My Interest in The Course of Clinical Biochemistry

Biochemistry is an emerging field holding numerous future prospects. Furthermore, Biochemists have an array of responsibilities. My interest in the course is mainly clinical, my rationale for the selection of this course includes the responsibility that I believe is the most significant: finding cures of terminal diseases and finding affordable ways of treating diseases. The most enthralling discovery I ever made was during my academic year when I was taught about cell signalling.

The perfection with which the body coordinates is startling. It all begins with a stimuli, the message is then transmitted to an effector and produces a response. This simple three stepped process drives life itself. Endocrine system run by hormones, nervous system run by neurotransmitters and immune system run by cytokines all follow the same three stepped process. I would explore more about cell signalling in my course ahead.

Spending numerous hours post school in the Chemistry laboratory, I conducted experiments immobilising enzymes and working their efficiency in different cultures. I used different enzymes and substrates, using them in a range of pH levels and temperatures and graphed the data. I worked on my experimental skills and analytical skills by conducting experiments such as titration, acid-base neutralisation, and ion analysis.

I am an avid reader of Australasian Science since 2014 which has fine tuned my abilities to gain a deeper understanding of how science impacts our daily lives. Besides volunteering at Civil Hospital and Rotary Medical Camps I frequently attend awareness seminars at Shifa International Hospital where top physicians and consultants around the country conduct scientific sessions on health topics. Interning at Islamabad Diagnostic Centre for two weeks, I learned how a blood sample is taken and how it is tested for different purposes. The lipid profile of a blood sample should be taken from a patient who has fasted for at least 9-12 hours. Although food ingested will not affect HDL cholesterol, post prandial triglycerides remain high. LDL count is also affected as it depends on the triglyceride count. I also saw the working of an MRI machine and how are patients prepared before they are scanned in it.

My research skills were polished during my six-week internship at SASSI. Working with researchers with years of experience, I learnt to eliminate false facts and identify what makes an opinion legible. I learnt to recognise fallacies and biases and eliminated them in my research papers. Additionally, I learnt how to present my research in an effective way. Along with the rest of my peers, I hosted a conference in Egypt. Although it was about the potential of trade between Pakistan and Egypt, the experience gave me a taste of professional life ahead.

Being an active participant of extracurricular activities, I am a part of my school‘s 4-H Club where I was a part of different projects which included tree plantations and awareness campaigns. I also participated in the WWF International Eco-Internship Program where I was taught how the change in the ecosystem has affected different endangered species. I partook in the Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s First Aid program and learnt the fundamentals of giving first aid. Moreover, I contributed to the Rotary Happy Schools Project where we worked on improving state-funded primary schools.

Finally, studying the chosen course in the UK would allow me to pursue my dream of a career in Clinical Biochemistry, with the possibility of postgraduate study in Medicine leading to a career in Cardiology, Immunology, and Neurology.