipped with the resources to volunteer abroad; I raised awareness about local initiatives so everyone had a chance to do their part. I tried to avoid pushing solely for international volunteerism for this reason and also because it can undermine the work of local skilled workers and foster dependency. Nevertheless, I took on this position with VA because I felt that the potential benefits were more significant than the disadvantages. Likewise, doctors must constantly weigh out the pros and cons of a situation to help a patient make the best choice. I tried to dispel fears of traveling abroad by sharing first-hand experiences so that students could make an informed decision. When people approached me regarding unfamiliar placements, I researched their questions and provided them with both answers and a sense of security. I found great fulfillment in addressing the concerns of individuals, and I believe that similar processes could prove invaluable in the practice of medicine.

As part of the Sickkids Summer Research Program, I began to appreciate the value of experimental investigation and evidence-based medicine (23). Responsible for initiating an infant nutrition study at a downtown clinic, I was required to explain the project’s implications and daily protocol to physicians, nurses and phlebotomists. I took anthropometric measurements and blood pressure of children aged 1-10 and asked parents about their and their child’s diet, television habits, physical exercise regimen, and sunlight exposure. On a few occasions, I analyzed and presented a small set of data to my superiors through oral presentations and written documents.

With continuous medical developments, physicians must participate in lifelong learning. More importantly, they can engage in research to further improve the lives of their patients. I encountered a young mother one day at the clinic struggling to complete the study’s questionnaires. After I asked her some questions, she began to open up to me as her anxiety subsided; she then told me that her child suffered from low iron. By talking with the physician and reading a few articles, I recommended a few supplements and iron-rich foods to help her child. This experience in particular helped me realize that I enjoy clinical research and strive to address the concerns of people with whom I interact.

Research is often impeded by a lack of government and private funding. My clinical placement motivated me to become more adept in budgeting, culminating in my role as founding Co-President of the UWO Commerce Club (ICCC) (9). Together, fellow club executives and I worked diligently to get the club ratified, a process that made me aware of the bureaucratic challenges facing new organizations. Although we had a small budget, we found ways of minimizing expenditure on advertising so that we were able to host more speakers who lectured about entrepreneurship and overcoming challenges. Considering the limited space available in hospitals and the rising cost of health care, physicians, too, are often forced to prioritize and manage the needs of their patients.

No one needs a grand revelation to pursue medicine. Although passion is vital, it is irrelevant whether this comes suddenly from a life-altering event or builds up progressively through experience. I enjoyed working in Nepal, managing resources, and being a part of clinical and research teams; medicine will allow me to combine all of these aspects into one wholesome career.

I know with certainty that this is the profession for me.

Jimmy opens this essay hinting that his essay will follow a well-worn path, describing the “big moment” that made him realize why he needed to become a physician. But Jimmy quickly turns the reader’s expectation on its head by stating that he did not have one of those moments. By doing this, Jimmy commands attention and has the reader waiting for an explanation. He soon provides the explanation that doubles as the “thesis” of his essay: Jimmy thinks passion can be built progressively, and Jimmy’s life progression has led him to the medical field.

Jimmy did not make the decision to pursue a career in medicine lightly. Instead he displays through anecdotes that his separate passions — helping others, exploring different walks of life, personal responsibility, and learning constantly, among others — helped Jimmy realize that being a physician was the career for him. By talking readers through his thought process, it is made clear that Jimmy is a critical thinker who can balance multiple different perspectives simultaneously. The ability to evaluate multiple options and make an informed, well-reasoned decision is one that bodes well for Jimmy’s medical career.

While in some cases this essay does a lot of “telling,” the comprehensive and decisive walkthrough indicates what Jimmy’s idea of a doctor is. To him, a doctor is someone who is genuinely interested in his work, someone who can empathize and related to his patients, someone who can make important decisions with a clear head, and someone who is always trying to learn more. Just like his decision to work at the VA, Jimmy has broken down the “problem” (what his career should be) and reached a sound conclusion.

By talking readers through his thought process, it is made clear that Jimmy is a critical thinker who can balance multiple different perspectives simultaneously.

Additionally, this essay communicates Jimmy’s care for others. While it is not always advisable to list one’s volunteer efforts, each activity Jimmy lists has a direct application to his essay. Further, the sheer amount of philanthropic work that Jimmy does speaks for itself: Jimmy would not have worked at VA, spent a summer with Sickkids, or founded the UWO finance club if he were not passionate about helping others through medicine. Like the VA story, the details of Jimmy’s participation in Sickkids and the UWO continue to show how he has thought about and embodied the principles that a physician needs to be successful.

Jimmy’s essay both breaks common tropes and lives up to them. By framing his “list” of activities with his passion-happens-slowly mindset, Jimmy injects purpose and interest into what could have been a boring and braggadocious essay if it were written differently. Overall, this essay lets the reader know that Jimmy is seriously dedicated to becoming a physician, and both his thoughts and his actions inspire confidence that he will give medical school his all.

The Crimson's news and opinion teams—including writers, editors, photographers, and designers—were not involved in the production of this content.

367 Medical Persuasive Speech Topics & Informative Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Medical persuasive speech topics offer a compelling combination of science, ethics, policy, and human interest. These topics often challenge students to form opinions on complex health-related issues, like vaccine mandates, stem cell research, mental health stigma, or universal healthcare. Through persuasiveness, one can advocate for policy changes or raise awareness about less-discussed conditions. The objective is to encourage critical thinking and to inspire action in the audience. Moreover, speakers must balance factual information with an emotive appeal to create compelling arguments. Some themes can range from discussing the pros and cons of genetic engineering to the importance of healthy eating or the ethical implications of euthanasia, among others. As a result, medical persuasive speech topics require not only the knowledge of medicine but also the social, cultural, and personal aspects that are intertwined.

Best Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Revolutionizing Patient Care Through Telemedicine
  • Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering
  • Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools
  • Childhood Obesity: Prevention Strategies
  • Antibiotic Resistance: A Looming Global Crisis
  • Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Vaccination: An Essential Tool against Pandemics
  • Legalization and Medical Use of Cannabis
  • Holistic Approach: Integrating Traditional and Modern Medicine
  • Dangers of Prolonged Screen Time on Eyesight
  • Stress Management: Key to a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Modern Medical Technology: Blessing or Curse?
  • Role of Nutrition in Preventing Chronic Diseases
  • Promoting Physical Activity in Youth: A Societal Necessity
  • Advancements in Prosthetics and their Impact on Patients’ Lives
  • Artificial Intelligence: The Future of Healthcare
  • Decoding the Complexities of the Human Genome
  • Pioneering Stem Cell Research: Pros and Cons
  • Mitigating the Impact of Air Pollution on Respiratory Health
  • Substance Abuse: Identifying the Underlying Causes
  • Dementia: Innovations in Early Detection and Care
  • Unpacking the Stigma Around HIV/AIDS
  • Eating Disorders: Causes, Effects, and Treatment
  • Palliative Care: Enhancing Quality of Life for the Terminally Ill

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics & Informative Ideas

Easy Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Breakthroughs in Cancer Research: Hopes and Challenges
  • Understanding the Social Determinants of Health
  • Animal Testing: Necessary Evil or Unethical Practice?
  • Innovations in Surgical Robotics: Risks and Rewards
  • Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Adolescents
  • Dealing With Diabetes: Lifestyle Changes and Medical Interventions
  • Tackling the Rise in Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Prevention and Intervention Strategies
  • Roles of Microbiota in Human Health
  • Eliminating Health Disparities in Low-Income Communities
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces: Ethical and Practical Implications
  • Unraveling the Mysteries of Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Plastic Surgery: Vanity or Necessity?
  • Realities of Living With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Navigating the Controversies Around Vaccination
  • Treating Depression With Psychedelic Drugs: Potential and Pitfalls
  • Advances in Neonatal Care: Saving Premature Babies
  • Transgender Healthcare: Rights and Responsibilities
  • Invasive Species: Threat to Human Health?
  • Discerning the Truth About Dietary Supplements
  • Implications of Regenerative Medicine: Healing or Overstepping?
  • Universal Healthcare: A Right or Privilege?
  • Exploring the Power of Placebos in Medicine

Interesting Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Nanotechnology: A New Era in Medicine
  • Understanding and Addressing Health Literacy
  • Repercussions of Climate Change on Mental Health
  • Patient Privacy in the Age of Electronic Health Records
  • Balancing Public Health and Personal Freedom in Pandemic Response
  • Mitigating Medical Errors: A Silent Epidemic
  • Lyme Disease: Unraveling Complexities and Controversies
  • Spreading Awareness About Rare Genetic Disorders
  • Reducing Maternal Mortality Rates: Global Health Initiative
  • Geriatric Care: Meeting the Needs of an Aging Population
  • Medical Malpractice: An Unseen Crisis
  • Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells in Neurological Disorders
  • Shaping Attitudes Toward People With Disabilities
  • The Power of Music Therapy in Mental Health
  • Impact of Climate Change on Disease Spread
  • Managing Chronic Pain Without Over-Reliance on Opioids
  • Bioethics: Debate on Assisted Suicide
  • Consequences of Sleep Deprivation on Brain Function
  • Prenatal Screening: Ethical Dilemmas
  • Organ Transplantation: Ethical Dilemmas and Policies
  • Consequences of Poor Dental Hygiene on Overall Health

Medical Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Human Enhancement: Bioethical Considerations
  • Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Addressing Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health Care
  • Combatting the Global Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
  • Potential Health Implications of 5G Technology
  • Discussing the Realities of Living With Bipolar Disorder
  • Revitalizing Rural Healthcare: Addressing Disparities and Challenges
  • Augmented Reality and Its Potential in Surgical Training
  • The Global Impact of Tuberculosis and Strategies for Its Eradication
  • Understanding the Role of Epigenetics in Disease
  • Dissecting the Link Between Gut Health and Mental Well-Being
  • Impacts of Domestic Violence on Mental Health
  • ADHD in Adults: Myths and Realities
  • Addressing Health Concerns in LGBTQ+ Community
  • Orthorexia: The Dark Side of Healthy Eating
  • Bioprinting Organs: A Step Towards the Future or a Leap Too Far?
  • Gene Therapy: Promises, Successes, and Challenges
  • Achieving Health Equity: A Long Road Ahead
  • Exploration of Medical Uses for Psychedelics
  • The Role of Pharmacogenomics in Personalized Medicine
  • Effect of Chronic Stress on Physical Health
  • Understanding the Genetic Basis of Autism

Medical Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The Impact of Poverty on Children’s Health
  • Burnout in Healthcare Professionals: Causes and Solutions
  • Emerging Trends in Cosmetic Dermatology
  • Advances and Ethics in Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Modernizing Traditional Medicine: A Cultural Challenge
  • Unpacking the Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain
  • The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
  • Biomedical Engineering: Shaping the Future of Healthcare
  • Understanding the Psychological Impact of Infertility
  • Tackling the Global Obesity Epidemic: Policies and Interventions
  • Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Physical Therapy
  • Unlocking the Potential of Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment
  • Addressing Eating Disorders Among Athletes
  • Ethical Considerations in Genomic Data Privacy
  • Overcoming Stigma Associated with Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Acupuncture and Its Role in Pain Management
  • The Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding the Complexity
  • Depression in the Elderly: An Overlooked Crisis
  • Leukemia: Current Research and Future Directions
  • Rehabilitation Robotics: Hope for Individuals With Mobility Impairments
  • Understanding and Preventing Medical Burnout
  • Evaluating the Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Health
  • Revolutionizing Wound Healing With Bioactive Bandages

Science Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Advancements in Genetic Engineering: Implications for Future Generations
  • Nanotechnology: Revolutionizing Medicine and Healthcare
  • Climate Change: The Urgency of Reducing Carbon Emissions
  • Ethical Considerations in Animal Experimentation
  • Technological Innovations for Renewable Energy Sources
  • Human Cloning: Boundaries in Science and Morality
  • Mars Colonization: Possibilities and Challenges
  • Importance of STEM Education for the Youth
  • Addressing Food Scarcity With GMOs: Safe or Risky?
  • Quantum Computing: Transforming the Digital World
  • Telemedicine: The Future of Healthcare Services
  • Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life: Pros and Cons
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: Rights vs. Public Health
  • Space Exploration: Allocating Resources for Knowledge or Extravagance?
  • Coral Reefs Degradation: Implications and Recovery Strategies
  • Developing Biodegradable Plastics: An Environmental Necessity
  • Protecting Biodiversity: Responsibilities of Modern Societies
  • Ocean Acidification: A Silent Threat to Marine Life
  • Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Energy: A Balanced View
  • Roles of Epidemiology in Shaping Public Health Policies
  • Debating the Potential of Immortality Through Science

Health Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Necessity of Mandatory Vaccinations for Public Health
  • Universal Healthcare: An Essential Human Right
  • Proper Nutrition: Cornerstone of Healthy Living
  • Legalization of Medical Marijuana: Benefits and Drawbacks
  • Telemedicine: The Future of Patient Care
  • Prenatal Care’s Impacts on Infant Health
  • Combating the Obesity Epidemic With Effective Policies
  • Preventive Measures Should Be Prioritized Over Treatment
  • Increasing Funding for Cancer Research and Development
  • Rehabilitation Services: Underrated Component of Healthcare
  • Advanced Directives: Encourage End-of-Life Planning
  • Palliative Care: The Necessity for Better Quality of Life
  • Regulation of Prescription Drug Prices
  • Mental Health Parity in Insurance Coverage
  • Emergency Rooms: Overuse and Misuse
  • Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
  • Home Healthcare: A Cost-Effective Solution
  • Roles of Exercise in Preventing Chronic Diseases
  • Government’s Roles in Combating Drug Addiction
  • Alcohol Awareness: Promote Responsible Drinking
  • Mandatory Sex Education in Schools: A Must for Adolescent Health

Fitness Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Embracing a Plant-based Diet for Optimal Health
  • Proving the Importance of Sleep in Fitness Progression
  • Highlighting the Role of Hydration in Physical Performance
  • Yoga: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental and Physical Health
  • Promoting Regular Exercise as a Method to Enhance Cognitive Function
  • Unveiling the Myth of Quick Weight Loss Solutions
  • Understanding the Connection Between Fitness and Lifespan
  • Benefits of Outdoors Activities for Mental Health
  • Decoding the Impact of Stress on Physical Fitness
  • Pilates: An Effective Workout for Core Strength
  • Dietary Supplements: Help or Hindrance in Fitness?
  • Unraveling the Truth Behind Fad Diets
  • Barriers to Exercise: Overcoming Laziness and Procrastination
  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Its Benefits
  • Balance of Cardio and Strength Training for Optimal Fitness
  • Debunking Stereotypes Around Women in Weightlifting
  • Regular Physical Activity: A Proven Method to Reduce Anxiety
  • Functional Training: Preparing the Body for Real-Life Activities
  • Advantages of Group Workouts for Motivation and Accountability
  • Importance of Stretching: An Undervalued Aspect of Fitness
  • Roles of Mental Fortitude in Achieving Fitness Goals

Nursing Persuasive Speech Topics

  • The Significance of Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing Practice
  • Enhancing Patient Safety Through Effective Communication in Healthcare
  • Implementing Evidence-Based Practice to Improve Patient Outcomes
  • Promoting Cultural Sensitivity in Nursing Care Delivery
  • Advantages of Advanced Technology in Modern Nursing
  • Reducing Medication Errors Through Enhanced Healthcare Processes
  • Addressing the Nursing Workforce Shortage: Recruitment and Retention Strategies
  • Integrating Mental Health Services Into Primary Care Nursing Practice
  • Enhancing Patient Satisfaction through Compassionate and Person-Centered Care
  • The Impact of Nurse Staffing Ratios on Quality of Care
  • Embracing Diversity in the Nursing Profession for Inclusive Healthcare
  • Promoting Self-Care and Resilience Among Nursing Professionals
  • The Role of Nurses in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Initiatives
  • Effective Pain Management Strategies in Nursing Practice
  • Promoting Collaboration and Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare Settings
  • Implementing Patient-Centered Care Approaches in Nursing Practice
  • Addressing Burnout and Work-Related Stress Among Nursing Staff
  • The Role of Nurses in End-of-Life and Palliative Care Support
  • Advocating for Appropriate Nurse-Patient Ratios in Healthcare Settings
  • Benefits of Integrating Complementary Therapies Into Holistic Nursing Care
  • Empowering Nurses as Patient Advocates for Improved Health Outcomes
  • Enhancing Ethical Conduct in Nursing Research and Scholarly Activities
  • Promoting Health Equity in Nursing Care Delivery

Healthcare Persuasive Speech Topics in Medical Studies

  • Right to Die: Exploring Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
  • Importance of Blood Donation in Saving Lives
  • Medical Privacy: Ensuring Confidentiality of Patient Information
  • Elderly Care: Dignified Aging With Quality Services
  • Mobile Health Applications: Revolutionizing Personal Care
  • Childhood Immunizations: Averting Preventable Diseases
  • PTSD Management: Overlooked Necessity for Veterans
  • Improving Accessibility of Women’s Healthcare Services
  • Understanding Depression: Break Stigma and Foster Support
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: Investing in Research and Support
  • Tackling Sleep Disorders for Improved Productivity
  • Addressing Health Disparities in Minority Populations
  • Regular Eye Examinations: Prevent Vision Loss
  • Fighting the Silent Killer: Prioritize Hypertension Management
  • Artificial Intelligence: Transform Healthcare Delivery
  • Conquering the Opioid Crisis: Strategies and Solutions
  • Lifestyle Diseases: Effect of Modern Living on Health
  • Driving Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
  • Support Smoking Cessation: Lower Healthcare Costs
  • Dementia Care: Address the Needs of Aging Populations
  • Fostering Innovation in Personalized Medicine

Medical Informative Speech Topics

  • Nanotechnology and Its Applications in Healthcare
  • The Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Care
  • Emerging Technologies in Surgical Procedures
  • Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
  • Exploring the Potential of Stem Cell Therapy
  • The Importance of Electronic Health Records in Healthcare
  • Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Treatment
  • Advancements in Robotic Surgery Techniques
  • Understanding Immunotherapy in Cancer Treatment
  • The Future of Wearable Medical Devices
  • Precision Medicine in Cardiovascular Health
  • Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation
  • Gene Editing and Its Ethical Implications
  • The Rise of Digital Health Platforms
  • Innovative Solutions for Chronic Disease Management
  • Advancements in Non-Invasive Diagnostics
  • Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into Medical Imaging
  • Bioengineering’s Potential in Organ Transplantation
  • Exploring the Gut Microbiome’s Influence on Health
  • Robotics’ Use in Physical Therapy

Nursing Informative Speech Topics

  • The Impact of Electronic Health Records on Patient Care
  • Integrating Technology in Nursing Education: Advantages and Challenges
  • Enhancing Communication in Healthcare Through Telehealth Solutions
  • Utilizing Data Analytics to Improve Healthcare Outcomes
  • Implementing Barcoding Systems for Medication Safety
  • Exploring the Benefits of Mobile Health Applications for Patient Engagement
  • Optimizing Workflow Efficiency With Electronic Documentation Systems
  • Leveraging Big Data for Population Health Management
  • Enhancing Care Coordination Through Health Information Technology
  • Exploring the Potential of Blockchain Technology in Nursing and Healthcare
  • The Use of Social Media in Nursing Practice and Patient Education
  • Enhancing Medication Administration Through Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)
  • Ethical Implications of Privacy and Security in Nursing Informatics
  • Exploring the Role of Telemedicine in Rural Healthcare Delivery
  • Implementing Remote Monitoring Systems for Chronic Disease Management
  • Enhancing Patient Safety With Automated Medication Dispensing Systems
  • The Integration of Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Informatics
  • Exploring the Role of Informatics in Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Practice and Decision-Making
  • The Use of Wearable Technology for Remote Patient Monitoring

Medical Innovations Informative Speech Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence in Disease Diagnosis
  • Nanotechnology and Targeted Drug Delivery
  • Robotic-Assisted Surgery in Modern Medicine
  • Virtual Reality Applications in Pain Management
  • Genetic Engineering for Disease Prevention
  • 3D Printing of Organs and Tissues
  • Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring
  • Wearable Technology for Health Tracking
  • Advanced Prosthetics and Bionic Limbs
  • Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine
  • Personalized Medicine and Genetic Testing
  • Bioprinting for Customized Medical Implants
  • Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Mental Health
  • Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment
  • Wireless Implantable Devices for Medical Monitoring
  • Smart Pills and Drug Delivery Systems
  • Immunotherapy for Treating Autoimmune Disorders
  • Artificial Organs and Transplants
  • Augmented Reality in Medical Education
  • Robotic Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation
  • Bioinformatics and Big Data in Healthcare

Health Education Informative Speech Topics

  • The Significance of Vaccinations in Preventing Infectious Diseases
  • The Influence of Regular Exercise on Physical and Mental Well-Being
  • Understanding the Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Overall Health
  • Managing Stress for a Healthier Lifestyle
  • Exploring the Advantages of Meditation for Mental Clarity
  • Recognizing the Indications of Mental Health Disorders
  • Effective Approaches for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
  • Promoting Safe and Responsible Sexual Health Practices
  • The Importance of Routine Health Checkups for Early Detection
  • Understanding and Coping With Chronic Illnesses
  • Examining the Connection Between Diet and Heart Health
  • Preventing and Managing Diabetes Through Lifestyle Modifications
  • Eliminating the Stigma Around Mental Health Challenges
  • Cultivating Healthy Sleep Habits for Optimal Wellness
  • The Role of Physical Activity in Preventing Osteoporosis
  • Understanding and Addressing Food Allergies
  • The Impact of Technology on Mental Well-Being
  • Exploring Various Modalities of Complementary Medicine
  • The Benefits of Regular Dental Care for Overall Well-Being
  • Recognizing and Overcoming Substance Abuse Issues
  • Promoting Healthy Aging and Prolonged Lifespan
  • Investigating the Relationship Between Gut Health and Well-Being

Medical History Informative Speech Topics

  • Revolutionary Breakthroughs in Medical Imaging Techniques
  • Ancient Medicinal Practices: Unearthing Secrets of Traditional Healing
  • Pioneering Women in Medicine: Shattering Glass Ceilings and Saving Lives
  • The Evolution of Surgical Techniques: From Ancient Tools to Robotic Precision
  • Groundbreaking Discoveries in Neurology: Decoding Complexities of the Human Brain
  • Unforgettable Epidemics: Lessons From History to Combat Modern Health Crises
  • Trailblazers in Vaccinology: Transforming Landscape of Preventive Medicine
  • Fascinating Story of Penicillin: A Miracle Drug That Changed the World
  • From Bloodletting to Transfusions: Tracing History of Blood Medicine
  • Fight Against Polio: Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Global Eradication
  • Impacts of Florence Nightingale: Visionary in Nursing and Healthcare Reform
  • Unconventional Medical Treatments: Examining Historical Curiosities and Controversies
  • Birth of Modern Anesthesia: Transforming Experience of Surgery
  • Great Plague of London: Uncovering Grim Realities of Devastating Epidemic
  • Story of X-Rays: From Mysterious Rays to Essential Diagnostic Tools
  • Medical Advances in War: How Military Conflicts Have Driven Innovations
  • History of Psychiatry: Tracing Evolution of Mental Health Treatment
  • War on Cancer: Milestones in Oncology and Strategies for Prevention
  • Curious Case of Phineas Gage: Insights Into Brain Function and Personality
  • Origins of Medical Ethics: Ethical Dilemmas in Practice of Medicine
  • Breakthroughs in Organ Transplantation: Saving Lives and Prolonging Hope
  • Cholera: Waterborne Killer That Shaped Public Health Policies

Alternative Medicine Informative Speech Topics

  • The Healing Power of Herbal Remedies
  • Mind-Body Connection in Holistic Healing
  • Acupuncture: Ancient Techniques for Modern Wellness
  • Exploring the Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Naturopathy: A Holistic Approach to Health
  • Chiropractic Care: Aligning Your Body and Mind
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Balancing Yin and Yang
  • Energy Healing: Harnessing Inner Strength
  • Homeopathy: Unlocking Natural Healing Potential
  • Aromatherapy: The Scented Path to Well-Being
  • Reflexology: Stimulating Balance Through Foot Massage
  • The Art of Reiki: Channeling Universal Life Force
  • Crystal Healing: Harnessing Gemstone Energies
  • Holistic Nutrition: Nourishing Your Body for Optimal Health
  • Shamanic Healing: Connecting With Nature’s Wisdom
  • Hypnotherapy: Tapping Into Subconscious Potential
  • Sound Healing: Harmonizing Vibrational Medicine
  • Magnetic Therapy: Balancing Energies With Magnets
  • Color Therapy: Healing Power of Vibrant Hues
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: Cultivating Inner Peace
  • Tai Chi: Harmonizing Body, Mind, and Spirit

Healthcare Policy Informative Speech Topics

  • Ensuring Healthcare Equity for Underserved Communities
  • Advancing Medical Research and Innovation
  • Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
  • Integrating Technology in Healthcare Delivery
  • Reducing Costs through Efficient Resource Allocation
  • Enhancing Workforce Training and Development
  • Ensuring Ethical Considerations in Policy-Making
  • Enhancing Quality Metrics in Healthcare
  • Safeguarding Patient Data Privacy and Security
  • Promoting Healthy Aging and Elderly Care
  • Addressing Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment
  • Improving Maternal and Child Health Services
  • Implementing Policies for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
  • Promoting Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery
  • Enhancing Health Education and Health Literacy
  • Strengthening Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response
  • Advancing LGBTQ+ Healthcare Access
  • Regulating Medical Device Safety and Efficacy
  • Explaining Health Information Exchange and Interoperability
  • Improving Palliative and End-of-Life Care

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

406 fun essay topics & argumentative ideas, 278 pros and cons essay topics & ideas.

  • Medical School Application

Medical School Personal Statement Examples That Got 6 Acceptances

Featured Admissions Expert: Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Medical School Personal Statement Examples That Got 6 Acceptances

These 30 exemplary medical school personal statement examples come from our students who enrolled in one of our application review programs. Most of these examples led to multiple acceptance for our students. For instance, the first example got our student accepted into SIX medical schools. Here's what you'll find in this article: We'll first go over 30 medical school personal statement samples, then we'll provide you a step-by-step guide for composing your own outstanding statement from scratch. If you follow this strategy, you're going to have a stellar statement whether you apply to the most competitive or the easiest medical schools to get into .

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 36 min read

Stellar medical school personal statement examples that got multiple acceptances, medical school personal statement example #1.

I made my way to Hillary’s house after hearing about her alcoholic father’s incarceration. Seeing her tearfulness and at a loss for words, I took her hand and held it, hoping to make things more bearable. She squeezed back gently in reply, “thank you.” My silent gesture seemed to confer a soundless message of comfort, encouragement and support.

Through mentoring, I have developed meaningful relationships with individuals of all ages, including seven-year-old Hillary. Many of my mentees come from disadvantaged backgrounds; working with them has challenged me to become more understanding and compassionate. Although Hillary was not able to control her father’s alcoholism and I had no immediate solution to her problems, I felt truly fortunate to be able to comfort her with my presence. Though not always tangible, my small victories, such as the support I offered Hillary, hold great personal meaning. Similarly, medicine encompasses more than an understanding of tangible entities such as the science of disease and treatment—to be an excellent physician requires empathy, dedication, curiosity and love of problem solving. These are skills I have developed through my experiences both teaching and shadowing inspiring physicians.

Medicine encompasses more than hard science. My experience as a teaching assistant nurtured my passion for medicine; I found that helping students required more than knowledge of organic chemistry. Rather, I was only able to address their difficulties when I sought out their underlying fears and feelings. One student, Azra, struggled despite regularly attending office hours. She approached me, asking for help. As we worked together, I noticed that her frustration stemmed from how intimidated she was by problems. I helped her by listening to her as a fellow student and normalizing her struggles. “I remember doing badly on my first organic chem test, despite studying really hard,” I said to Azra while working on a problem. “Really? You’re a TA, shouldn’t you be perfect?” I looked up and explained that I had improved my grades through hard work. I could tell she instantly felt more hopeful, she said, “If you could do it, then I can too!” When she passed, receiving a B+;I felt as if I had passed too. That B+ meant so much: it was a tangible result of Azra’s hard work, but it was also symbol of our dedication to one another and the bond we forged working together.

My passion for teaching others and sharing knowledge emanates from my curiosity and love for learning. My shadowing experiences in particular have stimulated my curiosity and desire to learn more about the world around me. How does platelet rich plasma stimulate tissue growth? How does diabetes affect the proximal convoluted tubule? My questions never stopped. I wanted to know everything and it felt very satisfying to apply my knowledge to clinical problems.

Shadowing physicians further taught me that medicine not only fuels my curiosity; it also challenges my problem solving skills. I enjoy the connections found in medicine, how things learned in one area can aid in coming up with a solution in another. For instance, while shadowing Dr. Steel I was asked, “What causes varicose veins and what are the complications?” I thought to myself, what could it be? I knew that veins have valves and thought back to my shadowing experience with Dr. Smith in the operating room. She had amputated a patient’s foot due to ulcers obstructing the venous circulation. I replied, “veins have valves and valve problems could lead to ulcers.” Dr. Steel smiled, “you’re right, but it doesn’t end there!” Medicine is not disconnected; it is not about interventional cardiology or orthopedic surgery. In fact, medicine is intertwined and collaborative. The ability to gather knowledge from many specialties and put seemingly distinct concepts together to form a coherent picture truly attracts me to medicine.

It is hard to separate science from medicine; in fact, medicine is science. However, medicine is also about people—their feelings, struggles and concerns. Humans are not pre-programmed robots that all face the same problems. Humans deserve sensitive and understanding physicians. Humans deserve doctors who are infinitely curious, constantly questioning new advents in medicine. They deserve someone who loves the challenge of problem solving and coming up with innovative individualized solutions. I want to be that physician. I want to be able to approach each case as a unique entity and incorporate my strengths into providing personalized care for my patients. Until that time, I may be found Friday mornings in the operating room, peering over shoulders, dreaming about the day I get to hold the drill.

Let's take a step back to consider what this medical school personal statement example does, not just what it says. It begins with an engaging hook in the first paragraph and ends with a compelling conclusion. The introduction draws you in, making the essay almost impossible to put down, while the conclusion paints a picture of someone who is both passionate and dedicated to the profession. In between the introduction and conclusion, this student makes excellent use of personal narrative. The anecdotes chosen demonstrate this individual's response to the common question, " Why do you want to be a doctor ?" while simultaneously making them come across as compassionate, curious, and reflective. The essay articulates a number of key qualities and competencies, which go far beyond the common trope, I want to be a doctor because I want to help people.

This person is clearly a talented writer, but this was the result of several rounds of edits with one of our medical school admissions consulting team members and a lot of hard work on the student's part. If your essay is not quite there yet, or if you're just getting started, don't sweat it. Do take note that writing a good personal essay takes advanced planning and significant effort.

I was one of those kids who always wanted to be doctor. I didn’t understand the responsibilities and heartbreaks, the difficult decisions, and the years of study and training that go with the title, but I did understand that the person in the white coat stood for knowledge, professionalism, and compassion. As a child, visits to the pediatrician were important events. I’d attend to my hair and clothes, and travel to the appointment in anticipation. I loved the interaction with my doctor. I loved that whoever I was in the larger world, I could enter the safe space of the doctor’s office, and for a moment my concerns were heard and evaluated. I listened as my mother communicated with the doctor. I’d be asked questions, respectfully examined, treatments and options would be weighed, and we would be on our way. My mother had been supported in her efforts to raise a well child, and I’d had a meaningful interaction with an adult who cared for my body and development. I understood medicine as an act of service, which aligned with my values, and became a dream.

I was hospitalized for several months as a teenager and was inspired by the experience, despite the illness. In the time of diagnosis, treatment and recovery, I met truly sick children. Children who were much more ill than me. Children who wouldn’t recover. We shared a four-bed room, and we shared our medical stories. Because of the old hospital building, there was little privacy in our room, and we couldn’t help but listen-in during rounds, learning the medical details, becoming “experts” in our four distinct cases. I had more mobility than some of the patients, and when the medical team and family members were unavailable, I’d run simple errands for my roommates, liaise informally with staff, and attend to needs. To bring physical relief, a cold compress, a warmed blanket, a message to a nurse, filled me with such an intense joy and sense of purpose that I applied for a volunteer position at the hospital even before my release.

I have since been volunteering in emergency departments, out-patient clinics, and long term care facilities. While the depth of human suffering is at times shocking and the iterations of illness astounding, it is in the long-term care facility that I had the most meaningful experiences by virtue of my responsibilities and the nature of the patients’ illnesses. Charles was 55 when he died. He had early onset Parkinson’s Disease with dementia that revealed itself with a small tremor when he was in his late twenties. Charles had a wife and three daughters who visited regularly, but whom he didn’t often remember. Over four years as a volunteer, my role with the family was to fill in the spaces left by Charles’ periodic inability to project his voice as well as his growing cognitive lapses. I would tell the family of his activities between their visits, and I would remind him of their visits and their news. This was a hard experience for me. I watched as 3 daughters, around my own age, incrementally lost their father. I became angry, and then I grew even more determined.

In the summer of third year of my Health Sciences degree, I was chosen to participate in an undergraduate research fellowship in biomedical research at my university. As part of this experience, I worked alongside graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, physicians, and faculty in Alzheimer’s research into biomarkers that might predict future disease. We collaborated in teams, and by way of the principal investigator’s careful leadership, I learned wherever one falls in terms of rank, each contribution is vital to the outcome. None of the work is in isolation. For instance, I was closely mentored by Will, a graduate student who had been in my role the previous summer. He, in turn, collaborated with post docs and medical students, turning to faculty when roadblocks were met. While one person’s knowledge and skill may be deeper than another’s, individual efforts make up the whole. Working in this team, aside from developing research skills, I realized that practicing medicine is not an individual pursuit, but a collaborative commitment to excellence in scholarship and leadership, which all begins with mentorship.

Building on this experience with teamwork in the lab, I participated in a global health initiative in Nepal for four months, where I worked alongside nurses, doctors, and translators. I worked in mobile rural health camps that offered tuberculosis care, monitored the health and development of babies and children under 5, and tended to minor injuries. We worked 11-hour days helping hundreds of people in the 3 days we spent in each location. Patients would already be in line before we woke each morning. I spent each day recording basic demographic information, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight, height, as well as random blood sugar levels, for each patient, before they lined up to see a doctor. Each day was exhausting and satisfying. We helped so many people. But this satisfaction was quickly displaced by a developing understanding of issues in health equity.

My desire to be doctor as a young person was not misguided, but simply naïve. I’ve since learned the role of empathy and compassion through my experiences as a patient and volunteer. I’ve broadened my contextual understanding of medicine in the lab and in Nepal. My purpose hasn’t changed, but what has developed is my understanding that to be a physician is to help people live healthy, dignified lives by practicing both medicine and social justice.

28 More Medical School Personal Statement Examples That Got Accepted

What my sister went through pushed me to strengthen my knowledge in medical education, patient care, and research. These events have influenced who I am today and helped me determine my own passions. I aspire to be a doctor because I want to make miracles, like my sister, happen. Life is something to cherish; it would not be the same if I did not have one of my four sisters to spend it with. As all stories have endings, I hope that mine ends with me fulfilling my dream of being a doctor, which has been the sole focus of my life to this point. I would love nothing more than to dedicate myself to such a rewarding career, where I achieve what those doctors did for my family. Their expertise allowed my sister to get all the care she needed for her heart, eyes, lungs, and overall growth. Those physicians gave me more than just my little sister, they gave me the determination and focus needed to succeed in the medical field, and for that, I am forever grateful. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #3","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #3"}]" code="tab4" template="BlogArticle">

I came to America, leaving my parents and friends behind, to grasp my chance at a better future. I believe this chance is now in front of me. Medicine is the only path I truly desire because it satisfies my curiosity about the human body and it allows me to directly interact with patients. I do not want to miss this chance to further hone my skills and knowledge, in order to provide better care for my patients. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement #4","title":"Medical School Personal Statement #4"}]" code="tab5" template="BlogArticle">

The time I have spent in various medical settings has confirmed my love for the field. Regardless of the environment, I am drawn to patients and their stories, like that scared young boy at AMC. I am aware that medicine is a constantly changing landscape; however, one thing that has remained steadfast over the years is putting the patient first, and I plan on doing this as a physician. All of my experiences have taught me a great deal about patient interaction and global health, however, I am left wanting more. I crave more knowledge to help patients and become more useful in the healthcare sector. I am certain medical school is the path that will help me reach my goal. One day, I hope to use my experiences to become an amazing doctor like the doctors that treated my sister, so I can help other children like her. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #5","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #5"}]" code="tab6" template="BlogArticle">

My interest in the field of medicine has developed overtime, with a common theme surrounding the importance of personal health and wellness. Through my journey in sports, travelling, and meeting some incredible individuals such as Michael, I have shifted my focus from thinking solely about the physical well-being, to understanding the importance of mental, spiritual, and social health as well. Being part of a profession that emphasizes continuous education, and application of knowledge to help people is very rewarding, and I will bring compassion, a hard work ethic and an attitude that is always focused on bettering patient outcomes. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example # 7","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example # 7"}]" code="tab8" template="BlogArticle">

Medicine embodies a hard science, but it is ultimately a profession that treats people. I have seen firsthand that medicine is not a \u201cone-treatment-fits-all\u201d practice, as an effective physician takes a holistic approach. This is the type of physician I aspire to be: one who refuses to shy away from the humanity of patients and their social context, and one who uses research and innovation to improve the human condition. So, when I rethink \u201cwhy medicine?\u201d, I know it\u2019s for me \u2013 because it is a holistic discipline, because it demands all of me, because I am ready to absorb the fascinating knowledge and science that dictates human life, and engage with humanity in a way no other profession allows for. Until the day that I dawn the coveted white coat, you can find me in inpatient units, comforting the many John\u2019s to come, or perhaps at the back of an operating room observing a mitral valve repair \u2013 dreaming of the day the puck is in my zone. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #8","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #8"}]" code="tab9" template="BlogArticle">

When I signed up to be a live DJ, I didn't know that the oral skills I practiced on-air would influence all aspects of my life, let alone lead me to consider a career in the art of healing. I see now, though, the importance of these key events in my life that have allowed me to develop excellent communication skills--whether that be empathic listening, reading and giving non-verbal cues, or verbal communication. I realize I have always been on a path towards medicine. Ultimately, I aim to continue to strengthen my skills as I establish my role as a medical student and leader: trusting my choices, effectively communicating, and taking action for people in need. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #9","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #9"}]" code="tab10" template="BlogArticle">

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t I pursue medicine sooner?\u201d Is the question that now occupies my mind. Leila made me aware of the unprofessional treatment delivered by some doctors. My subsequent activities confirmed my desire to become a doctor who cares deeply for his patients and provides the highest quality care. My passion for research fuels my scientific curiosity. I will continue to advocate for patient equality and fairness. Combining these qualities will allow me to succeed as a physician. ","label":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #10","title":"Medical School Personal Statement Example #10"}]" code="tab11" template="BlogArticle">

Medical school personal statement example: #11

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Please note that all personal statements are the property of the students who wrote them, re-printed with permission. Names and identifying characteristics have been changed. Plagiarism detection software is used when evaluating personal statements. Plagiarism is grounds for disqualification from the application. ","label":"NOTE","title":"NOTE"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

As one of the most important  medical school requirements , the personal statement tells your story of why you decided to pursue the medical profession. Keep in mind that personal statements are one of the key factors that affect medical school acceptance rates . This is why it's important to write a stellar essay!

“Personal statements are often emphasized in your application to medical school as this singular crucial factor that distinguishes you from every other applicant. Demonstrating the uniqueness of my qualities is precisely how I found myself getting multiple interviews and offers into medical school.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi, MD, Emory University school of Medicine

But this is easier said than done. In fact, medical school personal statements remain one of the most challenging parts of students' journeys to medical school. Here's our student Melissa sharing her experience of working on her personal statement:

"I struggled making my personal statement personal... I couldn't incorporate my feelings, motives and life stories that inspired me to pursue medicine into my personal statement" -Melissa, BeMo Student

Our student Rishi, who is now a student at the Carver College of Medicine , learned about the importance of the medical school personal statement the hard way:

"If you're a reapplicant like me, you know we all dread it but you have to get ready to answer what has changed about your application that we should accept you this time. I had an existing personal statement that did not get me in the first time so there was definitely work to be done." - Rishi, BeMo Student, current student at the Carver College of Medicine

The importance of the medical school personal statement can actually increase if you are applying to medical school with any red flags or setbacks, as our student Kannan did:

"I got 511 on my second MCAT try... My goal was anything over median of 510 so anything over that was honestly good with me because it's just about [creating] a good personal statement at that point... I read online about how important the personal statement [is]... making sure [it's] really polished and so that's when I decided to get some professional help." - Kannan, BeMo Student, current student at the Schulich School of Medicine  

As you can see from these testimonials, your medical school personal statement can really make a difference. So we are here to help you get started writing your own personal statement. Let's approach this step-by-step. Below you will see how we will outline the steps to creating your very best personal statement. And don't forget that if you need to see more examples, you can also check out our AMCAS personal statement examples, AACOMAS personal statement examples and TMDSAS personal statement examples to further inspire you!

Here's a quick run-down of what we'll cover in the article:

Now let's dive in deeper!

#1 Understanding the Qualities of a Strong Med School Personal Statement

Before discussing how to write a strong medical school personal statement, we first need to understand the qualities of a strong essay. Similar to crafting strong medical school secondary essays , writing a strong personal statement is a challenging, yet extremely important, part of your MD or MD-PhD programs applications. Your AMCAS Work and Activities section may show the reader what you have done, but the personal statement explains why. This is how Dr. Neel Mistry, MD and our admissions expert, prepared for his medical school personal statement writing:

"The personal statement is an opportunity for you to shine and really impress the committee to invite you for an interview. The personal statement is your chance to be reflective and go beyond what is stated on your CV and [activities]. In order to stand out, it is important to answer the main questions [of medical school personal statements] well: a bit about yourself and what led you to medicine, why you would make an ideal medical student and future physician, what attracts you to [medicine], and what sets you apart from the other candidates. The key here is answering the last two questions well. Most candidates simply highlight what they have done, but do not reflect on it or mention how what they have done has prepared them for a future medical career." - Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

“my essay also focused on volunteering in the local health clinic during the many summer breaks. volunteering was more than just another activity to tick off my bucket list for my medical school … i volunteered because i wanted to view medical practice through the lenses of already qualified doctors, not because i needed a reason to be a doctor. i understood that the admissions committee would be more interested in how i was motivated.” – dr. vincent adeyemi..

A personal statement should be deeply personal, giving the admissions committee insight into your passions and your ultimate decision to pursue a career in medicine. A compelling and introspective personal statement can make the difference between getting an interview and facing medical school rejection . Review our blogs to find out how to prepare for med school interviews and learn the most common medical school interview questions .

As you contemplate the task in front of you, you may be wondering what composing an essay has to do with entering the field of medicine. Many of our students were surprised to learn that medical school personal statements are so valued by med schools. The two things are more closely related than you think. A compelling personal statement demonstrates your written communication skills and highlights your accomplishments, passions, and aspirations. The ability to communicate a complex idea in a short space is an important skill as a physician. You should demonstrate your communication skills by writing a concise and meaningful statement that illustrates your best attributes. Leaving a lasting impression on your reader is what will lead to interview invitations.

A quick note: if you are applying to schools that do not require the formal medical school personal statement, such as medical schools in Canada , you should still learn how to write such essays. Many medical schools in Ontario , for example, ask for short essays for supplementary questionnaires. These are very similar to the personal statement. Knowing how to brainstorm, write, and format your answers is key to your success!!!

You want to give yourself as much time as possible to write your statement. Do not think you can do this in an evening or even in a week. Some statements take months. My best statement took almost a year to get right. Allow yourself time and start early to avoid added stress. Think of the ideas you want to include and brainstorm possible ways to highlight these ideas. Ask your friends for ideas or even brainstorm your ideas with people you trust. Get some feedback early to make sure you are headed in the right direction.

“I wrote scores of essays at my desk in those few weeks leading up to application submission. I needed it to be perfect. Do not let anyone tell you to settle. There was no moment when I had this shining light from the sky filtering into my room to motivate me. The ultimate trick is to keep writing. It is impossible to get that perfect essay on the first try, and you may not even get it on your fifteenth attempt, but the goal is to keep at it, keep making those edits, and never back down.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi

All personal statements for medical school, often start by explaining why medicine is awesome; the admission committee already knows that. You should explain why you want a career in medicine. What is it about the practice of medicine that resonates with who you are? Naturally, this takes a lot of reflection around who you are. Here are some additional questions you can consider as you go about brainstorming for your essay:

  • What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
  • What is something you want them to know about you that isn't in your application?
  • Where were you born, how did you grow up, and what type of childhood did you have growing up (perhaps including interesting stories about your siblings, parents, grandparents)?
  • What kinds of early exposure to the medical field left an impression on you as a child?
  • Did you become familiar with and interested in the field of medicine at an early stage of your life? If so, why?
  • What are your key strengths, and how have you developed these?
  • What steps did you take to familiarize yourself with the medical profession?
  • Did you shadow a physician? Did you volunteer or work in a clinical setting? Did you get involved in medical research?
  • What challenges have you faced? Have these made an impact on what you chose to study?
  • What are your favorite activities?
  • What kinds of extracurriculars for medical school or volunteer work have you done, and how have these shaped who you are, your priorities, and or your perspectives on a career in medicine?
  • What was your "Aha!" moment?
  • When did your desire to become a doctor solidify?
  • How did you make the decision to apply to medical school?

You shouldn't try to answer all of these in your essay. Try only a few main points that will carry over into the final draft. Use these to brainstorm and gather ideas. Start developing your narrative by prioritizing the most impactful responses to these prompts and the ideas that are most relevant to your own experiences and goals. The perfect personal statement not only shows the admissions committee that you have refined communication skills, but also conveys maturity and professionalism. It should also display your motivation and suitability for medical practice. Here's how our student Alison, who was a non-traditional applicant with a serious red flag in her application, used her brainstorming sessions with our admissions experts to get a theme going in her medical school personal statement and her overall application package:

"I think it was during my brainstorming session that we really started talking about... what the theme [was] going to be for my application. And I think that was really helpful in and of itself. Just [reflecting] 'Hey, what's your focus going to be like? How are we going to write this? What's the style going to be?' Just to create an element of consistency throughout..." Alison, BeMo Student, current student at Dell Medical School 

After brainstorming, you should be able to clearly see a few key ideas, skills, qualities, and intersections that you want to write about. Once you've isolated the elements you want to explore in your essay (usually 2-4 key ideas), you can begin building your outline. In terms of structure, this should follow the standard academic format, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

As you begin thinking about what to include in your personal essay, remember that you are writing for a specific audience with specific expectations. Your evaluator will be familiar with the key qualities desired by medical schools, as informed by the standards of the profession. But keep in mind that they too are human, and they respond well to well-crafted, engaging essays that tell a story. Here's what our student Alison had to share about keeping your audience in mind when writing your personal statement:

"Make it easy for the reader to be able to work [their] way through [your personal statement]. Because, at the end of the day, I think one thing that helped me a lot was being able to think about who was going to be reading this application and it's going to be these people that are sitting around a desk or sitting at a table and [go] through massive numbers of applications every single day. And the easier and more digestible that you can make it for them, gives you a little bit of a win." - Alison, BeMo student, current student at Dell Medical School

The admissions committee will be examining your essay through the lens of their particular school's mission, values, and priorities. You should think about your experiences with reference to the AAMC Core Competencies and to each school's mission statement so that you're working toward your narrative with the institution and broader discipline in mind.

Review AAMC Core Competencies : The AAMC Core Competencies are the key characteristics and skills sought by U.S. medical schools. These are separated into three general categories:

You are not expected to have mastered all of these competencies at this stage of your education. Display those that are relevant to your experiences will help demonstrate your commitment to the medical profession.

Review the school's mission statement: Educational institutions put a lot of time and care into drafting their school's vision. The mission statement will articulate the overall values and priorities of each university, giving you insight into what they might seek in candidates, and thus what you should try to display in your personal statement. Echoing the values of the university helps illustrate that you are a good fit for their intellectual culture. The mission statement may help you identify other priorities of the university, for example, whether they prioritize research-based or experiential-based education. All this research into your chosen medical schools will help you tremendously not only when you write you personal statement, but also the rest of your medical school application components, including your medical school letter of intent if you ever need to write one later.

Just like the personal statement is, in essence, a prompt without a prompt. They give you free rein to write your own prompt to tell your story. This is often difficult for students as they find it hard to get started without having a true direction. Below is a list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Use these prompts as a starting point for your essay. Also, they are a great way of addressing why you want to be a doctor without saying something generic.

  • The moment your passion for medicine crystallized
  • The events that led you toward this path
  • Specific instances in which you experienced opportunities
  • Challenges that helped shape your worldview
  • Your compassion, resilience, or enthusiastic collaboration
  • Demonstrate your commitment to others
  • Your dependability
  • Your leadership skills
  • Your ability to problem-solve or to resolve a conflict

These are personal, impactful experiences that only you have had. Focus on the personal, and connect that to the values of your future profession. Do that and you will avoid writing the same essay as everyone else. Dr. Monica Taneja, MD and our admissions expert, shares her tip that got her accepted to the University of Maryland School of Medicine :

"I focused on my journey to medicine and opportunities that I sought out along the way. Everyone’s path and validation is unique, so walking the reader through your growth to the point of application will naturally be different, but that's what I wanted to share in my personal statement." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

“the essay is not about what you have been through; it's about who it made you into.” – dr. vincent adeyemi.

Admissions committees don't want your resumé in narrative form. The most boring essays are those of applicants listing their accomplishments. Remember, all that stuff is already in the activities section of the application. This is where you should discuss interesting or important life events that shaped you and your interest in medicine (a service trip to rural Guatemala, a death in the family, a personal experience as a patient). One suggestion is to have an overarching theme to your essay to tie everything together, starting with an anecdote. Alternatively, you can use one big metaphor or analogy through the essay. Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD and experienced admissions committee member of the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, encourages you to be creative when it comes to the theme of your personal statement:

"It is very easy to make the “cookie cutter” personal statement. To a reviewer who is reading tens of these at a time it can become quite boring. What I did was [tell] a story. Like any good novel, the stories' first lines are meant to hook the reader. This can be about anything if you can bring it back and relate it to your application. It could be about the time your friend was smashed up against the boards in hockey and you, with your limited first aid experience helped to treat him. It is important that the story be REAL." - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD

Your personal statement must be well-organized, showing a clear, logical progression, as well as connections between ideas. It is generally best to use a chronological progression since this mirrors your progression into a mature adult and gives you the opportunity to illustrate how you learned from early mistakes later on. Carry the theme throughout the statement to achieve continuity and cohesion. Use the theme to links ideas from each paragraph to the next and to unite your piece.

Medical School Personal Statement Structure

When working toward the initial draft of your essay, it is important to keep the following in mind: The essay should read like a chronological narrative and have good structure and flow. Just like any academic essay, it will need an introduction, body content, and a conclusion. If you're wondering whether a medical school advisor can help you with your medical school application, check out our blog for the answer.

Check out our video to learn how to create a killer introduction to your medical school personal statement:

Introduction

The introductory paragraph and, even more importantly, the introductory sentence of your essay, will most certainly make or break your overall statement. Ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that draws the reader in. This is your first and only chance to make a first impression and really capture the attention of the committee. Starting with an event or an Aha! moment that inspired your decision to pursue a medical profession is one way to grab their attention. The kinds of things that inspire or motivate you can say a lot about who you are as a person.

The broader introductory paragraph itself should serve several functions. First, it must draw your reader in with an eye-catching first line and an engaging hook or anecdote. It should point toward the qualities that most effectively demonstrate your desire and suitability for becoming a physician (you will discuss these qualities further in the body paragraphs). The thesis of the introduction is that you have certain skills, experiences, and characteristics and that these skills, experiences, and characteristics will lead you to thrive in the field of medicine. Finally, it must also serve as a roadmap to the reader, allowing them to understand where the remainder of the story is headed.

That is a lot of work for a single paragraph to do. To better help you envision what this looks like in practice, here is a sample introduction that hits these main points.

I was convinced I was going to grow up to be a professional chef. This was not just another far-fetched idealistic childhood dream that many of us had growing up. There was a sense of certainty about this dream that motivated me to devote countless hours to its practice. It was mostly the wonder that it brought to others and the way they were left in awe after they tried a dish that I recall enjoying the most creating as a young chef. But, when I was 13, my grandfather was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and I realized that sometimes cooking is not enough, as I quickly learned about the vital role physicians play in the life of everyday people like my family and myself. Although my grandfather ended up passing away from his illness, the impact that the healthcare team had on him, my family, and I will always serve as the initial starting point of my fascination with the medical profession. Since that time, I have spent years learning more about the human sciences through my undergraduate studies and research, have developed a deeper understanding of the demands and challenges of the medical profession through my various volunteer and extra-curricular experiences, and although it has been difficult along the way, I have continued to forge a more intimate fascination with the medical field that has motivated me to apply to medical school at this juncture of my life. ","label":"Sample Introduction","title":"Sample Introduction"}]" code="tab3" template="BlogArticle">

In the body of your essay, you essentially want to elaborate on the ideas that you have introduced in your opening paragraph by drawing on your personal experiences to provide evidence. Major points from the above sample introduction could be: dedication and resilience (practicing cooking for hours, and devoting years to undergraduate studies in human sciences), passion and emotional connection (being able to create something that inspired awe in others, and personally connecting with the work of the grandfather's healthcare team), motivation and drive (being inspired by the role physicians play in their patients' lives, participating in volunteer work and extracurriculars, and an enduring fascination with the field of medicine). Depending on the details, a selection of volunteer and extra-curricular experiences might also be discussed in more detail, in order to emphasize other traits like collaboration, teamwork, perseverance, or a sense of social responsibility – all key characteristics sought by medical schools. Just like an academic essay, you will devote one paragraph to each major point, explaining this in detail, supporting your claims with experiences from your life, and reflecting on the meaning of each plot point in your personal narrative, with reference to why you want to pursue a medical career.

Your final statement should not be a simple summary of the things you have discussed. It should be insightful, captivating, and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Although you want to re-emphasize the major ideas of your essay, you should try to be creative and captivating, much like your opening paragraph. Sometimes if you can link your opening idea to your last paragraph it will really tie the whole essay together. The conclusion is just as important as the introduction. It is your last chance to express your medical aspirations. You want to impress the reader while also leaving them wanting more. In this case, more would mean getting an interview so they can learn more about who you are! Leave them thinking I have got to meet this person.

The narrative you construct should display some of your most tightly held values, principles, or ethical positions, along with key accomplishments and activities. If you see yourself as someone who is committed to community service, and you have a track record of such service, your story should feature this and provide insight into why you care about your community and what you learned from your experiences. Saying that you value community service when you've never volunteered a day in your life is pointless. Stating that your family is one where we support each other through challenge and loss (if this is indeed true), is excellent because it lays the groundwork for telling a story while showing that you are orientated towards close relationships. You would then go on to offer a brief anecdote that supports this. You are showing how you live such principles, rather than just telling your reader that you have such principles:

"Remember to use specific personal examples throughout your statement to make it more impactful and memorable for the readers. Often, painting a picture in the reader’s mind in the form of a story helps with this." - Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

A lot of students make the mistake of verbalizing their personal attributes with a bunch of adjectives, such as, "This experience taught me to be a self-reliant leader, with excellent communication skills, and empathy for others..." In reality, this does nothing to convey these qualities. It's a mistake to simply list your skills or characteristics without showing the reader an example of a time you used them to solve a problem. If you simply list your skills or characteristics (telling), without demonstrating the ways you have applied them (showing), you risk coming across as arrogant. The person reading the essay may not believe you, as you've not really given them a way to see such values in your actions. It is better to construct a narrative to show the reader that you possess the traits that medical schools are looking for, rather than explicitly stating that you are an empathetic individual or capable of deep self-reflection. Instead of listing adjectives, tell your personal story and allow the admissions committee to paint the picture for themselves. This step is very challenging for many students, but it's one of the most important strategies used in successful essays. Writing this way will absolutely make your statement stand out from the rest.

While it may be tempting to write in a high academic tone, using terminology or jargon that is often complex or discipline-specific, requiring a specialized vocabulary for comprehension. You should actually aim to write for a non-specialist audience. Remember, in the world of medicine, describing a complex, clinical condition to a patient requires using specific but clear words. This is why your personal statement should show that you can do the same thing. Using large words in unwieldy ways makes you sound like you are compensating for poor communication skills. Use words that you believe most people understand. Read your personal statement back to a 14-year-old, and then again to someone for whom English is not their first language, to see if you're on the right path.

Ultimately, fancy words do not make you a good communicator; listening and ensuring reader comprehension makes you a good communicator. Instead of using complex terminology to tell the admissions committee that you have strong communication skills, show them your communication skills through clear, accessible prose, written with non-specialists in mind. A common refrain among writing instructors is, never use a $10 word where a $2 word will suffice. If you can say it in plain, accessible language, then this is what you should do.

Display Professionalism

Professionalism may seem like a difficult quality to display when only composing a personal statement. After all, the reader can't see your mannerisms, your personal style, or any of those little qualities that allow someone to appear professional. Professionalism is about respect for the experience of others on your team or in your workplace. It is displayed when you are able to step back from your own individual position and think about what is best for your colleagues and peers, considering their needs alongside your own. If a story is relevant to why you want to be a physician and demonstrates an example of how you were professional in a workplace setting, then it is appropriate to include in your essay.

One easy way to destroy a sense of professionalism is to act in a judgmental way towards others, particularly if you perceived and ultimately resolved an error on someone else's part. Sometimes students blame another medical professional for something that went wrong with a patient.

They might say something to the effect of, "The nurse kept brushing off the patient's concerns, refusing to ask the attending to increase her pain medications. Luckily, being the empathetic individual that I am, I took the time to listen to sit with the patient, eventually bringing her concerns to the attending physician, who thanked me for letting him know."

There are a couple of things wrong with this example. It seems like this person is putting down someone else in an attempt to make themselves look better. They come across as un-empathetic and judgmental of the nurse. Maybe she was having a busy day, or maybe the attending had just seen the patient for this issue and the patient didn't really need re-assessment. Reading this kind of account in a personal statement makes the reader question the maturity of the applicant and their ability to move past blaming others and resolve problems in a meaningful way. Instead of allocating blame, identify what the problem was for the patient and then focus on what you did to resolve it and reflect on what you learned from the whole experience.

One last note on professionalism: Being professional does not mean being overly stoic, hiding your emotions, or cultivating a bland personality. A lot of students are afraid to talk about how a situation made them feel in their personal statement. They worry that discussing feelings is inappropriate and will appear unprofessional. Unfortunately for these students, emotional intelligence is hugely important to the practice of medicine. In order to be a good doctor, one must be aware of their own emotions as well as those of their patients. Good doctors are able to quickly identify their own emotions and understand how their emotional reactions may inform their actions, and the ability to deliver appropriate care, in a given situation. Someone who is incapable of identifying their emotions is also incapable of managing them effectively and will likely struggle to identify the emotions of others. So, when writing your personal statement, think about how each experience made you feel, and what you learned from those feelings and that experience.

How to Write About Discrepancies and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Part of your essay's body can include a discussion of any discrepancies or gaps in your education, or disruptions in your academic performance. If you had to take time off, or if you had a term or course with low grades, or if you had any other extenuating circumstances that impacted your education, you can take time to address these here. It is very important to address these strategically. Do not approach this section as space to plead your case. Offer a brief summary of the situation, and then emphasize what you learned from such hardships. Always focus on the positive, illustrating how such difficulties made you stronger, more resilient, or more compassionate. Connect your experiences to the qualities desired by medical schools. Here's how I student Alison address an academic discrepancy in her application:

I had an academic dishonesty during undergrad, which, at the time, ended up being this big misunderstanding. But I was going to appeal this and get it off my record. I was supposed to start nursing school two weeks after this whole ordeal had gone down and, at our university, if you try to appeal your academic dishonesty then you'd have to take an incomplete in that class and I needed this class in order to start nursing school. So I wasn't able to [appeal]. So when I talked with the people at the nursing school they were like ‘it's no big deal, it's fine’. [But] it came back and it haunted me very much. When I was applying [to medical school] I started looking online [to see] how big of a deal is it to have this ‘red flag’ on my application. I started reading all of these horror stories on Student Doctor Network and all of these other forums about how if you have an academic dishonesty you shouldn't even bother applying, that you'll never get in. Schools will blacklist you and I was [wondering] what am I going do. [My advisor suggested I use the essay to talk about my discrepancy]. 

First off, if anyone out there has an academic violation don't read student doctor network. don't listen to anybody. you absolutely are still a potential medical student and schools are not going to blacklist you just because of one mistake that you made. that's all lies. don't listen to them. i don't even think it came up a single time during any of my interviews. i think a lot of that came back to how i wrote that essay and the biggest advice that i can give that i got from the [bemo] team is explain what happened… just give the facts. be very objective about it. in the last two thirds [of the essay] you want to focus on what you learned from it and how it made you a better person and how it's going to make you a better physician.” – alison, bemo student, current student at dell medical school.

We hope many of you find a peace of mind when you read Alison's story. Because it shows that with the right approach to your medical school personal statement, you can overcome even red flags or setbacks that made you dread the application process. Use your personal statement to emphasize your ability to persevere through it all but do so in a positive way. Most of all, if you feel like you have to explain yourself, take accountability for the situation. State that it is unfortunate and then redirect it to what you learned and how it will make you a better doctor. Always focus on being positive and do not lament on the negative situation too much.

Additional Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements:

Check out this video on the top 5 errors to avoid in your personal statement!

Step 3: Writing Your First Draft

As you can see, there is a LOT of planning and consideration to be done before actually starting your first draft. Properly brainstorming, outlining, and considering the content and style of your essay prior to beginning the essay will make the writing process much smoother than it would be you to try to jump right to the draft-writing stage. Now, you're not just staring at a blank page wondering what you could possibly write to impress the admissions committee. Instead, you've researched what the school desires from its students and what the medical profession prioritizes in terms of personal characteristics, you've sketched out some key moments from your life that exemplify those traits, and you have a detailed outline that just needs filling in.

As you're getting started, focus on getting content on the page, filling in your outline and getting your ideas arranged on the page. Your essay will go through multiple drafts and re-writes, so the first step is to free write and start articulating connections between your experiences and the characteristics you're highlighting. You can worry about flow, transitions, and perfect grammar in later drafts. The first draft is always a working draft, written with the understanding that its purpose is to act as a starting point, not an ending point. Once you've completed a draft, you can begin the revising process. The next section will break down what to do once you have your first draft completed.

You can also begin looking at things like style, voice, transitions, and overall theme. The best way to do this is to read your essay aloud. This may sound strange, but it is one of the single most impactful bits of writing advice a student can receive. When we're reading in our heads (and particularly when we're reading our own words), it is easy to skip over parts that may be awkwardly worded, or where the grammar is off. As our brains process information differently, depending on whether we're taking in visual or auditory information, this can also help you understand where the connections between ideas aren't as evident as you would like. Reading the essay aloud will help you begin internalizing the narrative you've crafted, so that you can come to more easily express this both formally in writing and informally in conversation (for example, in an interview).

#1 Did You Distinguish Yourself From Others?

Does your narrative sound unique? Is it different than your peers or did you write in a generic manner? Our admissions expert Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, shares how she got the attention of the admissions committee with her personal statement:

"I also found it helpful to give schools a 'punch-line'. As in I wanted them to remember 1-2 things about me that are my differentiators and I reiterated those throughout [the personal statement]." - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

Use your narrative to provide a compelling picture of who you are as a person, as a learner, as an advocate, and as a future medical professional. What can you offer? Remember, you will be getting a lot out of your med school experience, but the school will be getting a lot out of you, as well. You will be contributing your research efforts to your department, you will be participating in the academic community, and as you go on to become a successful medical professional you will impact the perception of your school's prestige. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, so use this opportunity to highlight what you bring to the table, and what you will contribute as a student at their institution. Let them know what it is about you that is an attribute to their program. Make them see you as a stand out from the crowd.

#2 Does My Essay Flow and is it Comprehensible?

Personal statements are a blessing and a curse for admission committees. They give them a better glimpse of who the applicant is than simple scores. Also, they are long and time-consuming to read. And often, they sound exactly alike. On occasion, a personal statement really makes an applicant shine. After reading page after page of redundant, cookie-cutter essays, an essay comes along with fluid prose and a compelling narrative, the reader snaps out of that feeling of monotony and gladly extends their enthusiastic attention.

Frankly, if the statement is pleasant to read, it will get read with more attention and appreciation. Flow is easier to craft through narrative, which is why you should root the statement in a story that demonstrates characteristics desirable to medical schools. Fluidity takes time to build, though, so your statement should be etched out through many drafts and should also be based on an outline. You need to brainstorm, then outline, then draft and re-draft, and then bring in editors and listeners for feedback (Note: You need someone to proofread your work. Bestselling authors have editors. Top scholars have editors. I need an editor. You need an editor. Everyone needs an editor). Then, check and double-check and fix anything that needs fixing. Then check again. Then submit. You want this to be a statement that captures the reader's interest by creating a fluid, comprehensible piece that leads the reader to not only read each paragraph but want to continue to the next sentence.

#3 Did You Check Your Grammar?

If you give yourself more than one night to write your statement, the chances of grammatical errors will decrease considerably. If you are pressed for time, upload your file into an online grammar website. Use the grammar checker on your word processor, but know that this, in itself, isn't enough. Use the eyes and ears of other people to check and double-check your grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Read your statement out loud to yourself and you will almost certainly find an error (and likely several errors). Use fresh eyes to review the statement several times before you actually submit it, by walking away from it for a day or so and then re-reading it. Start your essay early, so that you actually have time to do this. This step can make or break your essay. Do not waste all the effort you have put into writing, to only be discarded by the committee for using incorrect grammar and syntax.

#4 Did You Gather Feedback From Other People?

The most important tip in writing a strong application essay is this getting someone else to read your work. While the tips above are all very useful for writing a strong draft, nothing will benefit you more than getting an outside appraisal of your work. For example, it's very easy to overlook your own spelling or grammatical errors. You know your own story and you may think that your narrative and it's meaning make sense to your reader. You won't know that for sure without having someone else actually read it. This may sound obvious, but it's still an absolute necessity.

“It was very helpful for two of my mentors to review my statements before submitting my application. Ensure you trust the judgement and skills of the person to whom you would be giving your personal statement for review.” – Dr. Vincent Adeyemi

Have someone you trust to read the essay and ask them what they thought of it. What was their impression of you after reading it? Did it make sense? Was it confusing? Do they have any questions? What was the tone of the essay? Do they see the connections you're trying to make? What were their takeaways from your essay, and do these align with your intended takeaways for your reader? Ideally, this person should have some knowledge of the application process or the medical profession, so that they can say whether you were successful in demonstrating that you are a suitable candidate for medical school. However, any external reader is better than no external reader at all.

Avoid having people too close to you read your work. They may refrain from being too critical in an effort to spare your feelings. This is the time to get brutal, honest feedback. If you know someone who is an editor but do not feel that they can be objective, try and find someone else.

Want more examples? Check out our video below:

FAQs and Final Notes

Your personal statement should tell your story and highlight specific experiences or aspects of your journey that have led you to medicine. If your first exposure or interest in the medical field was sparked from your own medical struggles, then you can certainly include this in your statement. What is most important is that you write about what factors or experiences attributed to you deciding that medicine is the right career path for you.

Sometimes students shy away from including their own personal struggles and describing how they felt during difficult times but this is a great way for admissions committees to gain perspective into who you are as a person and where your motivations lie. Remember, this is your story, not someone else's, so your statement should revolve around you. If you choose to discuss a personal hardship, what's most important is that you don't cast yourself as the victim and that you discuss what the experience taught you. Also, medical schools are not allowed to discriminate against students for discussing medical issues, so it is not looked at as a red flag unless you are talking about an issue inappropriately. For example, making yourself appear as the victim or not taking responsibility.

All US medical schools require the completion of a personal statement with your AMCAS, TMDSAS or AACOMAS applications.

Medical schools in Canada on the other hand, do not require or accept personal statements. In lieu of the personal statement, a few of these schools may require you to address a prompt in the form of an essay, or allow you to submit an explanation essay to describe any extenuating circumstances, but this is not the same as the US personal statement. For example, when applying through  OMSAS , the  University of Toronto medical school  requires applicants to complete four short, 250 words or less, personal essays.

Many students struggle with whether or not they should address an unfavorable grade in their personal statement. What one student does isn't necessarily the right decision for you.

To help you decide, think about whether or not that bad grade might reflect on your poorly. If you think it will, then it's best to address the academic misstep head-on instead of having admissions committees dwell on possible areas of concern. If you're addressing a poor evaluation, ensure that you take responsibility for your grade, discuss what you learned and how your performance will be improved in the future - then move on. It's important that you don't play the victim and you must always reflect on what lessons you've learned moving forward.

Of course not, just because you didn't wake up one morning and notice a lightbulb flashing the words medicine, doesn't mean that your experiences and journey to medicine are inferior to those who did. Students arrive to medicine in all sorts of ways, some change career paths later in life, some always knew they wanted to pursue medicine, and others slowly became interested in medicine through their life interactions and experiences. Your personal statement should address your own unique story to how you first became interested in medicine and when and how that interest turned to a concrete desire.

While your entire statement is important, the opening sentence can often make or break your statement. This is because admission committee members are reviewing hundreds, if not thousands of personal statements. If your opening sentence is not eye-catching, interesting, and memorable, you risk your statement blending in with the large pile of other statements. Have a look at our video above for tips and strategies for creating a fantastic opening sentence.

Having your statement reviewed by family and friends can be a good place to start, but unfortunately, it's near-impossible for them to provide you with unbiased feedback. Often, friends and family members are going to support us and rave about our achievements. Even if they may truly think your statement needs work, they may feel uncomfortable giving you their honest feedback at the risk of hurting your feelings.

In addition, family and friends don't know exactly what admission committee members are looking for in a personal statement, nor do they have years of experience reviewing personal statements and helping students put the best version of themselves forward. For these reasons, many students choose to seek the help of a professional medical school advisor to make sure they have the absolute best chances of acceptance to medical school the first time around.

If you have enough time set aside to write your statement without juggling multiple other commitments, it normally takes at least four weeks to write your statement. If you are working, in school, or volunteering and have other commitments, be prepared to spend 6-8 weeks.

Your conclusion should have a summary of the main points you have made in your essay, but it should not just be a summary. You should also end with something that makes the reader want to learn more about you (i.e. call you for an interview). A good way to do this is to include a call-back to your opening anecdote: how have you grown or matured since then? How are you more prepared now to begin medical school?

The goal is to show as many of them as you can in the WHOLE application: this includes your personal statement, sketch, reference letters, secondary essays, and even your GPA and MCAT (which show critical thinking and reasoning already). So, it’s not an issue to focus on only a few select experiences and competencies in the personal statement.

Yes, you can. However, if you used an experience as a most meaningful entry, pick something else to talk about in your essay. Remember, you want to highlight as many core competencies across your whole application). Or, if you do pick the same experience: pick a different specific encounter or project with a different lesson learned.

Once your essay is in good shape, it's best to submit to ensure your application is reviewed as soon as possible. Remember, with rolling admissions, as more time passes before you submit your application, your chances of acceptance decreases. Nerves are normal and wanting to tinker is also normal, but over-analyzing and constant adjustments can actually weaken your essay.

So, if you're thinking about making more changes, it's important to really reflect and think about WHY you want to change something and if it will actually make the essay stronger. If not your changes won't actually make the essay stronger or if it's a very minor change you're thinking of making, then you should likely leave it as is.

The reality is, medical school admission is an extremely competitive process. In order to have the best chance of success, every part of your application must be stellar. Also, every year some students get in whose GPAs or  MCAT scores  are below the median. How? Simply because they must have stood out in other parts of the application, such as the personal statement.

The ones that honestly made the most impact on you. You'll need to reflect on your whole life and think about which experiences helped you grow and pushed you to pursue medicine. Ideally, experiences that show commitment and progression are better than one-off or short-term activities, as they usually contribute more to growth.

Final Notes

This Ultimate Guide has demonstrated all the work that needs to be done to compose a successful, engaging personal statement for your medical school application. While it would be wonderful if there was an easy way to write your personal statement in a day, the reality is that this kind of composition takes a lot of work. As daunting as this may seem, this guide lays out a clear path. In summary, the following 5 steps are the basis of what you should take away from this guide. These 5 steps are your guide and sort of cheat sheet to writing your best personal statement.

5 Main Takeaways For Personal Statement Writing:

  • Brainstorming
  • Content and Theme
  • Multiple Drafts
  • Revision With Attention to Grammar

While a strong personal statement alone will not guarantee admission to medical school, it could absolutely squeeze you onto a  medical school waitlist , off the waitlist, and onto the offer list, or give someone on the admissions committee a reason to go to battle for your candidacy. Use this as an opportunity to highlight the incredible skills you've worked and studied to refine, the remarkable life experiences you've had, and the key qualities you possess in your own unique way. Show the admissions committee that you are someone they want to meet. Remember, in this context, wanting to meet you means wanting to bring you in for an interview!

Dr. Lauren Prufer is an admissions expert at BeMo. Dr. Prufer is also a medical resident at McMaster University. Her medical degree is from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. During her time in medical school, she developed a passion for sharing her knowledge with others through medical writing, research, and peer mentoring.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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Guest Essay

Skepticism Is Healthy, but in Medicine, It Can Be Dangerous

essay medical ideas

By Daniela J. Lamas

Dr. Lamas, a contributing Opinion writer, is a pulmonary and critical-care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

I arrived at the hospital one recent morning to find a team of doctors gathered just outside a patient room. The patient was struggling — his breaths too fast and too shallow. For days we had been trying to walk the line between treating the pain caused by his rapidly growing cancer and prolonging his life.

Overnight he had worsened. His family, wrestling with the inevitability of his death, had come to a tentative plan, and I needed to make sure that his wife understood what was ahead. I explained that if we inserted a breathing tube, as she had decided overnight, her husband would be sedated. When the rest of their family arrived in Boston, we would take out the tube and he would die. We would not be able to wake him up — to do so would only cause him to suffer.

At this, his wife stiffened. Why wouldn’t he be able to wake up? I explained that his cancer was so advanced that to wake him would be to give him the conscious awareness of drowning. I watched as she took me in, this doctor she had never met before, telling her something she did not want to hear. Her expression shifted. “Why should I believe you?” she asked me. And then, her voice toughening: “I don’t think that I do.”

The room was silent. My patient’s wife looked into her bag, rooting around for a tissue. I glanced down at my feet. Why should she believe me? I was wearing sneakers with my scrub pants, and I found myself wondering whether she would have trusted me without question if I appeared more professional, or if I were older or male. Perhaps, but there was so much more at play in that moment. This was not just about one doctor and one family member, but instead, about a public for whom the medical system is no longer an institution to be trusted.

We are at a crossroads in medicine when it comes to public trust. After a pandemic that twisted science for political gain, it is not surprising that confidence in medicine is eroding. In fact, trust in medical scientists has fallen to its lowest levels since January 2019. As a result, more people are seeking out less conventional voices of “authority” that hew closer to their beliefs. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine skeptic campaigning for the presidency, is finding double-digit support in some polls and has made medical freedom a recurring theme of his candidacy.

But our medical system relies on trust — in face-to-face meetings as well as public health bulletins. Distrust can lead doctors to burnout and can encourage avoidable negative outcomes for our patients. This is partly what is driving increasing rates of measles among unvaccinated children , failure to follow recommended cancer screening and refusal to take lifesaving preventive medications . There are no easy solutions here. But if we do not find ways to restore and strengthen trust with our patients, more lives will be lost.

This is relatively new terrain for American physicians. When I was in medical training, we did not talk much about trust. During my early years as a doctor, I barely trusted myself and in fact felt uncomfortable with the responsibility I had to keep my patients alive. Only recently have I found myself thinking about what happens when this ephemeral ingredient in the doctor-patient relationship is lost.

Medical skepticism is not the same as medical nihilism. The data behind the drugs doctors prescribe and the decisions we make need not be the purview of us alone; the public has the right to review the numbers and to make their own decisions about risk and benefit. But when that skepticism shifts into abject and irreparable disbelief, we see some patients make dangerous decisions. And when doctors respond with frustration, that only further separates us from those patients.

Trust can sometimes be repaired by clearly presenting facts and figures, but it is about more than explaining numbers. We tell patients things about the body that are unseen. We recommend lifestyle changes and medication to treat or to prevent problems that may not be felt. Surgeons refer to a profound version of trust called the surgical contract: the idea that when people go under the knife, they are allowing their surgeon to make them sicker — to cut them open — in order to make them better. That trust must be earned.

In emergencies, patients don’t have the luxury to choose whom to trust, and medical decisions must happen hastily, in minutes even. So part of our job is to build rapport quickly. That becomes harder, impossible even, when we enter into the climax of a medical crisis to find that whatever trust our patient may have once had long ago has been eroded. Many of our patients started their medical journeys wanting to believe in their doctors. But then the medical system that they wanted to trust failed them, in small ways and large, from haphazardly rescheduled appointments to real medical error. How do we begin the process of repair, both as a profession and as individuals, when time is short?

In medicine, we talk about the idea of shared decision-making, in which medical decisions are arrived at jointly by doctor and patient, in contrast to the paternalistic tone of years gone by. As doctors, we do not tell our patients what to do — instead we offer them the information necessary for them to choose the path that is right for them.

For all our training, our medical knowledge is useless if our patients are unwilling or unable to believe what we have to offer. And that isn’t a fault of our patients, no matter how bothered we might become. This is a fault of a system that does not deserve our patients’ blind faith, of a surrounding political milieu that has turned scientific fact into fiction in many people’s minds.

That is how I found myself in that room, early that one morning, with my patient’s wife, her disbelief and the weight of the decision hanging between us. I knew so little about her. I did not know her history or her interactions with the medical system. I did not know the story of her husband’s diagnosis and treatment, or whether he had struggled to find care for his cancer. In our fractured system, I was just meeting her that day. I had no way to make her trust me, except to sit with her, to give her what little time with her husband we could. And to hope that regardless of what came before, she would choose to believe what I was telling her.

I am not certain what she believed, but she chose against intubation. Her husband lived until the rest of his family came anyway. And when he died, they left without a word, carrying with them his bags of belongings and — I can only hope — faith that we had done the best we could.

Daniela Lamas is a contributing Opinion writer and a pulmonary and critical-care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best biomedicine topic ideas & essay examples, 📝 interesting topics to write about biomedicine, 📌 simple & easy biomedicine essay titles.

  • Advanced Biomedical Devices Case Analysis The success of the company in the United States suggests that the speedheals could hit the European market. According to the case, none of the competitors has achieved the level of innovation associated with the […]
  • Cell Culture and Biomedical Applications This situation of cell line cross contamination could be attributed to constant necessity in the protocol for cell culture viability and identification. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • Choosing the Right Career Path: Biomedical and Civil Engineering Biomedical engineers join sound skills of engineering and biological science, and so tend to have a bachelor of science and superior degrees from major universities, who are now recovering their biomedical engineering program as interest […]
  • The Worth of Biomedical Ethics in Nursing Practice However, sometimes, the necessity of focusing on treatment and recovery makes healthcare providers unintentionally neglect or forget about the principles of autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. In addition, following the rules of beneficence and nonmaleficence […]
  • Behavioral and Biomedical Theories in Nursing Role categories like role ambiguity, role overload, and role conflict contribute to role stress. The change from nurse-to-nurse practitioner is an illustration of role ambiguity.
  • Biomedical Technologies and Natural Family Planning Cervical mucus is a cervical secretion; tracking changes in CM is the easiest and most reliable way to predict the most fertile days.
  • Biomedical Sciences in Nursing The concept of the web of causation has been formulated in the 1970s to solidify the idea of multidimensional causes of diseases and establish the model for explaining chronic conditions that are not fully attributable […]
  • Biomedical Research Ethics and Human Rights This paper aims to discuss the impact of the history of research ethics on modern approaches and the protection of the rights of human subjects.
  • Imaging Speed in Biomedical Engineering A substitute for this in achieve the high speed requirement involves the use of a video rate laser scanner which would have an added advantage of being able to control the size of the aperture […]
  • Importance and Role of Biomedicine By studying a model of the natural history of the disease, the primary function is to identify the stages of prepathogenesis, pathogenesis, and prevention methods.
  • Biomedical Theories and Models in Healthcare Delivery The genetic basis of cancer theory is one of these paradigms, and it focuses on the genesis of the disease. A combination of factors leads to the occurrence and proliferation of cancer cells.
  • Principles of Ethics Among Biomedical Practitioners It shows a situation whereby medical professionals have to take care of people, who are not fully aware of the moral principles that govern them.
  • The Analysis of the Results of the Biomedical Research The article is devoted to the analysis of the results of the biomedical research carried out in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.
  • Health Care Disparity and Principles of Biomedical Ethics Healthcare disparities can be explained as the differences or the inequalities that exist in the provision of medical care to various groups of people. The most significant theories in the US have been the theory […]
  • Nanotechnology and Bio-Electrospray: In the Context of Biomedical Applications In recent years one of the most promising applications is the use of electrospraying to manipulate cells and transport them without compromising the integrity of the cell. One can just imagine the extreme minuteness of […]
  • Bioethical Position on Medical Futility Nursing Advocates for the withdrawal of treatment for severely deformed infants base their arguments on the fact that treatment for severely deformed infants is futile.
  • Ethical Issues on Protection of Human Subjects in Biomedical Research First, ethical issues surrounding the protection of human subjects can be solved through assessing the risks and benefits of the medical experiment beforehand.
  • Biomedical Informatics and Pharmacovigilance The analysis of the study makes it possible to assess the measures taken to enhance the role of biomedical informatics in healthcare.
  • The Relation Between Patients and Biomedicine I think nothing could be done with the growth of a number of online health communities and patients’ deep concern in biomedicine; the challenge is to deal with these phenomena to minimize their negative effects.
  • Electric Field Array Micro-System Lab-On-Chip and Biomedical Analysis The differential voltage Vdiff is equal to the product of the applied E and the distance between the split gates Viff=Vin-Vin2=Ed. When E is produced, then the applied E is a function of d.
  • Biomedical Researches: Ethics vs. Morals Especially in the researches, dealing with other, poorer nations and people of countries where the respect for human rights is not that high.
  • Biomedical Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Prosthetics One of the first references to the use of prosthetics is observed in the works of the French surgeon, Ambroise Pare, in 1579 where he described the methods of producing prosthetics used by him in […]
  • Psychology of Biomedical Fiction The chances of giving a more correct description of hospital incidents and the weaving of crimes into medical life cater to the fancies of the public.
  • The Moral Case Against Cloning-for-Biomedical-Research In my view then it is a vain hope that researchers will be able to determine when a human person comes into existence simply by inspecting the biological and genetic evidence about the development of […]
  • Biomedical Discovery of DNA Structure The first parts of the book comprised of the opening of Sir Lawrence Bragg, who gave an overview of the entire book and talked about the significance of Francis Crick and James Watson’s discovery with […]
  • Female Bodies in Science and Biomedicine The assigned readings focus on the ways the female body is regarded in the context of biomedicine. In conclusion, it is necessary to note that gender is one of the constructs shaping the way people […]
  • Biomedical Researcher Career at Immunobiology Ltd. John collaborates with different stakeholders to identify the best opportunities for ImmBio. The respondent was ready to answer my questions.
  • Ethics in Biomedical and Nursing Internet Research There is a need to ensure that the Code of Professional Ethics being implemented best suits the protection of human subjects in the context of biomedical research. It is vital to ensure that the Code […]
  • Autophagy Mechanisms: Biology and Medicine Breakthrough Prior to Ohsumi’s research, the 1960s saw the discovery of the cell’s capacity to transfer its contents in the enclosed membranes to the lysosome, where the contents are recycled.
  • Biomedical Ethical Theories and Principles In general, ethics1 encompasses the theories and principles of particular values as well as the justifications and perceptions of these values.
  • Bioanthropology: Culture and Medicine The importance of social and ethnic diversity in the United States today is very high, the awareness of this diversity is widely promoted, yet some culture-specific researches in the American medicine led to racial division […]
  • Career in Biomedical Sciences: Opportunities & Prospects For one to qualify as a biomedical scientist, one is usually required to have a degree in Biomedical Science with the prospects of upgrading through graduate school.
  • Approaches to Human Illness From a Biomedical Anthropology Perspective In a sense, the biocultural view fronted by Stanford and company can be used to explain the article’s main theme of inequality and human illness as it recognize the fact that both our evolutionary and […]
  • The Biomedical Model of Health in Medicine How human beings respond to illness is essential and understanding the concepts of every healing system is vital in combating diseases.
  • Biomedicine: Scientific Medicine Prominent in Western Societies
  • The Limits of Biomedicine Among the Dagomba of Northern Ghana
  • AIDS Stigma and Its Effects Upon the Gay Community and Biomedicine
  • Bioethical Governance and Basic Stem Cell Science: Global Biomedicine Economy
  • Biomedicine Globalized and Localized: Western Medical Practices in a Mexican Hospital
  • Cardiac Biomedicine: Cardiac Hypertrophy and Failure Draft
  • Why Biomedical Research on Animals Is Needed
  • Chinese Traditional Medicine System and Western Biomedicine Comparative Analysis
  • Credibility, Replicability, and Reproducibility in Simulation for Biomedicine and Neuroscience
  • Does Alternative Medicine Present a Challenge to Biomedicine
  • How Sociological and Lay Ideas About Illness Differ From Those of Biomedicine
  • Exploring the Boundaries Between Alternative Medicine and Biomedicine
  • Functional Craniology and Brain Evolution: From Paleontology to Biomedicine
  • Global Pharmaceutical and Biomedicine Companies
  • Sleep, Health, and the Dynamics of Biomedicine
  • Toward New Models for Innovative Governance of Biomedicine and Health Technologies
  • Statement of Purpose for Biomedical Sciences
  • The Era of Biomedicine: Science, Medicine, and Public Health
  • The Relevance of Evolutionary Theory in Biomedical Science
  • Studying Pain in the Realm of Biomedicine
  • Biomedicine and Prevention: A Public Health Perspective
  • Examining Western Biomedicine and Shamanism
  • Credibility, Replicability, and Reproducibility in Simulation for Biomedicine and Clinical Applications
  • Ancient Greek Medical System as the Basis of Biomedicine
  • Concerns of a Health Professional in Biomedical Science
  • China and the Globalization of Biomedicine
  • Combining Hard Sciences With Biomedicine
  • The Influence of IT in the Field of Biomedicine
  • Career Critique: Comparing Urban Planners and Biomedical Engineers
  • Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
  • Overview of the Current Trends in Biomedicine
  • Animating Biomedicine’s Moral Order: Comprehensive Analysis
  • Deep Learning in Bioinformatics and Biomedicine
  • Critical Perspectives of Biomedicine, Religious Studies, Art History, Philosophy
  • CNS Regeneration, Possible Only Through Bioengineering Advancements
  • The New Medical Model: A Renewed Challenge for Biomedicine
  • Linking Biomedicine and the Human Condition
  • Nanoparticles in Life Sciences and Biomedicine
  • Overview of Sex and Gender in Biomedicine
  • What Are the Arguments Against Biomedical Research
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/biomedicine-essay-topics/

"74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 2 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/biomedicine-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 2 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/biomedicine-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/biomedicine-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "74 Biomedicine Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/biomedicine-essay-topics/.

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Teaching Connections

Advancing discussions about teaching, harnessing the potential of generative ai in medical undergraduate education across different disciplines – a comparative study on performance of chatgpt-3.5 and gpt-4 in physiology and biochemistry modified essay questions.

Nathasha LUKE 1 , LEE Seow Chong 2 , Kenneth BAN 2 , Amanda WONG 1 , CHEN Zhi Xiong 1,3 , LEE Shuh Shing 3 , Reshma Taneja 1 , Dujeepa D. SAMARASEKARA 3 , Celestial T. YAP 1

1 Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed) 2 Department of Biochemistry, NUSMed 3 Centre for Medical Education (CenMED), NUSMed

Editor’s Note: Natasha and her co-authors share a summary of the findings from the study they presented at HECC 2023 under the sub-theme “AI and Education”.

NathashaLuke et al - anchor pic

Nathasha presenting her team’s study during HECC 2023.

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of modern-day education. ChatGPT passing medical examinations (Kung et al., 2023, Subramani et al., 2023) and solving complex clinical problems (Eriksen et al., 2023) displayed its potential to revolutionise medical education. The capabilities and limitations of this technology across disciplines should be identified to promote the optimum use of the models in education. We conducted a study evaluating the performance of ChatGPT in modified essay questions (MEQs) in Physiology and Biochemistry for medical undergraduates.

Answer Generation, Assessment, and Data Analysis

The modified essay questions were extracted from Physiology and Biochemistry tutorials, and case-based learning scenarios. 44 MEQs in Physiology and 43 MEQs in Biochemistry were encoded into GPT-3.5 to generate answers. Each response was graded by two examiners independently, guided by a marking scheme. The examiners also rated the answers on concordance, accuracy, language, organisation, and information and provided qualitative comments. Descriptive statistics including mean, standard deviation, and variance were calculated in relation to the average scores and subgroups according to Bloom’s Taxonomy. Single factor ANOVA was calculated for the subgroups to assess for a statistically significant difference.

Subsequently, a subgroup of 15 questions from each subject was selected to represent different score categories of the GPT-3.5 answers. Answers were generated in GPT-4 and graded similarly.

The answers generated in GPT-3.5 ( n = 44) obtained a mean score of 74.7 (SD 25.96) in Physiology. 16/44 (36.3%) of the answers generated in GPT-3.5 scored 90/100 marks or above. 29.5%, numerically 13/44, obtained a score of 100%. There was a statistically significant difference in mean scores between the higher-order and lower-order questions on the Bloom’s Taxonomy ( p < 0.05). Qualitative comments commended ChatGPT’s strength in producing exemplary answers to most questions in Physiology, mostly excelling in lower-order questions. Deficiencies were noted in applying physiological concepts in the clinical context.

NathashaLuke-Fig1

Figure 1 . Distribution of scores of answers generated in GPT-3.5. 

The 15 Physiology questions answered by GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 had mean scores of 59.2 (SD 32.04) and 68.6 (SD 29.77) respectively. For the 15 Biochemistry questions, the mean score for GPT-3.5 was 59.33 (SD 29.08), and for GPT-4 was 85.33 (SD 18.48). The increase in GPT-4 scores was statistically significant in Biochemistry ( p = 0.006), but not in Physiology ( p = 0.4)

Our study showcases the potential of generative AI as a helpful educational resource. However, the current generative AI technology is not at a standpoint to be the sole educational resource, as performance is sub-optimal in most of the questions. The responses are either incomplete or contain errors, particularly in the domain of applying concepts in the clinical context. The wise use of generative AI as an adjunct to other resources will augment the learning process. Students and educators should be aware of the potentials and weaknesses of generative AI technologies in their own disciplines. One strategy would be to get students to generate the initial draft from generative AI, critically analyse the responses, and based on their analysis, strive towards improving their application of disciplinary knowledge. In addition, educators will have to revise certain educational tools to ensure that course objectives are still met in the generative AI era. This technology should be incorporated into learning pedagogies where appropriate.

Our study demonstrates the differential performance of ChatGPT across the two subjects. The performance of language models largely depends on the availability of training data; hence the efficacy may vary across subject areas. Subject and domain-specific training focusing on areas of deficiencies will enhance the performance of language models.

Overall, GPT-4 performed better than GPT-3.5 in the subset of questions tested. The users should know the potentials and limitations of each type as well as iterations of generative AI to promote optimum adoption of the technology.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the examiners who took their time to grade the ChatGPT responses. We would like to thank CDTL for their support and the Teaching Enhancement Grant (TEG) which financially supported our project.

Eriksen, A. V., Möller, S., & Ryg, J. (2023, December 11). Use of GPT-4 to diagnose complex clinical cases. NEJM AI, 1 (1). https://doi.org/10.1056/aip2300031

Kung, T. H., Cheatham, M., Medenilla, A., Sillos, C., De Leon, L., Elepaño, C., Madriaga, M., Aggabao, R., Diaz-Candido, G., Maningo, J., & Tseng, V. (2023, February 9). Performance of ChatGPT on USMLE: Potential for AI-assisted medical education using large language models. PLOS Digital Health, 2 (2), e0000198. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0000198

Subramani, M., Jaleel, I., & Krishna Mohan, S. (2023, June 1). Evaluating the performance of ChatGPT in medical physiology university examination of phase I MBBS. Advances in Physiology Education, 47 (2), 270–71. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00036.2023

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April 24, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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'So hot you can't breathe': Extreme heat hits the Philippines

by Cecil MORELLA

The heat index was expected to reach the 'danger' level of 42 degrees Celsius or higher in at least 30 cities and municipalities of the Philippines

Extreme heat scorched the Philippines on Wednesday, forcing thousands of schools to suspend in-person classes and prompting warnings for people to limit the amount of time spent outdoors.

The months of March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest in the archipelago nation, but conditions this year have been exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

"It's so hot you can't breathe," said Erlin Tumaron, 60, who works at a seaside resort in Cavite province, south of Manila, where the heat index reached 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.

"It's surprising our pools are still empty. You would expect people to come and take a swim, but it seems they're reluctant to leave their homes because of the heat."

The heat index was expected to reach the "danger" level of 42C or higher in at least 30 cities and municipalities on Wednesday, the state weather forecaster said.

The heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.

The Department of Education, which oversees more than 47,600 schools, said nearly 6,700 schools suspended in-person classes on Wednesday.

There was a 50 percent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days, said Ana Solis, chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster.

"We need to limit the time we spend outdoors, drink plenty of water, bring umbrellas and hats when going outdoors," Solis told AFP.

Solis said El Niño was the reason for the "extreme heat" affecting swaths of the country.

Around half the country's provinces are officially in drought.

'It's really hot here'

The northern municipality of Aparri endured a heat index of 48C on Tuesday, the highest in the country, and was expected to hit 45C on Wednesday.

The actual maximum air temperature was 36.4C (97.5F) on Tuesday, with 35C forecast for Wednesday.

"It's really hot here," Eric Vista of the municipal disaster agency told AFP.

Vista said a shower of rain on Tuesday night offered some temporary relief but it was "back to being super hot" on Wednesday.

Sweltering temperatures in the capital Manila forced more than 400 schools to switch to remote learning. The heat index reached 45C on Tuesday and was expected to hit 44C on Wednesday.

Tuesday's actual high in the city was 37.1C.

In drought-stricken Occidental Mindoro province, government employee Mary Ann Gener said people working indoors where there was air conditioning were fine.

"But it's terrible for those outside," she said.

"You get a headache immediately after you go out. You really need to hydrate."

In Dagupan city, north of Manila, university employee Edz Alteros said she and her colleagues no longer went out for lunch because of the heat.

The heat index there reached 47C on Tuesday.

"We get somebody to buy food and we eat inside the office," Alteros, 27, said.

"The air conditioning is set at 14-18C during the hottest part of the day, but we ease up at other times to prevent the aircon breaking down."

Global temperatures hit record highs last year, and the United Nation's weather and climate agency said Tuesday that Asia was warming at a particularly rapid pace.

The Philippines ranks among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

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FDA Launches Health Care at Home Initiative to Help Advance Health Equity

Initiative aims to better position agency to address health care needs by moving care into the home setting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2024

The following is attributed to Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., deputy director for transformation at CDRH

Clinical care is undergoing an evolution that has been accelerated over the last few years by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Health care has primarily been centered on health care systems and their components—hospitals, clinics, providers, and payers. However, many challenges persist, such as primary care physician and specialist shortages, significant increases in health care costs, higher chronic disease prevalence rates, and often the inability to meet the health care needs of millions of people who have no or limited access to health care systems. People from various racial and ethnic minority populations and those who live in rural communities and lower-income neighborhoods are impacted the most by these system challenges, which furthers health disparities across the nation.

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing the launch of a new initiative, Home as a Health Care Hub, to help reimagine the home environment as an integral part of the health care system, with the goal of advancing health equity for all people in the U.S. While many care options are currently attempting to use the home as a virtual clinical site, very few have considered the structural and critical elements of the home that will be required to absorb this transference of care. Moreover, devices intended for use in the home tend to be designed to operate in isolation rather than as part of an integrated, holistic environment. As a result, patients may have to use several disparate medical devices, some never intended for the home environment, rather than interact with medical-grade, consumer-designed, customizable technologies that seamlessly integrate into an individual person's lifestyle.

The FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has contracted with an architectural firm that intentionally designs innovative buildings with health and equity in mind, to consider the needs of variable models of a home and tailor solutions with opportunities to adapt and evolve in complexity and scale. The hub will be designed as an Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)-enabled home prototype and is expected to be completed later this year.

This partnership includes collaboration with patient groups, health care providers, and the medical device industry to build the Home as a Health Care Hub. This prototype will serve as an idea lab, not only to connect with populations most affected by health inequity, but also for medical device developers, policy makers, and providers to begin developing home-based solutions that advance health equity. Existing models that have examined care delivery at home have found great patient satisfaction, good adherence, and potential cost savings to health care systems. By beginning with dwellings in rural locations and lower-income communities, the planned prototype will be intentionally designed with the goal of advancing health equity.

The FDA is using diabetes as an example health condition for the hub prototype given the impacts over the lifecycle of someone living with this condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), over $300 billion per year was spent on medical costs for diabetes in the U.S. in 2022. This is a 35% increase over the past decade, which is disproportionately borne by underserved communities and communities of color. Diabetes is a condition that impacts most major organs and can result in significant morbidity and early mortality, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

To increase access to health care and maximize health outcomes, it is critical that the delivery of personalized care has people at the center. By shifting the care model from systems to people, the health care system can triage scarce resources to those with the most urgent and critical needs and tailor personalized care for those managing chronic conditions. The Home as a Health Care Hub prototype is the beginning of the conversation—helping device developers consider novel design approaches, aiding providers to consider opportunities to educate patients and extend care options, generating discussions on value-based care paradigms, and opening opportunities to bring clinical trials and other evidence generation processes to underrepresented communities through the home. 

As a part of CDRH's strategic priority to advance health equity , CDRH continues to support innovation that addresses health equity by moving care, as well as prevention and wellness, into the home setting. CDRH is committed to fostering innovation that improves public health by launching the Home as a Health Care Hub effort to enable solutions that seamlessly integrate medical devices and health care, prevention and wellness into people's lives, leading to a longer, higher quality life for all.

Additional Resources:

  • CDRH Strategic Priorities and Updates

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The Genius Mexican Composer History Forgot

Uncovering juventino rosas, whose waltz took the world by storm but whose story remains a mystery.

essay medical ideas

Juventino Rosas (above) wrote one of the most famous melodies of his generation. Playwright Oliver Mayer considers the forces that have prevented the composer from taking his rightful place among history’s great composters. Courtesy of author.

by Oliver Mayer | April 24, 2024

Juventino Rosas’ waltz “ Sobre las Olas ” (Over the Waves) is perhaps the most famous song of its generation. Now, more than 130 years after it was written, the tune still feels immediate—sweeping, dreamy, and above all, supremely sure-footed. Every note is both rooted and soaring, coaxing even the wallflowers to dance and sway. It is easily on par with his contemporary Johann Strauss Jr.’s masterwork “The Blue Danube”—to the point that Strauss Jr. is often mistakenly credited with having composed “Sobre las Olas.”

Why is this so? Is it simply because Strauss hailed from Vienna, the very center of the waltz craze? Or is there something else, conscious or not, that has kept Juventino Rosas from his rightful place among the great melodists, then and now?

I wrote Ghost Waltz , a new play receiving its world premiere on May 4 at the Los Angeles Theatre Centre (LATC ), to recover the composer’s story. This excavation into Rosas’ life follows a tune that has been haunting me throughout much of my career: Why whitewash so many artists of color? Why bury their names? Why divest the art from the artist? Why erase the rich history of who we are?

Rosas was Indigenous, dark-skinned in his photographs, and young. Proudly Otomí, an ancient people known to be great warriors, he and his family played music for coins on the street in Mexico City in the 1880s. It was a time of great change: The French and Austrian attempt at colonization had failed in spectacular fashion, but vestiges of European culture were everywhere. Beer and polkas became core to the Mexican identity. Rosas embodied this moment in time. Yet, even as his famous waltz took the world by storm, he found himself having to prove his authorship. Losing the battle for the song’s royalties was just one indignity of many to come. In his own epoch as much as ours, Juventino did not fit the frame of the composer of “Sobre las Olas.” How could someone like him have written something so elegant, so graceful, so very Viennese?

There is precious little historical information to be found on the man himself. Part of a musical family, he was a violin prodigy who studied for a short time in conservatory before joining the world-famous Mexican Marching Band. Besides his famous waltz, he composed popular salon music, seductive polkas, and mazurkas for the piano.  The wife of Mexican president/dictator Porfirio Diaz gifted him a grand piano for his genius, and his music was played throughout the Americas and in Europe, then and now.

For perhaps the same reasons he had to prove himself constantly to a disbelieving world, Rosas did not merit a biography in his day. His was also a generation before recorded music, and photographs were a relatively new technology. For Ghost Waltz , all I had were the compositions and how they made me feel.

Sometimes a play can get closer to the heart of a character than data or documentary. Listening to “Sobre las Olas” and other Rosas compositions over and over, I began to see past the darkness and locate gestures and contours of the 1890s—bits of politics, romantic dalliances, and the youthful desire to create something immortal, timeless. In an epoch rampant with economic inequity, crippling labor strikes and violent assassinations, not to mention enforced colorism and racial discrimination, this is music full of hope and joy, even when tinged with heartache and loss.

I was also able to locate Rosas in others. He was the same age as Scott Joplin, the undisputed “King of Ragtime,” a Black man whose musical oeuvre was similarly buried or forgotten alongside his life story until the 1973 movie The Sting used his song “The Entertainer,” and an expectant generation of music lovers recovered his ocean of rags and waltzes (one of which quotes a Rosas melody). How wonderful it was to discover that both Rosas and Joplin were both in Chicago in 1893 for the World’s Fair! Two young men of color, musical virtuosi , at the beginning of their heroes’ journeys, undaunted by the odds against them, with visions of as-yet-unwritten operas and symphonies dancing in their heads.

An opera singer originally from Mazatlan named Ángela Peralta, another of Rosas’ musical colleagues (and a possible love interest), also helped open up his story. Known to the world by her nickname the “Mexican Nightingale,” she was brown-skinned and Indigenous like Rosas. Unlike Rosas, she hid her dark complexion beneath white face powder.

In many ways, Peralta was the opposite of Rosas: elitist, self-conscious, Eurocentric. A soprano, she played La Scala and other European opera houses, as well as toured the Americas—always under the mask of whiteness. Yet, despite her different philosophy of dealing with casteism and racism, the “Nightingale” ultimately endured the same fate as Rosas: Their names and exploits buried, at home and abroad, their brownness whitewashed, erased.

After many decades of writing plays, I’ve concluded that there is no good reason to write about the past unless you’re trying to work out the problems we confront in our own everyday present. When I go back into history, my main thrust is to open the mystery in a historical moment, and by mystery, I mean what is unknown—as of yet. This history/mystery rhyme is vital to my artistic intentions, and the way I set about building the world of the play. There can hardly be one without the other.

The Genius Mexican Composer History Forgot | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

The new play “Ghost Waltz” tells the story of Juventino Rosas, one of Mexico’s most significant composers. Image courtesy of author.

As it happens, this play began in dream form. I knew nothing about Rosas until the Latino Theater Company presented his story as one potential commission idea for the Circle of Imaginistas writing circle. Here was an Indigenous forebear, someone who might have influenced and inspired generations of native-born Americans on either side of the border, but whose story was silenced, lost. The presentation made an impression on me, but I was hot about another project, so Rosas found himself on my back burner.

Then I had a dream: Rosas in huaraches and white cotton, dancing to the waltz in his head, while the world circa 1890 was crashing all around him. Despite the tumult, he danced with calm and purpose, as if following the tune toward an as-yet unrevealed destiny. When I woke up, I went to my laptop and wrote a page or so, trying to catch not only the images but the dream’s feeling.

Many years ago, I wrote the libretto for an opera called America Tropical about the great 1932 mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros on Olvera Street in Los Angeles that was literally whitewashed by the all-white city council and town fathers for its political content. Not only was the image taken forever from us, but the artist was deported, never to return. The center figure of the mural? A 14-foot-tall Indio crucified on a double cross, facing City Hall, foretelling the fate of his violent erasure, the double injustice of past and present bigotry.

Today, the “America Tropical” mural lives in a liminal state. Years of California sun beating down on the whitewashed wall have thinned the cover-up, destroying the mask, allowing Siqueiros’ original images to ghost through. Between two worlds, living on the fringes, the mural’s story now is both the original punch of provocation and the counterpunch of effacement, deletion from history. Thesis and antithesis leave us forever on the borders unless we can find a way to synthesize the experience, see beyond the false front, and reconcile the mysteries of our relation to both the artist and the silencer of art.

As a playwright, my job is to shine a light on these layers of whitewash hiding the lives of Rosas and so many others like him. The damage cannot be undone, but there is a chance at recovery and a story to tell in the ghosting through of our history, and our mystery.

Not everyone has forgotten Rosas. There is a town named for him, along with a statue, in the central east region of the state of Guanajuato where he was born and where the Otomí continue to thrive. One day I’ll pay my respects. But I write to bring the dead to life.

Juventino Rosas deserves to be heard and seen. Because when we see him, we see ourselves. When we hear his music, he lives again.

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