The Personal Statement
Lisa Criscione-Schreiber, MD
Program Director, Rheumatology
Personal Statement
• Basics
– One page
– Edit ruthlessly
• Grammar and spelling (special characters)
• Content (applying in 2 fields, late decision)
• My goals
– Determine sincerity
– Assess communication ability
– Assess approach to career development
3 Main Types
“The Standard”
SAFE
“The Standard Plus”
“The Personal Tale”
RISKY
The Standard
• The patient/faculty mentor/family
member/friend who started it all
– How I realized I love rheumatology
• How I conceptualize rheumatology
– Why I will be a great rheumatologist
• How this career will fulfill my dreams
– Why I want to be a clinician educator (optional)
– I will work hard during fellowship
The Standard Plus:
The Goal Oriented Statement
• How it all started
– How I realized I love rheumatology
– How I conceptualize rheumatology
• How I have been successful thus far
• How I will continue to be successful
• What I am seeking in my fellowship
• I will work hard during fellowship
Goal oriented statement: risk
• What you want to do is not available where
you’re applying
The Personal Tale
• My background is different
– Personal illness, non-traditional path, adverse
situation, country of origin
– Show how your background strengthens your
application
• Why I want to be a rheumatologist
• What I hope to achieve in my career
• I will work hard during fellowship