My Goal to Succeed as a Doctor

My personal experience caring for a close family member with a mental health condition and the complexities related to managing it were the aspects that first drew me to medicine. It is a field that encompasses and cares for not only the physical health aspects of the patient but also the mental and social. The opportunity to shadow both doctors and various healthcare professionals within the hospital setting highlighted to me just how valuable a multidisciplinary approach is towards providing optimum care for the patient. Understanding the challenges that doctors face on a daily basis and the pressure that healthcare workers often work under only served to deepen my respect for those who work for the NHS and strengthened my desire to work alongside them. It’s clear how good communication not only ensures good rapport with patients, but is also integral in avoiding medical errors. For example, I witnessed how in A+E a distressed older lady with an UTI was soothed by the doctor’s empathy and simple respect for her dignity.

Observing the stages of care that my grandmother received for her diabetes and seeing her autonomy being respected made me realise how important it is to keep the patient at the centre of any medical decision being made. My Biology A Level laid the foundations in understanding how chronic conditions such as diabetes arise and are managed. Seeing first-hand some of the complications diabetes can have (such as retinopathy and Charcot foot), and the impact these have on a patient’s daily life, I am keen to develop a deeper understanding in related areas, especially since there are always new developments in the field of medicine.

As a carer, I understand the importance of empathy and clear communication and have seen how this can help treatment compliance. I have also experienced the effects that caring can have on the carer. For this reason, I undertook work experience at a carers’ service in Camden in order to find out how I could best support myself, but also other carers at my school who were unaware of any support available. I have lead projects for young adult carers, allowing them to receive respite and help from healthcare professionals. Undertaking this vastly improved my ability to communicate with a wide range of people but also made me aware of my own limitations. I believe that this is an important skill as a doctor- to be always aware of the limits of my competence to ensure patient safety is never compromised.

I currently volunteer at a residential care home. As the UK’s ageing population grows and more live in care, I wanted to understand the problems facing residents and those caring for them. I’ve learnt how dementia can impact residents’ quality of life and the distress it causes to themselves and their loved ones. During my gap year, I will be continuing my volunteering at a nursing home in Sri Lanka to better develop a cross-cultural understanding of care of the elderly. Medicine is a demanding career both physically and emotionally. Completing my bronze DofE demonstrates my ability to stay calm under intense pressure within a team so that a successful outcome can be achieved. Additionally, I have competed and won prizes in public speaking and debating competitions. I have learnt how continuous reflection can improve performance and I believe this lifelong skill is valuable in medicine.

Medicine would not only provide me with the satisfaction of contributing to the care and treatment of patients, but would also allow me to pursue a subject that is ever-changing and continuing to develop better treatments. I am aware that pursuing this career is a strenuous and demanding choice to make but I believe my experiences as a carer, with volunteering and in work experience have helped to develop the skills and determination for medical school and later, to succeed as a doctor.

Works Cited

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