My Ambition To Succeed In The Medical Field
Throughout my life, I have been encouraged to participate in many sports and activities. I am a keen swimmer, cyclist and runner. My training, however has led me to see various orthopaedic surgeons. Due to an over-regimented swimming programme, I developed both winged scapula and a trapped ligament in my glenohumeral joint. I was referred to a specialist sports medicine doctor who diagnosed the problem with an ultrasound scan and recommend numerous exercises. Whilst painful at times, the consultants and the results of their advice reinforced my ambition to study medicine. I found the experience fascinating and inspiring.
An article from the BMJ called ’60 seconds on Bioelectronics’ inspired me last year to undertake a school project on the subject, specifically aimed around Vagal Nerve Stimulation and how bioelectronics are developing for future use against chronic diseases. I found the subject fascinating and medicine seems to be the best way for me to explore my curiosity and develop my interest in a constantly expanding scientific field. Volunteering as a swimming instructor for the last year, I help teach a group of male adults with Downs Syndrome how to swim without support. Whilst teaching them to swim, I have understood that social interaction and having fun is as much of a part of the lesson as the swimming. It has showed me how compassion is a critical part of caring. I have enjoyed helping them overcome hardship with a positive attitude and determination and in turn, I have learnt a lot about human nature from them.
A week’s work experience in a general geriatric nursing home on the island gave me an insight into the care and treatment of the elderly. The residents had a diversity of conditions, both mental and physical, such as atrial fibrillation and dementia. I got great satisfaction playing the piano for them in the lounge. One patient was taken to the hospital with a DVT which showed me how hospital and care home staff work together. The collaboration between members of the multidisciplinary team in both the care home and the hospital dealt with the patient impressed me. I spent a week shadowing at a General Practice surgery, I observed the interpersonal skills required and the challenges presented; medical, social and pharmacological. I was particularly aware of the time constraints placed upon GPs, especially in one case where a man had forgotten his medication to show the GP. The GP calmly talked with the patient, telling that she couldn’t prescribe any medication without prior knowledge of what he was already taking. I specifically enjoyed witnessing minor surgery procedures being performed, such as in dermatology, removing benign tumours through medical procedures. My physical and mental strengths from sport, and experiences in leadership from Combined Cadet Force enabled me to contribute and motivate our D of E Gold group when some were struggling and needed encouragement. Group song renditions, jokes and encouragement were things that I thought I could contribute to the group, boosting morale.
Coming from a medical family, I have no allusions as to how demanding both training and practicing of medicine can be, but I have seen how rewarding it is to help others in their time of need. I intend maintaining a healthy work-life balance whilst pursuing a medical career. I love playing the piano and guitar and find exercise invigorating and challenging. I will represent Guernsey as a triathlete in the Gibraltar 2019 island games, and I hope to compete in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The medical field is filled with physical, psychological, and emotional challenges, however allows for an ever changing, incredibly rewarding, profession. The extensive curiosity in my subjects and medical research, along with my desire to succeed in every endeavour will certainly help me to make a positive difference to the lives of the future.
