Medicine – My Career Pathway To Make A Tangible Impact On Society
I am in no doubt that studying medicine would provide me with an inimitable work atmosphere that is unique in every aspect. Through medicine I can have a tangible impact on society, interacting with different people and challenges daily. Medicine being such a broad field - ranging from patient care to research into medical breakthroughs, facilitates the endless career options for a graduate medical student. These ideas were re-established during a lecture led by Dr Rohit Saha which was particularly inspiring, highlighting his experiences working in Africa during the Ebola outbreak. A career in global health is not a pathway I had previously been exposed to, yet the work is undoubtedly gratifying and fundamental in the prevention of a world health crisis.
The STEM summer school at Imperial College also played a crucial role in solidifying medicine as a career for me. The variety of courses featured were overshadowed by medicine – the speakers were passionate and the subject itself enthralling. My curiosity led me to question the speakers about what a career in medicine entails - both the rewarding and challenging sides of medicine were highlighted – the opportunity to help others outweighing the negatives drastically. My leadership skills were enhanced when I was appointed as team leader in a task on Bioinformatics, delegating tasks according to individual strengths. This provided me with invaluable communication skills that I am adamant I will continue to develop whilst studying medicine.
Partaking in work experience at St George’s Hospital gave me an insight into medicine in a clinical setting. Spending time with a multidisciplinary team highlighted the importance of teamwork; each individual was imperative in the treatment of the patient. Whilst attending the foetal medicine clinic I was taught the importance of emotional intelligence. The clinicians adapted their tone accordingly with each patient - approaching each case holistically. I gained insight into the quantity of administrative work being performed by doctors, an aspect that is not as exciting yet central in a doctor’s life.
Spending time at a care home provided a different perspective into a career in healthcare. Many of the residents had particular needs, such as dementia, which required me to work with great empathy and adapt my demeanour accordingly. I was able to help organise patients’ medicine and join in social activities such as their weekly visits to the park. This showed me the importance of healthcare professionals in a vulnerable person’s quality of life – the effects not only being on their physical health but also mental.
I have been a Volunteer Police Cadet for the last four years, this has allowed me to take part in many local and national events such as the London Marathon. Hosting events in the community has become something I enjoy; I have since helped to encourage community cohesion between young people and the elderly through an annual Christmas tea party. Each week I facilitate sport sessions for junior cadets which enhances my leadership and organisation skills. Sports is something I have always enjoyed and over the years I have been a member of various basketball teams. Basketball is a great relief in times of stress, it has taught me self-discipline and tenacity – skills that are vital in medical school.
In my spare time I mentor younger students, who require extra support in English lessons, helping them to publish articles on The Student View, a nationally recognised journalism platform. This is extremely rewarding as it helps them to build their confidence and gives them a voice. Being a prefect has also allowed me to connect with younger students, working as a team with my peers to ensure the student voice is heard and student satisfaction is high.
Medicine is a limitless career pathway, with exciting variety and huge challenges. It presents an opportunity to combine my love for the sciences and helping people, making it the right choice for me.
