A life-changing knee correction surgery at the age of eight was what sparked my initial desire to become a clinician. Having been unable to walk without pain or limping for most of my childhood, this instilled within me a deep gratitude for the NHS. Through shadowing doctors and long-term volunteering, I was able to confirm my suitability and strengthen my resolve to pursue Medicine.
Having studied the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease during my Biochemistry degree, and eager to serve my community, I became an activity volunteer on geriatric wards. Although it was initially emotionally challenging to see patients suffering from pain or deteriorating, it was humbling to be able to alleviate some of their troubles. Whilst trying to reassure a deluded patient with advanced dementia, I realised that verbal communication has its limits. Holding her hand and repeating her name calmed her enough to be able to complete a small jigsaw puzzle before she nodded off. It was in moments like these that my ability to adapt grew tremendously. With each new relationship that I forged, I learnt the significance of treating patients as humans and not a collection of symptoms as I was familiar with from my studies.
Whilst listening to a senior consultant’s passionate discourse on the precise angle and battery required for a DBS procedure to treat a patient with Parkinson’s, I was inspired by the depth of knowledge that doctors must accumulate and continually keep up to date with. This motivated me to regularly tune into RSM Innovation Summits and BMJ podcasts. Witnessing expert collaboration in surgeries enthused my decision to take on roles of responsibility at University. As President of BioPharma Society, I cultivated my management skills by leading a large committee to organise academic talks for younger students and I had the privilege of providing pastoral care to first years as Peer Mentor. I believe these skills will be invaluable throughout my medical career, as doctors play an ever-increasing role in fostering the next generation. Observing a heart-wrenching consultation about palliative care and how best a young father could tell his children that he had terminal brain cancer, I became acutely aware of the importance of communication and empathy in delivering holistic care. This led me to volunteer as a Welcomer and Wayfinder at a cancer centre. Through this role, I honed my ability to work effectively under pressure by diffusing patients’ anger, working around booking system failures and wheelchair shortages. During crash cases, I used my status as a certified first aider to ensure patient safety and help others remain calm until help arrived. My inquisitive nature led me to attend lectures on the mechanisms of nausea and personalised chemotherapy after talking to a patient who had refused antiemetics and embraced alternative therapies. This made me realise that although doctors accumulate great knowledge and skills to treat diseases, it is ultimately the patient who has the final say about their care and acceptance of this is vital for doctors.
I saw the emotional impact of practising Medicine whilst volunteering in A and E during the winter crisis. As wait times and impolite patients increased in number, I noticed grim humour being used to cope with the stress, and signs of compassion fatigue appearing in the MDT. This revelatory experience made me realise that doctors are also human; they too need emotional support and a life outside of Medicine. Creating art has been my way of destressing and was what enabled me to maintain a first throughout my degree. I have had the privilege of using this hobby to impact society in a way I am not able to as a volunteer - by selling pieces in fundraisers for UNICEF, orphanages, favelas, and the BLM movement.
I look forward to using my altruistic nature and strong work ethic to serve both my University and community on the immensely challenging yet fulfilling path that is Medicine.
