My Decision Of Choosing Medicine
Joining the medical society, attending medicine taster day and work experiences have all contributed to my decision of choosing medicine. However, 'The Young Doctor's scheme' was the most influential, an experience of what the role of a doctor involves and understanding the various aspects of a healthcare system. I was motivated by Dr. Hodgkinson, a doctor working in the Accident and Emergency, who faces a breadth of unpredictable problems and exposures to all specialties of medicine requiring hands-on practical work. Watching 'Surgeons at the edge of life', a series of documentaries filmed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, I was fascinated by the open-heart surgery, an adrenaline fuelled procedure consisting of little time to complete, has taught me the importance of manual dexterity. I have a keen interest in the cardiology aspect of medicine, my curiosity led me onto research of Aortic Aneurysm for my biology project extending my knowledge from the A level syllabus. Attending the 'Global infectious disease' lecture by Professor Heymann has made me more aware of the health problems around the world, especially places with poor healthcare system. In his lecture he highlighted the common infectious diseases and the implications faced to eradicate the diseases. I enjoyed reading the book 'Do No Harm' by Henry Marsh, a doctor who worked to enhance the healthcare system in Ukraine. I am inspired by both, Professor Heymann and Henry Marsh and intend to work with 'Doctors without Borders' in the future, to continue their work in countries with high death rate due to the lack of attention given to healthcare.
Volunteering weekly on a cardiovascular ward at King's College Hospital as a patient befriender has given me crucial insight into the significance of nursing staff and appreciate their role in the wellbeing of patients. Talking to patients many of whom are elderly and knowing that our short conversations improves their day has given me great pleasure and satisfaction. A patient in the HDU one evening, whom I was required to feed dinner because his eyes were extremely swollen, the week after, I visited him in the ward and was surprised by the pronounced improvement to his health due to the care received by the NHS. I was moved by this and I desire to one day make such great changes to people's lives myself.
During work experience at a hospital in the Accident and Emergency I saw the importance of a multidisciplinary team that works behind the scenes supplying patient care, from radiologist to ophthalmologist helping diagnose the patient correctly and efficiently. When shadowing a GP, I observed how the NHS does not only provide healthcare but tackle with much more, for instance a mother of four came in to the GP surgery who was unemployed, asking for help regarding her immigration issues and not related to health, her appointment lasted a total of 40 minutes, this experience taught me that patience is vital to become a doctor and that there is no extent to the problems that could come through the door. At NCS I got the opportunity to lead my peers on the 'raft building' activity and race across the lake on the raft where my group placed first, making me more confident in leading a team. As a Chemistry mentor, I have the responsibility of giving extra support to students, explaining key concepts in the simplest way possible, has enhanced my communication skills. In addition, I have been dedicated to kickboxing club at my local community center, the classes have kept me mentally fit and helped me cope with school work stress, this led me onto completing a self-defense at the combat academy. I am aware that both the medicine course and being a doctor is physically and emotionally challenging, but my level-headed personality will allow me to cope with any obstacle that I could face. Medicine is no longer a childhood dream of mine but a thoughtful decision in which I am ready to dedicate time, hard work and a lifelong commitment.
