My Deep Interest in Medical Science

A career in medicine is something that I have had on my mind for a very long time. I have always shown an interest in science particularly the complexities of the human body, from how the body is able to detect changes in its internal environment and sustain a prefect equilibrium to the way in which small defects in our genetic code can have relatively large implications on our health and wellbeing.

I would however have to say that my interest in medicine first arose when I was diagnosed with a condition called Proximal Radio Ulnar synostosis a disease where the bones in my forearm are fused together at the joint doctors played a vital role in helping me cope with my condition by aiding my understanding of what my condition actually was and through physiotherapy teaching me how manage my condition with physical exercises. A chance to be able to care for others in a similar way to the way I was cared for is what has really attracted me to a career in medicine.

To gain a better insight into the field of medicine I organised my own work experience as a volunteer for Bedfordshire continence service where I worked alongside nurses in assessing and managing patient’s incontinence whilst also carrying out procedures such as urinalysis and bladder scans on patients with diseases such as MS and Alzheimer’s. This experience really aided my understanding more about the types of pains that people can experience from the physical to the phycological, I will never forget the chance I had to speak with one elderly woman who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she explained to me that she hadn’t really had a chance come to terms with how much support she was receiving from not only the service but her family. From listening to her speak I got the sense that she felt as if she was a burden for her family, I also got the sense that she was quite afraid of what was to come, I spent some time with her consoling her and reassuring her that she was in good hands and that the service would do its absolute best to help her manage her condition. I found this experience extremely gratifying because I felt that I was able to make a real difference in the lives of the people that I worked with.

Outside of the subjects that I currently study in college I am currently carrying out my own research into some of the neuropathological diseases I came across during my work experience such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It was particularly interesting learn of the various causes of these different diseases for example the accumulation of amyloid plaques sever the connections between nerve cells in the brain leading to patients developing problems with memory and behaviour, it was also interesting to find out that there were some overlapping symptoms of the different diseases such as depression and infections as a result of these diseases. To help me relax outside of school I enjoy past times such as reading and swimming.

Communication and team work are also vital aspects of a doctor. I was able to expand my communication and teamwork skills through teaching taekwondo classes as a first degree black belt I was in charge of leading the warm ups at the beginning of each class as well as assisting with demonstrations, I learnt a great deal about adapting my communication to better suit students who found certain techniques more difficult to understand. On one occasion I was tasked with organising and leading an exhibition of various martial arts techniques to help attract new students, leading up to the exhibition some of my peers approached me to tell me that they were anxious about taking part in such a large demonstration I assured them that they were more than qualified to assist with the event, the exhibition was a success and I was told by my peers that I helped persuade them to continue with the demonstration.