My Determination To Succeed In Psychiatry
The physical body is a pendant to the human mind. They are both essential mechanisms needed to understand the principles of Psychiatry; the complex study of the human mind and physical body. I believe by becoming a psychiatrist, I will make a positive difference to the vast majority of mental health suffers. Through personal experiences, I have learned to be resilient, dedicated and persistent. I believe my personal journey has been a valuable guide; encouraging me to support others with the many obstacles they encounter on daily basis.
This course will allow me in pursuing a degree which will not only make a difference in individuals lives, but also allow me to play a vital role both psychologically and socially. To gather insight to the route which I look forward to, I arranged work experience at a GP practice and a hospital. At the Limes Medical Centre, I spent a week shadowing doctors, enabling me to glimpse at the many roles a GP undertakes. For instance, to diagnose a patient, a balance between information told by the patients and observations of their symptoms helps format the best possible solution. The most important aspect of this which I admired was how patients entrusted their GP’s with their overall well- being. Additionally, work experience at Russells Hall Hospital facilitated me into gaining a realistic awareness of a fast-paced environment. Through shadowing a diverse range of doctors, I was able to observe a few minor surgeries. Ophthalmic surgery especially intrigued me. I was able to see injections of Eylea into the eyes, which treated severe maculopathy. After observing the procedure, it made me realise how essential teamwork is.
The surgeon, the surgical assistant and the nurse all had to work together as a multidisciplinary team ensure the procedure was successful and as safe as possible. To expand my perception of geriatric care, I regularly volunteer in the “Good Neighbours” scheme run by Age UK. Spending an hour each week at The Cedars home has assisted me in understanding the quality of being professional, as well as sensitive, to the needs of elderly patients. This is important due to there being several mental health patients there too. Volunteering here has made me realise attributes such as compassion and empathy are significant to any role required in patient care. Allured by the concept of dementia in many of the elderly at the Cedars, it steered me to look into neurological disorders. To do so, I read Oliver Sacks “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. ” It led me to appreciate the strange yet fascinating word of neurologically impaired individuals; a world which many of the thing we take for granted become a major challenge. Having succeeded to self-teach myself guitar over the last 4 years has taught me to be patient, resilient, and committed. In like manner, from being part of the badminton team in my old school, I competed in many tournaments.
In order to do well, I had to perform well under pressure, be flexible, and communicate well with my team. Having taught myself to play guitar in conjunction with playing badminton, allowed me to gain many qualities that are desirable for a health care professional. I believe I possess the right attitude and mind-set essential for this course. I believe by being a highly determined and optimistic student, I will have the drive to succeed, and the passion to overcome any challenges in the future. I would love for the opportunity to improve many individual's quality in life, both with physical and mental aspiration.
