The Beauty of Medicine Discoveries

My infatuation to pursue medicine unpredictably germinated on a day I still consider to be equally traumatic as mortifying. Unfortunately the terms “atherosclerosis” and “myocardial infarction” were foreign to me. The coronary heart disease that led to my beloved grandfather’s death created more than just a desire, rather a fixation, embedded so deep within myself to undertake the journey of becoming a doctor.The second stage of my journey begun at a lecture hall in Kings College London where I was introduced to the ever-growing world of stem cell research. I was captivated by how their unique regenerative abilities offer new potentials for treating the very diseases my Grandfather had suffered from-diabetes, and heart disease.

My fascination for medicine further developed as I came across Kevin Fong’s “Extreme medicine.” Through exploring the limits of human endurance, I learnt how it aided significant breakthroughs in the medical world. One chapter particularly interested me as it exposed me to how the combination of technology and knowledge of biological processes within our body can lead to revolutionary survival. I find it remarkable how hypothermic conditions can be used to preserve life, rather than destroy it. Studying A-level biology gave me an understanding of homeostasis and how the body regulates temperature, however I am now further able to understand how cold conditions cause the rate at which cells die to be prolonged. This breakthrough in medicine has introduced to me how I may be able to remove aneurysms from thoracic aortas.

The fact that, through medical and technological advances, there is the possibility to allow a heart that had stopped to start beating again, through a heart-lung bypass machine, renders me beyond astonished. Such miracles inspire me to create ground breaking research of my own. Perhaps my childhood fantasy of “Finding a cure for cancer” may be fulfilled.After recognising the infinite possibilities within the medical field, my curiosity seemed to flourish; transitioning my infatuation for the subject into an addiction. I let my interest in gene mutations to develop a deeper understanding on the effect mutations in the LRP5 gene has on bone density.

My inspiration from this topic stemmed from watching TV shows such as ‘Mystery diagnosis’ where individuals with rare genetic mutations were documented. I find it remarkably amusing how a single change in the base pair of an amino acid sequence is responsible for the difference in DNA between a human and a banana.Taking part in a clinical skills session at Imperial college London, as a part of the WATCCH programme, allowed me to learn the importance of hygiene and the number of steps to minimise risks of infection. Practising taking blood tests and measuring blood pressure enabled me to see how doctors must pay attention to detail as well as have an excellent memory; their key role is ensuring patient safety. The programme also assigned me to Sterndale surgery where I took part in a three-day work experience placement. During this, I shadowed a doctor and was able to see how they interacted with the patients.

Up until then, I held a very scientific view of medicine- however the work experience permitted me to realise the main aspect of a healthcare career: The patient. I eagerly observed as the doctor informed me he was examining a patient with type 1 neurofibromatosis. Reflecting on this, I appreciated how broad the world of medicine is and how even doctors experience surprise they are presented with a patient with a rare skin disease. The primary lesson I learnt from my work experience was the importance of patient comfort. I was able to apply the techniques I had acquired, whilst observing how professional and calm the doctors remained when dealing with challenging patients, to comfort a patient with a phobia of needles. Using my knowledge, from my psychology A-level, of cognitive behaviour therapy as well shadowing the GP I had successfully been able to distract the patient from fear and reduce her anxiety.

The overwhelming feeling of helping a patient allowed me to see medicine through a new lens- effectively allowing my interest for the subject to escalate.Volunteering at the Royal London hospital has unexpectedly led my addiction for medicine to transform into love. My current role as a patient champion is arguably what allowed me to view the world of healthcare in an entirely new light. The abundance of adrenalin rushing through my body when I make a difference to a patient’s life is what drives me to become a doctor today. Equally, I have been on the edge of tears when patients pour their hearts out to me enquiring whether they will survive or not. Being part of a patients journey to recovery daunting. I am now able to understand the intensity of a doctor’s role and how minor mistakes can be detrimental to someone’s life.

Though challenging, I believe the skills I have learnt through witnessing patients suffer from chronic illnesses have enabled me to come to terms with the harsh realities of working in healthcare. This however has not deterred me in the slightest- rather the opposite as I want to do as much as I possibly can to improve the lives of -if not one- as many people as possible.Outside of school I pride myself in serving my community as I believe I have a shared sense of responsibility with everyone to make the world a better place- a quality I am aware doctors have. I spent my summer raising my money through donations and a sponsored walk for the lives of innocent children in economically deprived countries such as Syria, Rohingya and Palestine. Participating in the walk whilst fasting was a difficulty I was able to overcome by remembering the realities of children who have limited access to food.

This further increases my passion to become a doctor as I can serve justice to the world.I can acknowledge medicine will be extremely difficult to study and have identified that time management is very important as a medicine student. However, this is a skill I believe I have excelled at through balancing my A-levels as well as my love of art. Creating paintings which I sell to friends and customers, specifically Arabic calligraphy as this helps me embrace my religion, enables me to embed creativity into my life. On top of this, I have undertaken an EPQ and participated in the Brilliant club, both of which I had to write essays on a chosen topic. I was able to prioritise my workload to meet my deadlines, similar to most doctors. The brilliant club exposed me to the techniques of writing a university styled dissertation, which was a stark comparison to my A-level ones. Though challenging, I was able to persevere and achieve a first. I believe the skills I have gained from It will be extremely beneficial for university.

The beauty of medicine is the endless possibilities for future discoveries. The idea that there are still numerous aspects of the medical world that are unknown sparks my interest and curiosity for the subject more than ever. Medicine allows me to combine my love of science, research, people and saving lives all in one. The journey I have taken has been challenging and emotional yet the primary source of excitement in my life that keeps me going is waking up in the morning and reminding myself “I’m going to be a doctor one day.”