Why I Want to Build a Career in Medicine

Observing a physician in General Medicine exposed the wide spectrum of clinical illnesses that doctors address daily. It was an excellent demonstration of the immense knowledge and clinical skills that a doctor contributes in providing patient care. This unique combination of science, expertise and dexterity is what strengthened my interest in medicine. Having always been enthusiastic and motivated to make a big difference in people’s lives, I hope to alleviate suffering.

Shadowing a GP at Mount Medical Centre highlighted the importance of a doctor being fully competent, making an accurate diagnosis and communicating the best treatment to the patient using accessible language. The primary healthcare system is a fundamental part of the NHS, which I observed during my experience at Horn Lane Surgery. My attention to detail developed when I assisted the health advisor with record keeping of confidential papers. Being meticulous whilst sustaining a holistic approach in a medical profession is essential to provide high quality care to patients – an attribute that I wish to incorporate in my own work.

I have arranged further work experience in an AandE department to obtain greater in-depth knowledge in the diverse field of medicine. Weekly voluntary work over a period of six months at Echelforde Care Home has exposed me to the stark realities of geriatric care; isolation, dementia and increased health concerns. It has also emphasized that ‘warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.’ as in the Hippocratic Oath. The time spent with an elderly lady playing board games, reading life story books and painting proved to have a real positive psychological impact as she suddenly brightened up and engaged in a conversation. Spending time with the residents and listening to their concerns helped me to understand the value of empathy in a real medical situation. Reading ‘Being Mortal’ further stressed the importance of improving the quality of life in nursing homes.

My intellectual curiosity for medical research prompted me to create an informative video for the RSCU Science Challenge 2018, which evaluated the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and has motivated me to undertake an EPQ on this topic. Being an avid reader of the New Scientist and the British Medical Journal keeps me abreast with new medical research across the globe. A Prefect role at secondary school required me to conduct multiple tasks with accuracy e.g. efficient events organization, academic studies, curricular activities and managing societies, which is a good introduction to remaining calm and composed under intense time pressure. From my work experience, I saw the GP make rapid decisions in the patient’s best interest; acting as a peer mediator has allowed me to hone decision-making skills to provide justice to vulnerable students when conducting restorative justice sessions. Group activities during my studies and volunteer work have cultivated my problem solving and team-working qualities that will be best suited within a busy routine in medical practice.

In any demanding profession, one should have a work-life balance. As an enthusiastic swimmer and sightseer, swimming helps me de-stress after a busy day and my love for travel allows me to explore many cultures. Having dedication and ambition to acquire my ultimate goal resulted in top GCSE grades at Thomas Knyvett College. I appreciate that a career in medicine entails many demands, both mental and physical, yet I know that I possess the stamina and determination to take on a dynamic, evolving and intellectually challenging profession. With my love for science, constant spirit to learn and desire to care for the infirm, I am excited to commit to the deeply gratifying career of a doctor and would be proud to contribute to the NHS. Overall, my work experience, super-curricular activities and academia have prepared me to start an exciting and interesting journey towards a medical profession.