SOP Sample for MSc Public Health in the UK - Fresh Graduate Dentistry

Statement of Purpose

I have always felt that we as humans have an inborn desire to help others. This desire has blossomed into a responsibility that I understand now through my choice of studies and extra curricula. My passion to help the community grew stronger when I was in high school after my uncle established an NGO which is aimed at uplifting the destitute communities.

Academics is my forte, as evinced by my scores throughout school and college. In all, my grades in school I was ranked in the 1st position and at the end of my 10th grade, I gave a PAN-India exam and scored a GPA of 9.8 and 96% in my 12th. I have also been called versatile because I am a singer who has taken part in many competitions in both school and college.

As a kid, I had to often visit the dentist due to my tooth problems. During these visits, I developed a fondness for the work the dentists were doing and this instilled within me a deep desire to become one. My assiduity and proclivities facilitated me to score a seat in one of the best universities of our state with the minimum tuition possible. I excelled at dental school while also volunteering for community development endeavors and taking up home tutoring classes to supplement my financial needs. I was tutoring 3rd and 4th graders in subjects that they find difficult and uninteresting which is in tandem with my fond belief that a knowledge shared can only multiply. I attended several dental conferences and tried to overcome my fears by presenting papers in front of large audiences.

Due to my interest in computers, I have learned the basics and some languages such as Python, Java, and have given certification exams. Chess is one of my hobbies and having grown quite adept at it, I represented my college in tournaments. But what I am most proud of is my volunteer work in the [ORGANIZATION NAME] foundation which helped me immensely to understand kids and how to teach them Math, Science and basic English, along with a few Oral Hygiene instructions. I have also organised and participated in many college events like Annual Dental Fests and Department days.

The reason people do not live healthier lifestyles, take necessary precautions against illness and practice preventive medicine in reducing mortality and morbidity rate—which are not just the basis of Public health but also have advantageous economic values—is a serious cause of concern to me. My Alma Mater, [UNIVERSITY NAME], encouraged us to conduct outreach awareness and treatment camps during our public health dentistry postings. I recognized that most people ignored basic treatments which would cost them a negligible amount and only visited the clinic for much severe problems which were easily preventable to begin with. This is applicable to general health as well.

The environment that I grew up in India has created in me a continuous awareness of the negative impact of disease in the society majorly due to bad cultural practice, poverty, neglect and ignorance which has resulted in the reduction of the average life expectancy. Having experienced at first hand, a situation where most people are suffering from one illness or other conditions that are either relatively unknown in the developed countries or are highly preventable, and the adverse effect of a neglected society has increased my determination and passion to make a difference. I believe very strongly that I can be part of the major transposition in the health field if allowed to proceed with my Masters in Public Health.

Public Health excites me the most because it is based on the wide area of focus in helping to prevent and solve both major and minor health issues like no other field. I am specifically interested in epidemiology and community health which are the cornerstone of public health in my opinion with a role in informing policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. In addition, my interest in disease causative mechanism, transmission, outbreak analysis, disease screening and surveillance, biological monitoring, comparison of treatment effect and effective provision of quality healthcare greatly amplified after witnessing the COVID-19 pandemic which shook the world.

I hope to gain admission for my Masters at [UNIVERSITY NAME] and dream of becoming an established Public Health researcher with the aim of contributing immensely in the education, diagnosis, management and treatment of disease of economic importance especially in India. I hope to promote selfless service and contribute to strategic transformation in my country through universal best practices, corporate governance standards and distinctive individual disciplines which being a student at the University will further help inculcate.

I have been charged with enthusiasm and eagerness about the intriguing prospect of studying at [UNIVERSITY NAME]. The emphasis on global health especially during tough times like this has also motivated me in sending my application coupled with the professional training and research oriented program which has convinced me where my career pursuit lies. I am aware of the competitive nature of the program and the large number of applicants, but I am convinced that my good academic record at the University undergraduate level and professional experience coupled with my strong motivation and enthusiasm that have manifested over the years in life science will give me a strong recommendation for a place at [UNIVERSITY NAME].

I'm certain that the knowledge and skills learnt in your prestigious public health school will prepare me to work best with the community and subsequently create a sustainable link between the community and the health facilities. I thus believe that with this training I shall be able to focus more on this important arm and help avert preventable health issues.