CASPer Article Title

The human body is something we take for granted. It can take an unexpected turn, suffering from diseases or disorders, sometimes rare or unknown. Being able to make critical decisions about people’s health and to make a profoundly positive effect on the community are what drives me to pursue a career in medicine.

Over the summer, I arranged work experience in three contrasting specialities. Whilst shadowing orthopaedic doctors in a major trauma centre, I noticed the spontaneous aspect of medicine. It is a real challenge not knowing what will walk through the door. Then, to be able to make immediate clinical decisions is intellectually challenging. For instance, I witnessed a multi-disciplinary team responding to trauma calls and then surveying for any injuries of the girl. They drew up a treatment plan within minutes. The complexity and uncertainty of her spinal injuries would require the doctor to monitor her for the rest of the day, showing his genuine concern in her recovery. Moreover, at the Eye Hospital, while observing patients with lifelong conditions such as glaucoma, I learned that strong rapport between the doctor and the patients is important to ensure the best quality of care over a long period of time. I also saw first-hand how grateful the patients were, and made me realise that being a doctor is a privileged job. In my third placement at the neonatal ward, seeing the registrars on their thirteen-hour shifts made me appreciate that, at times, clinical work can be physically draining. I also noted the intense emotional stress they faced when they tried to save one of the premature babies. Similarly, I volunteer weekly at the oncology ward, and encounter patients coming to the end of their palliative care. Communication skills are clearly important to be able to convey the unfortunate news in the most empathetic way.