For many, writing the personal statement required for residency applications is the most difficult part of preparing the application packet. The personal or autobiographical statement is a written or narrative version of your CV along with information on why you have chosen a particular specialty and what you plan to accomplish in that specialty.
Applicants often spend long hours constructing their personal statements.
What is most important is that you write an honest, but not shy, account of your accomplishments, abilities, and the events that led you to your specialty. While the cv is an outline of your accomplishments, the personal statement is your chance to elaborate on your accomplishments. It is okay to repeat information found in your c.v. because your personal statement will also include details of the activity, award, or experience. You can describe personal experiences as long as they are relevant to your application. Think of the personal statement as background information for your interview.