Work experience

Question 1

What is the NHS Genomics Strategy?

Answer 1

• The NHS has rolled out a world-leading genomic testing system for babies in ICU.
• The Generation Study, a world-leading initiative led by Genomics England in partnership with NHS England, has begun testing newborns for over 200 rare genetic conditions.
• Aims to screen up to 100,000 newborns across England, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders.

Question 2

Who was Joshua Curtis?

Answer 2

Joshua’s family spent two years seeking a diagnosis for his metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). Had this study been available when Joshua was born, he might have benefited from life-changing gene therapy available on the NHS.

Question 3

How early did the NHS offer WGS?

Answer 3

The NHS was the first healthcare system in the world to offer whole genome sequencing (WGS) as part of routine care.

Question 4

What occurred that emphasised teamwork and reflection?

Answer 4

• Emergency procedure/response/situation.
• All worked together, under the leadership of the doctor, to stabilise the patient.
• After successful outcome, the team reflected on what went well and what could have gone better.
• MDT meetings, many different professionals, all contributing equally.

Question 5

What things emphasised reflection?

Answer 5

• Analysis of deaths and morbidity.
• Link events in pregnancy and neonatal care to infant mortality.
• Reflection on bereavement care and support.

Question 6

What things emphasised empathy?

Answer 6

• Volunteering with SJA.
• Dealing with patients experiencing emotional distress.
• Comforting and talking to patients.

Question 7

What things emphasised communication?

Answer 7

• Observing doctors communicate difficult news to patient’s families in neonates.
• Seeing how doctors communicated with people giving birth (surgically and vaginally).

Question 8

What seemed difficult about life as a doctor?

Answer 8

• Bleepers going off frequently: understaffing and high demand.
• Long hours, emotionally stressful situations etc.
• Nevertheless rewarding.

Question 9

What did you enjoy most about work experience?

Answer 9

• The sense of teamwork and unity between all professions and levels of seniority.

Question 10

Reflecting On Your Work Experience, What Event, If Any, Changed Your Views On Modern Medicine?

Answer 10

• My view is that where funding etc is lacking, doctors and healthcare staff are feeling obliged to fill the gaps unfairly.
• Their diligence and good-spirit is being exploited and as a result they are being severely over-worked.

Question 11

What did you learn from your work experience? (neonatal + congenital heart ward)

Answer 11

S: I spent a week in a neonatal ward in a local teaching hospital trust. Highly specialised unit. Emailed many different consultants, didn’t have any connections.
T: I wanted to get the most from my experience, so I asked lots of questions and talked to various members of the MDT.
A: I ensured that I experienced all of the various different aspects of the job: the scientific and the personal. I was able to observe surgical and clinical medicine, as well as some very important instances of the skills needed to be a good doctor. Also saw difficult moments: emergency, vulnerability etc.
R: From it I learned a lot about the profession: how it can be challenging and emotive, but also how rewarding it can be to work as part of a team to improve a person’s life.
R: Overall, I’m really glad that I completed my work experience where I did, I was exposed to some of the difficulties of being a doctor, but I felt inspired to pursue the career even more afterwards.