My Intend To Be Involved In All Aspects Of Patient Care
Medicine is not something I have wanted to pursue from a particularly young age, but an assured decision to enter a field of continually expanding knowledge combined with the opportunity to profoundly improve the lives of others. To study medicine as a vocation would integrate my scientific intrigue with the chance to apply the knowledge I would gain, to becoming an advocate for patients of all backgrounds. To further my insight into the NHS environment and the daily routine of a doctor, I shadowed a Registrar on a Renal ward for a week. Despite being given more patients, the doctor continued to offer the best possible care for the patients, which highlighted the dedication and perseverance required. By attending multi-disciplinary team meetings and operation consultations, I observed efficient communication within the team to arrive at decisions in the patient's best interest. The way the doctors calmly approached the patients showed me that the ability to explain a patient’s condition to them, whilst remaining empathic to the situation, is imperative.
A drastic contrast to the NHS was the two weeks I spent in Tanzania, gaining an informative insight into the impact of culture on the treatments and approaches to patients. I was introduced to infants that were suffering from severe sepsis and anaemia due to parental neglect and tribal medicine. To see the improvement in the child’s condition, and the mother’s devastation change to joy, reinforced my ambition to be part of this stimulating process in the future. During this experience, I spoke with women who had been isolated after being diagnosed with HIV. Despite this, they remained resilient and my time speaking with and understanding their lives was immensely rewarding. I saw the importance of healthcare within the community, specifically at an orphanage where doctors visited regularly. This reinforced my drive to be involved in all aspects of patient care, from the physical to the emotional and social. I was inspired by the determination of the doctors, in a setting which lacked resources, to offer the quality care that the patient’s deserved. These experiences taught me that doctors are required to work in a team rather than at the forefront as it can be portrayed.
Having volunteered at a holiday club and as a netball coach at a primary school, I developed my leadership and teaching skills, organising activities and taking up roles of responsibility ensuring the children’s safety. Teaching children with learning disabilities, helping them to learn shapes and animals, showed me a level of patience and compassion that I hadn't experienced before. As a Prefect, I expanded my organisation and teamwork abilities. Working to arrange charity days and the funding of events, I learnt to prioritise tasks and assume multiple roles as a leader and in a team. Dedication to my A-levels shows I have the equanimity and aptitude for challenging and sustained work. Stemming from my fascination with the module on Communications in Biology, this led me to inquire further into the intricacies of the brain by watching TED talks on topics such as neurogenesis and connectomes. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music and maintaining my interest in art by painting and sketching.
After reading ‘This is Going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay, I was shown an unfiltered perspective of life as a junior doctor. Whilst presented with the many personal and professional difficulties doctors face, the fulfilling nature of a career which combines my passion for science and social interaction means I am certain of my resolve to do medicine. I understand that being a doctor does not mean you will solve every problem you face, but an opportunity to work towards giving the best care to the patient. I believe I have the work ethic, determinism and intellectual ability to apply myself to a role which benefits others. This role is one of which I would approach with tenacity, humility and the complete confidence that this is the career for me.
