Why medicine?
Starting my academic journey with a Biomedical Sciences degree, I was initially drawn to the research aspects of medicine because I am fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body, the mechanisms of disease and its treatments and the potential to use this knowledge to improve people’s lives
As part of my ongoing commitment to this journey, I am currently undertaking the St George’s Summer Studentship, a research internship. This experience has expanded my scientific knowledge, conducting research on genes that if altered may induce resistance to current pancreatic cancer treatments. Giving me a unique insight into the importance of research in advancing patient-centred medical care, which sparked my desire to be in a position where I can apply this cutting-edge knowledge directly to patient care.
Furthermore, during my undergraduate studies, I began to appreciate the application of theoretical knowledge in a practical, patient-focused setting through scenario-based learning tutorials. It also allowed me to actively listen, collaborate and learn from others.
Thus, I desired a career that demands continuous learning, adapting to new innovations as well as a strong element of communication. Medicine, for me, represents the perfect fusion of intense academic challenge, lifelong learning in a dynamic field and the privilege to make a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Doctors are required to continually update their skills, knowledge and practice to provide the highest quality care in the clinical aspect but are also encouraged to partake in teaching and research in an academic aspect which to me is an incredibly enticing prospect
While at St George’s I had the opportunity to interact with diverse healthcare professionals and understand their unique roles. I observed how physiotherapists enhance patient mobility, how biomedical scientists decipher diagnostic tests, and how pharmacologists shape drug development. This significantly reinforced my decision because it allowed me to appreciate that the role of a doctor is often at the heart of this multifaceted, holistic approach to healthcare.
As a doctor, one gets to orchestrate this symphony of professions, coordinating various aspects of patient care, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests like stool samples performed by biomedical scientists then prescribing treatments like a narrow-spectrum antibiotic designed by researchers, resulting in a more effective treatment, minimising disturbance to the patient’s gut microbiota whilst aiding in the combat against antibiotic resistance based on the most recent scientific evidence.
Recognising the pivotal role doctors play in healthcare, and seeing the impact of this profession first-hand has solidified my decision to pursue medicine. The academic challenge that comes with studying medicine, and the lifelong learning journey it offers, are aspects that deeply resonate with my intellectual curiosity. To me, medicine represents a unique blend of continuous professional growth and the privilege of being at the centre of collaborative contribution to improving patients’ lives.
Why medicine? Flashcard form
- Initial interest stemmed from fascination with human body, disease mechanisms, and the potential to improve lives (BMS research approach)
- Undertaking the St George’s Summer Studentship, a research internship, emphasised the importance of translating research into clinical practice
- Scenario-based learning tutorials during undergraduate studies cultivated my desire to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, patient-centred setting
- Medicine offers a fusion of academic challenge, lifelong learning, innovation, strong communication, and the opportunity to impact people’s lives clinically + teaching and research academically
- Experiences at St George’s University highlighted the unique roles of healthcare professionals and the central role of doctors in coordinating holistic patient care
- Doctors are key in ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing treatments, and combating issues like antibiotic resistance based on the most recent scientific knowledge
- Recognition of the pivotal role doctors play first hand, academic challenges, lifelong learning for my intellectual curiosity and growth + privilege of central collaborative contribution to improving peoples’ lives
Attributes of a good doctor
1) Empathy:
Importance:
- Empathy is a critical skill for a doctor. It refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- which in a clinical context means acknowledging a patient’s emotions and responding with appropriate understanding and reassurance
- Empathy is important for building trust and rapport with patients, which can lead to better patient compliance, satisfaction, and overall better healthcare outcomes
- It is also key to ensuring that patients feel heard and valued, promoting a patient-centred approach to care
Impact if lacking:
- If empathy is not practiced effectively, it can lead to patients feeling misunderstood or neglected.
- This can result in non-compliance with medical advice, dissatisfaction with the healthcare system, and can even affect patients’ mental well-being
Personal demonstration:
- In my role as a volunteer at a local care home, I interacted regularly with elderly residents, many of whom were dealing with difficult health and personal situations
- By actively listening and showing understanding, I was able to build strong relationships with the residents, making them feel heard and valued
- This empathy not only improved their mood and overall satisfaction, but it also made it easier to encourage them to participate in daily activities like bingos that I would plan and adhere to their care plans
- I found that the residents were more open to discussing their concerns and needs, which allowed me to provide better support and contribute to more efficient care management
2) Communication:
Importance:
- allows for the clear transmission of information, emotions, thoughts, and ideas between doctors and patients, as well as among the healthcare team
- Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, and poor compliance with treatment plans
Personal Demonstration:
- Resolving conflict between colleagues with a language barrier
- Effective listening, translation, distilling ideas to mediate the discussion ensuring each understands the other’s perspective
3) Decision-Making:
Importance:
- Doctors constantly make decisions that impact their patients’ lives, from diagnosis to treatment plans
- Poor decision-making can lead to inappropriate treatments, potential harm to the patient, and could have legal and ethical implications
Personal Demonstration:
- As the leader of a university society, I often had to make decisions about event planning, budgeting, and conflict resolution among members
- Choosing appropriate events to host
- I had to weigh different options, consider the pros and cons, and make the best decisions for the group
- Ultimately realising the limitation of our society being new, I reached out with other universities and other societies to host collaborative events
- Good decision-making led to successful and well-received events, fewer conflicts within the society, and better allocation of resources
4) Teamwork:
Importance:
- Not only do doctors have a role of management but doctors also work with nurses, specialists, and a range of healthcare professionals
- Poor teamwork can lead to breakdowns in communication, reduced morale, medical errors, and ultimately decreased quality of patient care
Personal Demonstration:
- During my university group projects, I experienced working with diverse individuals, each with unique perspectives and strengths
- I was praised for my ability to collaborate, compromise, and coordinate efforts for a common goal
- Successful teamwork enabled us to combine our strengths, complete projects on time, and deliver higher quality work by learning from each other
5) Problem-Solving:
Importance:
- Doctors must quickly assess situations, diagnose conditions, and determine the best course of action
- Poor problem-solving could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment
Personal demonstration: - During my undergraduate studies in biomedical sciences, I honed my problem-solving skills, particularly in weekly ‘scenario based learning’ tutorials. These skills helped streamline the process of diagnostics, seeking out potential causes and treatments leading to providing better patient care
6) Resilience:
Importance:
- Doctors often work in high-stress environments and need resilience to cope with challenges without burning out
Personal demonstration:
- ISP + Studies + job
- Time management with daily energy tracker
- Seeking help for stress management from personal tutor
7) Lifelong Learning:
Importance:
- The field of medicine is constantly evolving, and doctors must continuously update their knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care for patients
- Failing to stay current could lead to outdated practice and poor patient outcomes
Personal demonstration:
- Continually review my techniques, adapting to new ones, Pomodoro and daily energy tracker
- Undertaking research internship
- Regularly attending workshops, e.g. bone marrow society
- Staying updated with the latest research
What are aspects of patient care
Physical aspect:
- Intensity
- Duration
- Any relieving or aggravating factors
- Side effects? Sleep?
Psychological aspect:
- Is there anything which is stressing you?
- How are they coping?
- How is this affecting you?
Socia aspect:
- Who is at home with you?
- Is there anyone you can talk to on a regular basis
- How is this impacting your relationship?
Financial:
- Is this affecting your job and your income-earning ability
- How are they managing to pay for amenities
- Can they afford to take so much time off?
Health literacy:
Why not nurses
I have a profound respect for all healthcare professions, including nursing. In fact, during my clinical experiences and volunteer work, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible work nurses and other healthcare professionals do daily, and it’s clear that each role within healthcare is integral to patient care
Nurses are Patient advocates; observe and monitor then communicate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients get the best possible care and understand their treatment plans
- Doctors receive a more general training, which ensures that they have knowledge and experience of clinical areas beyond their specialty. This aids the management of the patient beyond that specialty. Also nurse specialists only have clinical expertise in that specialty whereas doctors have knowledge and experience beyond
- It is true that, nowadays, some nurses have taken roles traditionally taken by doctors, particularly in the domains of investigation, diagnosis and treatment but only a small minority have the opportunity and only in very specialised areas and highly protocol driven.
- Doctors have the ultimate responsibility for the patient. They are driving the decision-making process. Although nurses contribute greatly to that process, the final decision will rest with a doctor
- Both nurses and doctors my get involved in research activities. However, doctors are likely to take a lead in the research projects while nurses may be involved in the actual practical execution of projects
It is not a matter of one being better than the other but it’s people with different levels of responsibility and skills working together towards one goal of delivery the highest quality care to patients
How would you deliver bad news?
Follow SPIKE protocol
S - Setting: Arrange for a suitable setting. This means ensuring privacy, eliminating interruptions, and making the environment comfortable. I would also ensure that any significant others, like family or close friends (with the patient’s consent), are present as they can provide emotional support and help remember information
P - Perception: I would first assess the patient’s perception of their situation. This will help me gauge their understanding and expectations. For instance, I might ask, “Could you tell me how you’ve been feeling lately?” or “What have your main concerns been about your illness?”
I - Invitation: It is crucial to ask the patient’s permission before delivering bad news. Some patients may prefer not to know all the details. An example could be, “I have your test results - would it be alright if we discussed them now?” followed by “unfortunately I do have some bad news.”
K - Knowledge: Use simple language, free of medical jargon. I would aim to be honest, but also sensitive, giving information in a gentle yet straightforward manner. Checking the patient understands every step along the way.
E - Emotion and Empathy: After delivery, it’s critical to respond to the patient’s emotions empathetically. This may involve acknowledging their feelings, offering comfort, and validating their emotions. For instance, I might say, “I can understand this isn’t what you were hoping to hear. It’s completely natural to feel upset.”
S - Strategy and Summary: Finally, I would outline the next steps, whether it’s further diagnostic tests, treatment options, or referral to a specialist. Summarising the plan provides a way forward and helps ensure the patient fully understands
Examples for interpersonal skills
1. Team Projects:
If you have ever participated in team projects at school, work, or elsewhere, you can use these as examples of your ability to work well with others. You could mention specific situations where you resolved conflicts, facilitated open communication, or supported team members in reaching the project’s goal.
2. Volunteering:
Working as a volunteer, particularly in roles where you interact with different types of people, can demonstrate your interpersonal skills. For example, if you’ve volunteered at a hospital, elderly home, or charity organisation, you can speak about your interactions with people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and situations.
3. Leadership Roles:
If you’ve held leadership positions, such as captain of a sports team, president of a student society, or manager in a job, you can use these experiences to show your skills in motivating and guiding others, resolving conflicts, and achieving common goals.
4. Public Speaking:
If you’ve given presentations, participated in debates, or engaged in public speaking, these can all illustrate your communication skills. Effective public speaking requires you to articulate your thoughts clearly and persuasively, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
5. Tutoring or Mentoring:
If you’ve been a tutor or mentor, you can speak about how you helped others understand complex concepts, providing individualised instruction based on each student’s needs. This experience can show empathy, patience, and the ability to adjust your communication style for different people.
6. Healthcare Experiences:
If you’ve had any healthcare experience, such as shadowing a doctor, working as a medical assistant, or even personal experiences as a patient or caregiver, these experiences can highlight your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically in a healthcare setting.
STARR examples of interpersonal skills
Example 1: Conflict Resolution
Situation: In my final year of undergraduate studies, I worked on a group project where two of my team members had a disagreement about the direction of our research.
Task: As the group leader, my role was to ensure that everyone could collaborate effectively to complete our project on time.
Action: I arranged a meeting where each person could voice their concerns. I facilitated a discussion where we all listened to each other’s perspectives. Together, we reached a compromise that combined aspects of both original ideas.
Result: The conflict was resolved, and the team was able to move forward with a renewed sense of cohesion. The project was completed on time, and we received commendable grades. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in a team setting.
Example 2: Empathy
Situation: During my volunteer work at a local care home, I encountered an elderly resident who was often upset and distant due to recently being diagnosed with a progressive illness.
Task: I wanted to make her feel understood and less isolated.
Action: I began spending more time with her, engaging her in conversations about her life, listening attentively, and validating her feelings about her diagnosis. I also worked with the care home staff to organise activities she enjoyed.
Result: Over time, she started engaging more with others and participating in home activities. It was a clear demonstration of the power of empathy and patience in helping others through difficult times.
Example 3: Communication
Situation: While working part-time at a pharmacy, a customer came in who spoke limited English and was having trouble explaining what they needed.
Task: I needed to help the customer find the right medication.
Action: I used a translation app on my phone to bridge the communication gap. I also used non-verbal communication—like pointing to different products and using simple gestures—to understand the customer’s needs.
Result: The customer was able to purchase the right medication, and they left the pharmacy expressing gratitude. This experience reinforced the importance of clear communication and problem-solving in healthcare.
Future of the NHS
The Future of the NHS:
Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in technology will continue to shape the NHS. With an ever-growing amount of health data available, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could drastically improve diagnosis, treatment and patient care, as well as reduce costs. Furthermore, telemedicine, which has been significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, can offer more convenient care, particularly for those in remote areas or for those with mobility issues.
Increasing Disease Burden: As the UK population ages, the burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer will continue to increase. This presents a significant challenge to the NHS, both in terms of workload and finances.
Workforce Challenges: The NHS also faces staffing issues, with many roles experiencing significant shortages. This not only puts a strain on current staff but can also affect patient care.
Should the NHS Remain Free and Potential Solutions:
The principle of the NHS being free at the point of service is a foundational value of the system. However, maintaining this in the face of the aforementioned challenges requires significant funding. Here are some potential solutions:
Efficiency Improvements: One way to help maintain the free service is to improve efficiency within the NHS. This could be through better use of technology, more integrated care services, reducing waste, and improving procurement processes.
Preventative Care: Greater focus on preventative health could reduce the burden on the NHS. By investing in public health initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and early detection of diseases, the NHS could potentially reduce the incidence of costly chronic conditions.
Charges for Certain Services: While the core health services should remain free, the NHS could consider introducing charges for non-essential services or for those that are prone to misuse. For example, nominal fees could be charged for missed appointments or non-essential cosmetic procedures.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Public-private partnerships could be explored to supplement NHS resources. While care would still be free at the point of service, the private sector could help provide certain services, bringing additional funding and efficiency.
In conclusion, while it is crucial to uphold the principles of free healthcare for all, the NHS must also adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the population and to ensure its sustainability.
When have you faced a challenging situation and how you dealt with it?
Situation:
- I was tasked with completing a demanding research project,
- which coincided with a particularly challenging course load
- I was also working part-time to support myself
Task:
- I had to maintain a high academic standard
- progress with my research project
- fulfil my work obligations without any aspect suffering due to the others
- demonstrate my ability to manage my time effectively and remain committed to my responsibilities
Action:
- assessing all my obligations and the time each would realistically require
- Using a daily energy tracker, developed a strict schedule, allocating specific time slots to studying, research, and work
- Understood some of my limitations, ask my colleagues if I could take weekend shifts
- made sure to include breaks and time for self-care such as badminton for mental and physical wellbeing preventing burnout
- Sought out advice from my personal tutor for advice and work on stress management techniques such as avoiding multitasking
Result:
- successfully managed my time and responsibilities
- maintained strong grades in my course
- not only did I obtaining a score I was really happy with in my research project but I learnt and appreciated the process of research in drug development
Reflection:
- Looking back on this challenging period, I learned a lot about my resilience and capabilities
- it taught me valuable lessons in prioritisation, stress management, and the importance of seeking help when needed
- it also made me reflect on the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life
- and that over-committing can lead to stress and could have negative impacts on my overall performance and wellbeing
- In future similar situations, while I know I have the capacity to handle multiple challenging tasks, I would also evaluate my commitments more realistically at the outset.
- This experience has given me valuable insights that I will carry forward into my medical career, where managing multiple responsibilities and stressful situations will be a part of everyday life.
Communication and resolving conflict
Situation:
- In my previous employment, I was part of a diverse team with members from different linguistic backgrounds
- One day, a heated disagreement arose between the front of house staff who was a native English speaker and the sous chef who was not as proficient in English
- The language barrier exacerbated the misunderstanding, causing friction and a stall in our team’s productivity
Task:
- As someone who was comfortable with both languages, I recognised the need for intervention
- My task was to alleviate the tension, mediate the situation, and re-establish a clear and effective communication within the team to keep the workflow efficient
Action:
- I approached both colleagues individually first, listening to their viewpoints and ensuring they felt understood
- Providing an outlet for their frustration allowed each of them to regain composure and effectively calm down
- I then acted as a translator in a group discussion where I facilitated a conversation between them, encouraging them to express their perspectives
- I made sure to simplify language without changing the essence of their points to ensure that each party understood the other’s perspective
Result:
- By the end of our conversation, both colleagues better understood the other’s position and apologised for the misunderstanding
- This incident not only resolved the conflict but also resulted in our team developing a system to avoid similar miscommunications in the future
- For instance, we agreed on sharing crucial information in both verbal and written forms, and to ask for clarification when in doubt using drawings
- My ability to communicate effectively in a multi-linguistic setting prevented a potential disruption in our team’s dynamics and productivity
Reflection:
- underscored the importance of clear and empathetic communication, especially in a multicultural team
- I learned that language barriers can often compound disagreements if not handled delicately and can create misunderstandings that may not truly exist
- My role as a mediator taught me to listen actively, translate accurately, and guide colleagues towards compromise
- It also reinforced my understanding of the essential role that communication plays in teamwork and conflict resolution
