Medicine – My Determination To Positively Impact People’S Lives

My resolve to study medicine is underpinned by my desire to use my scientific aptitude to positively impact people’s lives. Although this led to an instant fascination with the field, my final decision comes after much scrutiny. Through wider reading and work experience I realised how demanding medicine is; requiring the ability to withstand a stressful environment and to cope with overwhelming pressure. However, experiences have proven to me how intellectually stimulating and rewarding medicine is, making it a field I would relish the opportunity to be a part of.

My first exposure to the career came during a volunteering placement at a local care home. My communication and empathy skills were developed when dealing with confused and distressed dementia sufferers. This proved to me the importance of emotional care of patients and how emotionally straining medicine is as a career. However, when being able to ameliorate some of those feelings, I realised how fulfilling it can be. My experience encouraged a curiosity about Dementia. I read ‘In Pursuit of Memory’ and was intrigued by the rapidly expanding research into the condition, particularly into factors influencing the development of the disease as well as methods of prevention. This motivated my general interest in mental health. I went on to launch a depression awareness campaign at Barnet hospital and read ‘The Autistic Brain’. I also volunteered at Barnet hospital. As part of my placement I spent time in the A&E department, and at the entrance to the hospital wherefrom I escorted patients to relevant wards or clinics. This, along-side a bag packing fundraiser in a local supermarket, led me to appreciate the physical aspect of a career in the field. Completing formal dementia awareness training, as part of my voluntary work, meant I was able to visit patients in the dementia ward. Here, I was readily supported by nurses who pointed out patients who had been feeling ‘down’, and activities they might enjoy. This made me realise the necessity of team-work to effective patient care. I practiced these team-work skills when organising, and supporting patients during, a creative activity at the NRC with my volunteering team; something I thoroughly enjoyed. Assisting with meal times in the oncology ward provoked my interest in cancer. When reading ‘The Emperor of all maladies’ I became particularly interested in the rapid development of various cancer therapies such as Gleevec. Inspired, I ran the ‘race for life’, to raise money for research and attended various lectures on the subject. For instance, ‘Breast Cancer Now’, and ‘Cancer – Just bad luck?’.

I experienced daily life as a clinician during work experience with a podiatrist. I was present during various consultations and treatments: from verruca removal to gout diagnosis. I was fascinated by the complexity of modern medicine as I observed the practitioner take various factors into account, such as socioeconomic background, when making clinical decisions. I also worked in a veterinary clinic where I enjoyed performing small procedures, such as inserting an intravenous catheter and testing urine samples. It is important to me to maintain a good work-life balance: I have played the piano for many years; regularly compete in cross country runs (something which has decidedly developed my resilience) and enjoy drama. I am passionate about English Literature; taking up this subject for A-Level has markedly developed my analytical skills. Being elected as team-leader for my Duke of Edinburgh group developed my leadership skills, something which I employ in my volunteering at a charity named ‘Home-start’. Running fundraisers, I acquired organisation skills and learnt to problem-solve effectively.

I hope to continue to challenge myself and put into practice the skill-set I have acquired. In conjunction with that, I believe my determination and strong academic record will allow me to become a valuable addition to the work-force.