A Career In Medicine: Intellectually Rewarding Profession

I perceive medicine as an intellectually stimulating and socially rewarding profession. Along with an understanding of science, it requires passion, devotion and personal sacrifices, which I learnt about after speaking to consultants at "A Career in Medicine" course. I have always enjoyed studying science and my enthusiasm to study medicine stemmed from an early interest in biology. To explore this, I completed a two-week work placement in Year 10 in the transplant research laboratory at Addenbrooke's Hospital. I was fascinated by the concept of transplant rejection and even witnessed a mouse heart transplant. In the lab I assisted in carrying out experiments, helping me develop analytical skills and allowing me to see how advancement in medicine is underpinned by research.

My commitment to volunteer at Gracefields Nursing Home regularly for 6 months gave me invaluable insight into the physical and emotional needs of the residents.

Involving withdrawn or even angry residents empathically in conversation and uplifting their mood was highly rewarding and boosted my communication skills. This experience also made me aware of the challenges faced when dealing with an ageing population. Similarly, volunteering at mealtimes at Addenbrooke's Hospital offered an unparalleled opportunity to observe the roles of nurses and medical teams and the need for effective teamwork. I was inspired to see the sustained efforts and dedication of the staff in treating chronic illnesses such as pancreatitis, for example, seeing one patient being discharged after 6 months of hospitalisation. I was similarly moved to see compassionate care being offered to a patient with advanced bowel cancer. Experiences like these reaffirmed my desire to study medicine, to help patients and to have a positive impact on their lives, whilst accepting the inevitability of more emotionally demanding

aspects.
Whilst shadowing a doctor at Irchester GP surgery and in A&E, I was exposed to primary and secondary healthcare. At the GP surgery, I learnt the importance of social aspect of illness and holistic approach to treatment. In A&E, I was thrilled to see the use of Doppler technology to detect a pulse on an ischemic foot, whilst appreciating and learning the workings of a multidisciplinary team and co-operation.
I have completed Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, giving me the chance to improve my team-working and interpersonal skills in difficult situations, along with developing my leadership abilities whilst confidently guiding my team. I also had the chance to work with children through volunteering at Brownies, allowing me to improve my communication skills. I gained further important experience in dealing with the public whilst volunteering at a BHF Charity Shop.
Studying A-level mathematics has enhanced my logical thinking and problem solving skills. For EPQ I wrote a children's book on “Food and Nutrition", allowing me to combine my strength in science with joy for art. This project required effective time management in carrying out independent research and drafting and illustrating the chapters. In my college I helped out at open days and was involved in several fundraising events, for example, helping to organise a cake sale for the Ebola Charity Society, which demonstrated my organisational skills. Outside of school, I regularly do yoga and play badminton as a way to maintain fitness and to relax. I love reading books and have recently enjoyed reading "Complications" by Atul Gawande, which offered personal insight into real life scenarios faced by doctors.
I am really excited at the prospect of studying medicine. Over the last few years I have been dedicated to honing skills that would allow me to succeed in this career. The combination of science and clinical work, with the opportunity to improve people's lives, forms the perfect balance for my strengths and interests. Working as a doctor will always be a fulfilling role for me.