Choosing Medicine as My Future Career Path

Choosing medicine was a decision that wasn't taken lightly, however after years of consideration and with plentiful experiences of medicine, I want to dedicate my future to medicine with the hope of a specialty in Orthopaedics. Multiple work experiences have enlightened me about the career, shedding any preconceptions I may have had about the field. Experiences such as working in an orthopaedics department and shoulder clinic, to shadowing in ICU. Whilst navigating my way through the orthopaedic wards I got to visualise the extreme variety in different specialties that medicine encloses.

I am conscious of the knowledge doctors require and luckily, I was able to experience a somewhat complicated case of a patient with both a compound and open fracture of the tibia where this knowledge was adroitly applied. This consultant managed a possible chronic osteomyelitis that was suspected to have originated from the external fixator that was used to overcome the fracture. The approach the doctor had towards the patient was cordial and empathetic which demonstrated to me that even through an emotionally straining situation, the importance of communication with a patient is paramount when there are further implications from the treatment. Alongside this, at another placement I was able to see some x-rays of cancerous tumours on bones that were caused by malignant neoplasms. The subject of bone cancer allured me, and I have been able to attend a lecture regarding Osteosarcoma.

This topic enthralled me especially as it is mostly diagnosed in teenagers, and so almost making the disease relevant to myself adding depth to my interest. These images showed the diverse types of tumour, some even fatal provoking the vital need for medicine and research that is continuously progressing, whilst battling against the financial pressure and instability that the NHS has been receiving recently. Volunteering with a mental disability group has given me a real sense of achievement and has displayed a more challenging side to medicine - preparing me for the reality of mental health and a true holistic assessment. After working with members of the group I found one adult with Down’s syndrome who was a detached and reserved character. After several sessions, his personality began to emerge which helped me comprehend the focus of the group to prevent isolation from society. This corresponds to an arising NHS problem involving budget cuts from the trusts’ mental health services of almost £600 million since 2010. Today’s figures show most of the mental health services are suffering from under resourcing and these cuts will fall squarely on patient care. During a week at a summer school, the intensity of the clinical roles as well as the research topics at the school revealed to me the different natures of each medical study and has brought my attention to pathobiology. Although a clinical role is my preferred vision of medicine, orthopaedic pathobiology has interested me, and I have looked at a genetic nonneoplastic disease of the bone - Osteogenesis Imperfecta which can be heavily related to Scoliosis.

As I looked further into pathobiology, there are many diseases that have only recently been identified; outlining the significance of upcoming technology to apprehend and treat new diseases. This in turn will make prognoses of diseases such as cancer, a more accurate and reliable representation of the likely outcome. Outside of my studies I enjoy playing the piano as it allows me to relax, nevertheless I have achieved a Grade 5 distinction and from this I believe I have a sense of determination which I incorporate into my studies. Other than music, sports is an abundant part of my life. Whilst playing in several football teams I have had a first-hand experience of being in a team. I am aware of the ethical, intellectual and mental challenges that medicine comprises, but this makes it a rewarding subject and reassures me that I will thrive in medicine.