Essay: Career progression in medicine (reflective)

My motivation to pursue a career in medicine stemmed from my deep interest and understanding in Biology and Maths. The essence of the human body and the complexity of various systems that function cohesively to ensure the survival of a person led me to seek such a commitment.
I sought a career where I could interact with various people from different backgrounds, be challenged to leave my comfort zone, be humbled by my experiences and I sought a dynamic job that changed over time. Having been diagnosed and treated for asthma from Italy and England I was able to see from the perspective of a patient as well as the different treatment methods employed. I am aware of the hardship that I may have to face on the due course; such as, breaking bad news and handling death. As far as I’ve researched medicine is the course that incorporates all the aspects I seek.
After undertaking work experience I confirmed my decision. The placements gave me insights into the daily roles of the medical multidisciplinary team. Whilst shadowing a registrar at Royal Free Hospital, I observed the professionalism and the communication in a patient-physician interaction as well as the teamwork and integrity within a registrar’s team. A highlight of my placement was witnessing the registrar inform a patient that her cancer was spreading. This moment made me reflect on how a doctor’s posture and mannerism is key to relay such bad news to the utmost detail without causing unnecessary grief to the patient.
Additionally, I was given the opportunity to witness a right posterior hepatectomy. In the theatre I was able to experience the dedication and teamwork between the surgeons, aesthetic team and the nurses. Upon completion of the surgery, listening to the surgeons about their daily routines made me more incentivised to pursue such a career where every day is different and an opportunity to improve existing skills. It has also made me reflect on how the manual dexterity required was similar to those of a violinist.
Additionally, in a community setting, whilst on a placement at Rush Green Medical Centre, I had the opportunity to see how teamwork and communication, especially communications between a GP surgery, pharmacy, hospitals and care homes, that I found to be important aspects in the daily life of a physician.
By working at a special needs school, Newbridge, I developed non-verbal communication skills, including intensive interaction methods and I was often able to portray and understand ideas to the children. I had to be versatile in order to meet each child’s need and after shadowing doctors I came to understand that such skills are vital whilst working in the healthcare profession. Additionally, I was able to understand and emphasize the position and difficulties that such children will face in today’s society.
I am currently volunteering at Chadwell House, a residential care home for the elderly diagnosed with dementia. My role is to organise and lead activities for residents as well as interacting with them. This enabled me to explore and greatly improve my leadership and communication skills. I obtained an insight on the stages of dementia and saw people often becoming frustrated and upset when they could not remember a key event in their life; I frequently had to be resilient and patient with them. I also had to demonstrate my maturity and empathetic skills whilst demonstrating activities to the residents.
This decision was further confirmed through my work experience placements that enabled me to get an insight of the roles of the medical multidisciplinary team and also improve my skills. Whilst on a placement at ROYAL FREE hospital; I had the opportunity to witness the professionalism and the communication between a patient-physician interaction as well as the teamwork and integrity within a registrar’s team.
Having completed work experience at Britannia Pharmacy, I was given an opportunity, due to my portrayal of various skills; responsibility, time management, by the manager to begin paid employment. During my period of employment, I was able to develop communication and teamwork skills through customer interactions and working with the dispensary team, the pharmacist, the anticoagulation department and the local GP surgeries. Moreover, I became more organised and I was able to maintain a good work life balance.
I believe I can maintain a good work life balance. Having organised and led school events and aided the local community by volunteering at Sense (a charity shop), Mossford green primary school and at a care home; I’ve been able to manage my curricular subjects as well as maintaining my mental and physical health.
Moreover, I have devoted time to aid my local community by getting involved with various charities. I have aided in the fundraising for a charity, think2wice as well as being actively involved with MIOT, Medical Institute of Tamils. Also, I have been teaching young children my mother tongue, Tamil at a weekend school. As well as being involved with my local Hindu Tamil Cultural Association. These activities have shaped me into a well-rounded person, as well helping me cope with stress.
I know that I will be contributing to the medical progress. Even now I am involved with many organisations that help others; for example, I am a stem cell donor with Anthony Nolan, I am involved with Dementia Friends and Asthma UK’s research. I know that these minor contributions will bring progress in the medical field.