Medicine for me, is a lifelong career of learning, which has the perfect balance between the sciences and the humanities. After attending an ‘Insight into Medicine’ conference, I was intrigued by the diversity of careers/opportunities [MH1] available as a doctor, such as being a clinical academic, who can carry out research, teach and be a specialist doctor. The variety in this career means I can decide how I’d wish to treat my community depending on my interests and personality. I believe medicine to be a fulfilling career, where I can dedicate my hard work and skills to relive the pain and suffering of others. [MH2] 

My motivation to study medicine was fuelled by completing the Observe GP online work experience. I witnessed the importance of primary care in NHS and the multiple roles of a GP, such as liaising with hospitals. [MH3] Observing the way, the [MH4] doctors comforted emotionally vulnerable patients emphasised the importance of communicating effectively with patients to create a trusting doctor-patient relationship. The practise [MH5] manager was able to run the GP smoothly by having good leadership skills as she delegated tasks to other healthcare workers like pharmacists and GP trainees effectively in their operation meetings. I have demonstrated such skills through tutoring at a maths tuition centre, where I was able to grow professionally as I had to organise homework, class work and find various methods to teach students of all abilities. Having taken part in the BSMS Virtual Work Experience, helped me gain a detailed understanding about the core principles of the NHS and learnt how members of the multidisciplinary team for example doctors, nurses and occupational therapists, work collectively to provide thorough patient centred care.

I became mindful of the invaluable role of the NHS when I volunteered for 3 months at King’s College Hospital as part of the ‘I Impact’ project. When befriending patients at various wards, I was taken aback when witnessing not only the physical, but also the mental fragility of their health. There was one patient, who was particularly feeling distressed because he was lonely. So, I encouraged him to play Pictionary and provided him with newspapers and a novel. I noticed the immediate positive impact volunteers had on the well-being of patients as they were grateful to have somebody to talk to, which was a gratifying and humbling experience. It highlighted the importance of having empathy and compassion as a doctor. The hospital would also sometimes be understaffed and there were problems with the computer network, which would be down or running slowly. Despite these challenges, seeing their patients progressively improve in health inspirited the members of staff working overtime to remain positive and resilient. [MH6] 

When I started volunteering at an elderly care home with dementia patients, I, initially, found it difficult to communicate effectively and confidently with them, whether it was due to a language barrier or because I found it hard to relate to them. However, I quickly learnt to adapt my communication skills by speaking more loudly, slowly, using hand gestures and organising activities for them. Helping at a Jewish care home for 6 months, made me more culturally aware of people’s backgrounds which improved my relationship with the residents. These are vital skills for the role of a doctor because they meet patients from all walks of life.[MH7] 

I was further attracted to medicine because of the numerous research opportunities available. I thoroughly enjoyed doing an EPQ titled, ‘To what extent is it necessary to separate conjoined twins’ as I was able to independently take charge of my own learning and research. This topic on medical ethics fascinated me since I could delve into the philosophical aspects of the value of human life and evaluate different perspectives from doctors to academic professors, on such a controversial topic – whether it is justifiable to sacrifice one life to save the other. [MH8] Upon completing the ‘Digital Medicine Summer School’[MH9]  run by Leicester University, I found it interesting to learn about the various types of strokes, such as ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes and how to best manage them.

To learn more about the realities of a life of a doctor, I read ‘This is going to Hurt’ by Adam Kay. It depicted the less glamorous aspects of medicine such as the long hours and the (great) level of uncertainty when treating a patient. It can be concluded that, it is vital for doctors to have good problem-solving and decision-making skills to find a solution and be versatile in difficult situations. I further enhanced my teamwork skills by working together with senior prefects, as a silver badge by organising events like parents evening and school birthday activities together. This is a vital trait since doctors work in teams all the time to utilise a holistic approach when caring for the patient.[MH10] 

Alongside my academics, I enjoy playing badminton and do Shotokan karate as it teaches discipline and enables me to perform under pressure through the grading system where I have acquired a purple striped belt. I have also coached young kids in lower belts which required me to speak clearly using simple language and tested my capacity to be patient. I also love to do art in my free time, such as painting with acrylics or drawing, seeing that it acts as a stress-reliver but also provides a creative outlet for me.

Upon much self-reflection, I believe medicine is the best career suited for my personality. Despite it being an intellectually demanding vocation, it is a rewarding profession and I believe my enthusiastic and empathetic nature will allow me to become a successful doctor.[MH11] 

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