What It Means to Be a Doctor: My Personal Exploration

Embracing What Being a Doctor Means

I am intrigued by the complexity of human physiology and what it means to be a doctor, not only the interdependence of organs and systems but also the essential control of drugs in place, which have very much drawn me to the field of medicine. Moreover, the ability to place scientific principles into practice and transform peoples’ lives positively encompasses, for me, the true ethos of medicine and is the reason why I have chosen it as my vocation.

I consider the first step of treatment to be that of trust between a doctor and a patient. An empathetic and delicate appreciation of patients’ feelings is vital to progressing treatment, as I learned from my work at the GP. I saw a patient suffering from depression who was given a choice about how to handle the illness, the GP explained the disadvantages and advantages of CBT and antidepressants. This showed me how patient autonomy is respected.

Lessons from Doctor Experience

During my work experience at a local hospital, I spent most of my time in geriatrics and observed a very holistic approach to assisting patient recovery. I shadowed a consultant on her ward rounds after MDT meetings which put into perspective how integral teamwork is for progressing treatment. Doctors bear many responsibilities and have to carry out a multitude of tasks with communication being key at all times. For example, during my time in the CDU, head consultants had to build a case against social services in order to provide care for a patient who came in with severe weight loss and with limited mental capacity. This is a clear example of how doctors need to support and justify their claims effectively across organizational boundaries and highlights one of the many problems doctors face. My work experience has strengthened my resolve to study medicine.

Recently, I was in the Royal Marsden ICU, as my mother underwent an operation for bowel cancer, which led to life-threatening complications. It was through this experience that I understood the realities of what it means to be a doctor, and my appreciation for the medical profession is far greater. Since my mother was operated by the da Vinci robot, I first hand saw the revolutionary role of technology in medicine. To further my understanding of this nascent industry, I have enrolled in an online course on ‘MedTech: AI & robotics in medicine’. I am also part of a Journal Club at school where I present articles about new technologies which help medicine progress and improve patient outcomes. Further afield of the curriculum, I enjoy challenging myself and engaging in the sciences and thus received awards for the Biology Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.

I have been volunteering at a care home for the past two years where I regularly and actively encourage residents to converse, play games, and solve puzzles. Many are inarticulate and can become very emotional very quickly. I have developed the patience to listen to and understand these elderly residents. Similarly, I am peer mentoring young girls at my school, helping them with academic and social issues. As a result, I have developed my communication skills and the ability to engage with people of different ages.

Developing Skills Outside the Classroom

Having been part of a rowing club for 4 years, I competed in national regattas and rowed recreationally when I needed to destress. This has developed my ability to be a team leader and a team player; as well as House Captain; a founder member of the school debating society and editor of our school newspaper. I also attended a Pathways Summer school at Imperial College where I was able to take part in clinical skills and interact with professionals and students, where I had the opportunity to delve deeper into what it means to be a doctor. I am fully focused and always work hard to achieve my goals as demonstrated above. Whilst I understand and appreciate that studying medicine will not be easy, however, the prospect of lifelong learning, combined with my genuine desire to help others will be the ultimate reward for me and is the reason why I want to pursue it.