Personality, WE, commitment to medicine

Why do you want to study medicine?

Medicine is a dynamic and unpredictable art. It blends both in-depth science with a humanistic, patient-centred approach. As an compassionate person who loves science and thrives on spontaneity, I am very intrigued by this.

The defining moment for me was witnessing a c-section. Holding the baby in my hand made me tear up. The doctors were surprised that I was not repulsed, rather I was fascinated to see the surgery and am keen to try it one day. It was honestly so beautiful to witness this life-changing moment for the woman, especially since she had a severe panic attack just moments before. I want to lead a team and solve complex issues to facilitate life, or improve the quality of life in a way that is meaningful to each patient. being part of the bone marrow committee, I recruit people to save the lives of others. I want to be that person who can guide people during their pivotal moments like this woman.

I want to optimise the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients to treat them holistically. I love being intellectually challenged and am passionate about studying. I always excelled academically, winning an award in 3 subjects in school. My pharmacology degree has allowed me to appreciate a broad range of topics, from immunology, pharmacokinetics, biochemistry and neuroscience, and ethics in clinical research. I really liked engaging my creativity in a research project I did in potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease. I would still delve into this as a Dr, but I felt like going into just research it was lacking in a hands-on, patient-centred approach that engages my empathy skills. As a Dr, I would love to spend more time learning these topics in more depth. 

Being a Dr means having leadership skills in being the final decision-maker. As Head of Media, I’ve realised that I love leading teams and problem-solving. I want to combine hands-on patient care with problem-solving skills to provide the best care I can.

Why not nursing?

• I have considered nursing, after shadowing them in my work experience. They are crucial for MDT. If I was a nurse I would love the closer proximity to patients, providing them comfort, personal care and speaking for their rights to the Doctor.

• However, after careful consideration, being a Dr is more suited for my leadership skills, breadth of medical knowledge and solve complex medical issues.

• If I was to be a nurse, I would try be an ANP since they have more autonomy to prescribe medications, diagnose and manage chronic conditions like diabetes.

• However, I desire the higher autonomy the doctor has, since the final decision lies with the doctor, which bears a lot of leadership and responsibility. I believe I have the leadership skills such as my role as head of media, like leading teams and meetings.

• Nurses are trained to a certain depth of knowledge. For instance, a nurse I saw notified the doctor about abnormal haemoglobin levels, which gave the doctor a more complex issue to solve. This aligns with my desire to solve complex problems.

• Whilst both Drs and nurses can be involved in research, my interests are more similar to that of a Dr. For instance, I’ve worked on a grant proposal to for potential new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease by understanding the pathology in detail. On the other hand, nurses lead projects more centred around the patient’s wellbeing, which is equally as important for holistic care.

• If I could not be a Dr for whatever reason, I would train to be a nurse, since they are crucial for patient-centred care.

• Drs and nurses are an important partnership. However, my passion lies in taking on the clinical leadership role that Drs do, and the greater depth knowledge that they are trained to apply to more complex cases. 

Tell us about yourself

• I am very extroverted and outgoing, which allows me to thrive in social environments. I am on 2 committes and I love working in a team. I enjoy meeting new people, building relationships and creating an environment where others feel comfortable. For instance, on the ISOC committee, I speak to as many people as I can, learn their names, remember what is important to them. They is a key strength that I will bring as a Dr to similarly build healthy relationships with patients and make them feel comfortable.

• I excel in academics and am super proactive, being part of ISOC and bone marrow committee to help save lives. This proactivism would help me go beyond my expected role as Dr, taking part in campaigns and teaching to the broader healthcare community.

• I am very good at managing my own emotions. I am self-reflective, I can understand my triggers well, promote mindful habits. I de-stress often through hobbies like going to the gym frequently, art and writing poetry. This fuels me to work hard and excel in my academics and commitments. It is important for Drs to manage their emotions to prevent burnout, which could compromise patient care.

Describe a situation where you worked well within a team

Being part of 2 very active committees, I work in a team every week. I help unload the task of other team members and always acknowledge people’s efforts verbally.

S - Executing Fresher’s Week on ISOC, including the first event of the semester “Game’s night”.

T - My task was to 1) create the posters, 2) collaborate ideas and 3) help host the event

A - 1) Liased with team members to clearly communicate what information was needed for the poster, giving them a reasonable deadline in time for promotions. 2) Took the initiative to plan my own mini-game and communicated my ideas during meetings. When I noticed some team members struggling, I stepped in by brainstorming ideas with them and offering help. On the night, I helped manage the crowd by regaining their attention when the noise level got too high, ensuring my teammates could present their activities effectively.

R - The event was a success, with a high turnout and positive feedback. My proactive approach ensured smooth promotion and execution, and my ability to adapt in a noisy, dynamic environment helped maintain order.

R - This experience taught me the importance of teamwork over individual skill. Effective communication and efforts between different multidiscplinary roles enhances patient outcomes, especially in a high-stake environment like the one we were in. To work in a team is to promote ideas, actively listen to others, think about how they feel, and respect their boundaries. 

Describe a situation where you worked well as a leader

Being Head of Media 2 years in a row, I’ve developped many leadership skills.

S - For DIW, create an informational poster for frequently asked questions about Islam. I was put in charge to lead the team in organising this.

T - My role was to 1) lead the meeting and 2) delegate questions for other team members on a shared digital document

A - I communicated clearly in the meeting what needed to be done and set a reasonable deadline. I encouraged people to give their ideas, and quieter members to share their thoughts. I ensured a fair task load to all team members in an easy format. When people had concerns about their task load like circumstances, i completed their tasks for them. I always thank people for their efforts to make them feel appreciated and boost team morale. I proofread all their answers and liased with the president to ensure his approval for the post to go out.

R - The FAQ was posted on time. It was very informational, eye-catching and easy to read. It received a lot of likes, saves and reposts.

R - As a team leader, this experience taught me to have responsibility for others and not abuse it. I learned how to lead meetings to be prepared on what to say, actively listen to other people, make them feel comfortable and encourage team members. I learned to solve problems by tying in everyone’s ideas. This is crucial as a Dr is clinical team leader, problem-solving and having the responsibility of the final decision for the patient.

What have you learned from your work experience?

It was difficult but I stayed persistent in gaining work experience by emailing and calling up local hospitals and primary care services for several months. Eventually, I managed to reflect on a range of work experience, from the GP surgery, an obstrecian and gynaecology clinic, and volunteering at a hospice for 6 weeks.

• In the hospice, I learned about geriatric care, supporting the physical and emotional needs of patients by giving food and monitoring their food habits. As well as offering small chat, I learned the importance of non-verbal communication. I learned to support patients just by staying silent when letting them talk to me, especially since the elderly population can often feel lonely.

• At the GP, I explored more ways to show empathy. For example, he used his body language to show attentiveness, such as smiling, nodding and maintaining eye contact, as well as reading body language of the patient. He projected his voice to the hard-of-hearing. He also used SDM frequently. For instance, when he suggested an MRI scan, he picked up on the discomfort of the woman. He suggested if she would do an X-ray instead, and she said yes because she doesn’t like the claustrophobia of MRI scans, even though it would’ve given better results. Here I learned how to balance clinical expertise with empathy. I explored SDM in an essay, exploring how intercultural communication can impact it. 

  • Similarly, as part of being on the ISOC committee, I show empathy to students who express their concerns about settling in.

• At the labour ward I learned how adaptability and teamwork skills can enhance outcomes in high-stake environments such as the c-section surgery. The MDT were crucial in prepping the station and helped deliver the baby seamlessly. Alertness was essential, such as during the handover and surgery, and the ability to synthesise lots of complex information.

  • Being part of 2 committees I engage in teamwork and am adaptable in solving problems that arise during team discussions.

What do you think you would find most challenging about being a doctor?

One of the biggest challenges I anticipate as a doctor is managing patient waiting times and overcrowding, particularly in emergency departments. The NHS is facing increasing patient demand with limited resources, which can result in long delays, patients waiting on trolleys, and frustration from both patients and staff. Balancing clinical priorities while ensuring each patient feels heard and cared for would be a significant challenge.

To manage this, I would focus on strong communication and teamwork. Keeping patients informed about wait times and reassuring them that they have not been forgotten can help alleviate anxiety and frustration. Additionally, working efficiently with the multidisciplinary team—such as nurses and hospital coordinators—can help streamline patient flow.

• My experience in committee work has strengthened my ability to stay calm under pressure, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with different team members. I would apply these skills as a doctor to ensure patient safety while maintaining a compassionate approach

While managing waiting times and overcrowding will be challenging, I see it as an opportunity to develop my adaptability and problem-solving skills. By focusing on clear communication, teamwork, and patient-centered care, I can contribute to improving the patient experience, even in high-pressure situations

What do you want to achieve or contribute to the field of medicine as a doctor?

C - As a doctor, want to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that maximises both physical and emotional well-being. I believe that patients' dignity and mental health are just as important as their physical conditions, especially since mental health is under a crisis. I would run workshops in communities where mental health may be poorly understood due to culture for example.

A - Academically, I want to advocate for and conduct clinical trials involving more women and diverse populations to address the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in research. This can reduce healthcare disparities by understanding how symptoms manifest differently in different populations that were historically excluded, to improve treatment equity.

• I would advocate for better geriatric care to address the shortage of elderly care. I would increase their holistic care by involving a MDT to address their physical, medical, emotional and social needs, maximise telemedicine and community care to suit their physical needs.

M - I recognise the potential for AI for earlier diagnosis and streamline administrative tasks to improve telemedicine and reduce the burden on healthcare workers to focus on giving high-quality patient-centred care. However, I would implement more AI-training for Drs to better understand how to maximise it’s usage and understand the limitations of AI.

Why do you believe you have the ability to undertake the study and work involved?

Academic skills:

• Not only have I consistently excelled in my studies, but I thoroughly enjoy learning. I have a strong knowledge in topics like pharmacogenomics, immunology, pharmacodynamics. For example, I participated in a debate about personalised medicine, exploring not only just the science behind it, but it’s benefits and challenges. I demonstrated by ability to conduct in-depth research and critically analyse complex issues. This foundation equips me with the knowledge to tackle the academic rigors of medical study.

Relevant practical experiences:

• I've gained valuable practical experience through volunteering at a hospice and a member of different committees, where I learned to manage time effectively, interact with patients, and handle sensitive issues. This experience has sharpened my communication skills and allowed me to handle practical aspects of patient care, which are crucial for clinical studies and real-world work.

Work-life balance:

• I understand the importance of balancing intense academic and clinical demands with personal well-being. For instance, while running self-development workshops, I effectively managed my studies alongside leadership responsibilities, ensuring I stayed productive without burnout. This ability to manage stress and maintain well-being will be crucial in my journey as a medical student and doctor.

These experiences have equipped me with the academic knowledge, practical skills, and personal traits necessary to succeed in both the study and the work involved in medicine.

Can you tell us about a project or piece of research you've undertaken that demonstrates your interest in medicine?

• I wrote an essay about how intercultural factors impacts SDM in the PPR, including improved patient outcomes, enhanced trust and enabling cultural competency.

• I made a scientific poster about how AI could improve ethnic discrimination and skin cancer diagnosis.

• I participated in a debate answering if personalised medicine is the future of healthcare, weighing the pros, cons and ethical considerations.

• Reflection: These projects have allowed me to have a greater understanding about niche aspects of medicine. They’ve helped me think critically about how diverse factors influence patient care and how I, as a future doctor, can contribute to a healthcare system that is both equitable and innovative. It has developed my ability to engage in critical discussions, research, and problem-solving - skills I would bring to my medical career.

Have you taken on any extracurricular projects that demonstrate your interest in medicine?

• By being on the Bone Marrow Committee society, I had the opportunity to contribute to a cause that is closely aligned with my interest in medicine. I volunteered to recruit people onto the bone marrow register, and later facilitated a joint event between the Bone Marrow Society and ISOC to raise awareness about bone marrow donations, particularly targeting ethnic minorities who are at higher risk of dying from blood cancers due to the lack of diverse donors.

  • A - I made an informational post on IG, showcasing the stall and explaining the importance of bone marrow donations. I simplified the complex terms in a language they understand and highlighted religious values “Whoever saves a life is as if he saved all of humanity”.

  • R - we got over 50 donations, and increased the diversity of the register by 15%

  • R - It highlighted to me the Hippocratic Oath - to do no harm and save people’s lives. It highlighted to me, adapting my response to the appropriate audience, listening to the values that matter to them whether religious or cultural.

• Secondly, my time volunteering at a hospice deepened my understanding of patient vulnerability in palliative care. I supported their needs by offering food services and friendly conversations. Often, simply listening, or allowing them the space to talk, was the most significant support I could offer.

• Both experiences deepened my understanding of empathy and communication, and the importance of adapting my approach based on the needs and values of those I serve. They have given me a profound appreciation for how medicine is not just about physical care, but about addressing emotional and cultural needs as well—something I will carry forward in my career as a doctor.

What would be your strength as a Dr and why?

My biggest strength is my natural empathy and people skills, which helps me to connect with patients and colleagues. I believe empathy is essential for providing compassionate care, but it’s equally important to balance it with professionalism.

S - An example of this is when a situation arose between two team members. One made a highlights video, but the other expressed concern about being in it due to issues around consent. The team member who created the video argued back, asking for a compromise.

T - Recognizing the tension, I privately messaged the creator to check if everything was okay, as this behaviour seemed out of character for her. She explained that whilst working on a separate university project together, she felt that the work was unfairly distributed, making her stay up late and led to frustration and conflict.

A - I expressed empathy, telling her I’m sorry she went through that and it must’ve felt frustrating. She said it came out of a pattern of feeling unheard. I told her she can speak to me if she needs someone to listen. I also gently reminded her that consent is a key principle and suggested there might be other ways to resolve the conflict between them.

R - She calmed down, thanked me, and took him out of the video. Later, she reached out to him to discuss the underlying issues, and the team dynamic improved.

R - This experience highlighted how empathy plays a crucial role for a Dr. Empathising with patients who often face vulnerable and stressful situations, not only helps build trust, but it also enables effective communication and make them feel heard. Empathy allows us to understand patients on a deeper level, which improves patient satisfaction and outcomes. It’s also vital for maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment with colleagues, as I’ve seen firsthand how understanding their emotions and perspectives can strengthen teamwork.

How would your hobbies contribute to your career as a Dr?

• P - physical wellbeing by keeping active at the gym, going for runs, pilates. Helps me de-stress and revisit problems with a fresh perspective

• I - read books to stimulate me intellectually. Broadens my perspective to have a better understanding of the world and keeps me updated on relevant info as a Dr

• E - pray and journal for mindfulness and renew my intentions as a Dr. I write poetry to control my emotions and facilitate a growth mindset by turning negative experiences into something positive and artistic.

• S - socially am part of 2 committees to keep proactive and have a better work-life balance. Keeping socially connected to friends and family helps to have a support system.

What do Drs do other than treating patients?

• C - Prevention work, such as promoting advice on lifestyle and vaccinations

• A - They can teach medical students or other doctors, such as junior doctors or doctors from other specialties. They can be involved in research, depending on their speciality.

• M - They may take team management responsibilities, such as organising rotas or clinic schedules. They can do quality improvement activities, such as devising clinical audits to ensure the best practice is followed and make improvements where necassary.

• P - They can maintain a work-life balance to de-stress from their heavy workloads. For instance, they can have hobbies of their own and a good social life for a strong support network.

Why do some Drs give up on medicine and never practise?

• C - Medicine is too complex or training is lengthy. Too much learning to be done before having responsibilities. They can’t cope with being personally responsible for a patient’s life or death.

  • Dealing with patients can be demoralising ton deal with people who have many complaints and high expectations.

  • This can be emphasised recently, with the waiting list at 7.5 million due to the NHS backlog

• A - They may find exams as a burden and once you qualify, there are more exams and assessments.

• M - More admin than expected, lots of time is spent on paperwork or meetings, which could take them away from basic clinical care.

• P - They may prefer independent work over teamwork. They may have been pressured into doing medicine. They may be unable to deal with the stress due to heavy workloads, understaffing and not enough funding and resources, which is the reason why many Doctor’s go on strike.

I am able to overcome this because:

• I have the patience and skills to de-escalate heated situations when people are frustrated

• I have done admin work as a GP receptionist

• I thrive in applying in-depth knowledge to exams

• I have teamwork and leadership skills such as my time on committees

• I am good at de-stressing through a healthy work-life balance

As a doctor, do you think you will ever bring work home with you?

As a doctor, it's possible that I will occasionally bring work home with me, particularly given the current pressures within the NHS. However, I believe it’s important to manage this in a way that minimizes the impact on my personal life while also ensuring I maintain patient confidentiality.

Clinical:

• As a empathetic and dedicated person, I may feel inclined to follow up on patient cases outside of working hours, particularly when dealing with complex cases or urgent needs to ensure highest quality of care. NHS pressures, such as staff shortages and heavy caseloads, can sometimes mean I need to review patient charts or prepare for ongoing care.

• However, I would aim to minimize this by being efficient during my shifts and using technology, such as secure digital systems, to access information remotely.

• There may be administrative tasks involved after hours, such as responding to emails, planning staff schedules or addressing urgent operational issues.

• It’s essential, though, that any work brought home adheres to patient confidentiality, ensuring I don’t risk exposing sensitive information in an unsecured environment.

Academic:

• I may need to keep up-to-date with medical research or continue learning outside of my regular hours. This could involve reading up on the latest clinical guidelines or research findings, like in the BMJ.

• Given the constant advancements in healthcare and the NHS’s need for continuous professional development, this work is important.

Personal:

• On a personal level, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially in the emotionally and physically demanding NHS environment.

• It’s crucial that I take time for self-care and family to avoid burnout.

• While I might occasionally need to bring work home, I would be cautious about it, ensuring that I am not compromising my well-being. I would make it a priority to set boundaries, ensuring that I don’t take work home unnecessarily, and if I must, I would ensure the security of any patient data I work with.

While it’s likely that, due to the current NHS pressures, I may occasionally bring work home, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient confidentiality and work-life balance. By using secure systems, managing my time effectively, and being vigilant about the risks of breaching confidentiality, I can balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life while ensuring patient privacy and well-being are protected.

What are some pros and cons of being a Dr?

Pros:

• Opportunity to use your interpersonal skills (eg empathy, communication, teamwork) to provide high-quality patient-centred care. For example, the GP I shadowed was really good at picking up on behavioural cues and delivering holistic care in a way that is meaningful to each patient.

• Dynamic subject that requires constant learning, which I enjoy. I have an interest in a range of topics like women’s health, neurodegenerative diseases and pharmacogenomics. 

Cons:

• Stressful workload, especially when working in conditions that are understaffed and underresourced. For example, the conditions of Dr Bawa-Garba unfortunately led to the passing of a young man due to understaffing and IT system failures.

• Managing patient expectations and complaints can be demoralising, which has been exacerbated due to NHS backlog, waiting list stands at 7.5 million.

I can overcome the cons because:

• My work-life balance includes many methods of de-stressing. I excercise often, take care of spiritual wellbeing and have a strong support system of friends.

• I am good at de-escalating frustrated people.

How would you dissuade someone from going into medicine?

• Medical training is demanding and time-intensive. There are more exams after qualifying and it takes years to become a consultant.

• Mitigate emotional challenges of dealing with loss, difficult decisions, such as bearing the burden of a patient death

• Resilience, self-motivation and lifelong commitment to learning is crucial to navigate this

• Explore shadowing or speaking with professionals to ensure it aligns with their goals

How

Why not physician associate?

• Very useful in helping to assisst Drs to alleviate workload, including taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and developing treatment plans.

• GP - shorter waiting times for appointments

• Similarities:

  • Both prioritise high quality care and building relationships with patients

  • Both collaborate within a multidisciplinary team (e.g., nurses, physiotherapists, radiologists)

  • Both are trained in core clinical skills such as taking histories, conducting physical exams, and interpreting diagnostic tests

• Drs - fully autonomous, can diagnose, prescribe, and treat independently

  • PA - works under Dr's supervision. Cannot prescribe medication or request ionising imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans). May recommend medications for Dr approval

• Drs - ultimate decision-maker in patient care + treatment plans

  • PA - assissts in decision-making but requires sign-off from supervising Drs in complex cases

• Drs - can perform complex and invasive procedures (eg surgery, endoscopy) based on specialty

  • PA - performs some non-invasive procedures (eg taking blood, wound care, assists in advanced procedures)

• Drs - handle more complex cases and makes critical decisions

  • PA - manages less complex cases, allowing doctors to focus on critical tasks

Why do you want to be a doctor, rather than another profession that is caring or intellectually challenging?

What have you read or experienced in order to prepare you for medicine?

Why do you believe you have the ability to undertake the study and work involved?

What branch of medicine do you think would interest you? Why?

When you think about becoming a doctor, what do you look forward to most and least?

What impact do you hope to make in the field of medicine?

Can doctors take part in activism?

• Everyone has a right to a political and religious/philosophical opinion. Moral pluralism - we can co-exist mutually and not use this to cause animosity and division.

• GMC recognises Drs rights to engage in activism and protests:

  • Right to a personal political opinion and can exercise their rights to lobby government or campaign on issues

  • No ban on discussing specific topics or participating in protests

  • Doctors may take part in protests for various causes

  • Must follow the law and ensure their conduct justifies public trust in the profession

  • If a complaint is made about a doctor's activism, the GMC has a legal duty to consider it

  • The GMC focuses on whether a doctor's actions fell seriously below professional standards or put patients/public confidence at risk

• Activism should ultimately strive for a more just society, to reduce the marginalisation

• Dr Julia Grace Patterson is a political activist, founder of EveryDoctor, ultimately aiming for a better-funded NHS, putting the patient at the heart of it

• Having said that, there are some caveats to bear in mind:

  • Balance it with professionalism

  • Potential impact on public trust in the medical profession

  • Ensure it does not interfere with patient care or professional responsibilities

  • The need to justify decisions and actions if questioned

• Don’t discuss politics in front of patients; do not engage in activism in NHS uniform (represent view of NHS or medical school rather than personal opinion)

How have you developped your communication skills?

• My peers would always call me bubbly and chatty. My communication skills have developped significantly through various experiences.

• As a member of 2 committees, running stalls such as fresher’s fair, bone marrow stalls and many events throughout the year, I’m frequently in communication with the general public. From a young age I was dealing with general public (14 years old as a co-founder of a business) - making customers feel heard, validated, handle complains, direct messages.

  • Later in my life I developed this skill as a GP receptionist. I learned to actively listen to patients, answer queries, and manage complaints, which enhanced my ability to stay calm under pressure.

  • Reflection: importance of body language, tone, and flexibility in communication, particularly when addressing sensitive situations.

• I’ve greatly improved my listening and empathy skills in palliative care

  • They just want someone to talk to. Importance of silence and just lending them an ear. Even small talk can make the biggest differences due to how lonely and vulnerable many of them may feel in a place that is unfamiliar and perhaps outside their comfort zone.

  • This is a skill I see as crucial for doctors, especially in emotionally charged situations.

• Presentations - confidence and explaining difficult concepts in a way that is easy to understand

  • Improvisation - GAMSAT talk. I spoke from the heart, explaining my story vividly, speaking clearly, slowly. Asking questions to audience. Used visual aids to help people understand. Focused on and repeated key points. Empathy and morale boosting - “it may sound difficult but…”

  • Similarly I’ve done this during the self-development workshops within ISOC. Getting people to actively reflect, encouraging audience participation.

Tell me about your leadership skills

• I helped to lead the media team for “Fundraising Fortnight”, a charity event between different university ISOCs

  • S: Create a cohesive theme, including a collaborative logo of all the ISOCs, colours and patterns for an introductory post to launch the event

  • Task: As the media lead, my responsibility was to coordinate with representatives from multiple ISOCs to ensure the design reflected everyone’s vision while maintaining a professional and engaging look, and within a limited timeframe. This required teamwork, creativity, and effective communication to balance diverse ideas and schedules. Approachable person, open to criticism, feedback and improvement

  • Action: To start, I set up a brainstorming session with all the ISOC representatives to gather initial ideas for the theme. I actively listened to everyone’s input, encouraged quieter members to share their thoughts, and facilitated discussions to combine the best suggestions. Afterward, I created a draft design based on the key elements we agreed upon and shared it with the group for feedback.

    • When conflicts arose about specific details, like colours or patterns, I made sure to mediate by proposing compromises that incorporated aspects of everyone’s ideas. I also managed the timeline, ensuring the design process fit around everyone’s availability. Despite tight schedules, we stayed on track by maintaining regular communication and keeping the group motivated.

  • Result: The final design was a sleek, visually appealing post that perfectly captured the collaborative spirit of the event. It incorporated all the elements we had envisioned, including the shared logo, unified colors, and patterns, and was well-received by the wider ISOC community. The successful launch of the post helped set a strong tone for the rest of Fundraising Fortnight, boosting engagement and participation.

  • Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of coordination, adaptability, and clear communication when working in a team. It was very rewarding to see the engagement and participation this had facilitated, since first impressions must capture the essence of the spirit of our fundraising fortnight event. In the end, we raised over £10,000 in this charity event due to our teamwork collaboration.

  • This mirrored the teamwork I saw in the surgical team

• There have also been occasions where I’ve had to make quick decisions by myself, either due to a lack of team consensus or short amount of time.

  • S + T: We made a post of a Statement of Solidarity regarding the Ceasfire between Palestine and Israel. Since it was a bit late, one of the team members was insistent on it being posted as soon as possible. There was no consensus from the executive team on when it should be posted and if it was approved. It was a long, detailed message that was signed off on behalf of Swansea ISOC

  • A: I helped the other media member finish the post and posted it as soon as possible.

  • R: The president thanked us for the quick thinking

  • R: A doctor’s ability to assess a situation, weigh the options, and make decisions independently can prevent delays in care and provide patients with timely and effective treatment.

    • Balance between independence and teamwork is essential in high-pressure environments like hospitals, where every decision counts.

    • It helps doctors feel empowered to take action when needed, but also fosters an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect within the healthcare team. In the end, the combination of autonomy and collaboration leads to the best possible care for patients.

How does your hobbies contribute to yourself as being a Dr?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

What is holistic medicine? (finish)

• Treating a patient as a whole rather than limiting them to their physical being. Take into account their social, psychological and spiritual wellbeing rather than just specific symptoms or diseases. It recognizes that these aspects of a person’s health are interconnected, and an imbalance in one area can affect the others.

• Comprehensive Care: It looks at the full range of factors influencing a person's health, including lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being, not just physical symptoms.

• Prevention and Wellness: Holistic medicine emphasizes disease prevention through healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and stress management.

• Patient Empowerment: It encourages patients to take an active role in their health by understanding their body, mind, and emotional states, and participating in their own healing process.

• Natural Healing: It often incorporates alternative treatments like herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, meditation, and nutritional therapy alongside conventional treatments.

• I saw this in many GP consultations…

What does the phrase “inequalities in healthcare” mean to you?

When individuals or groups are not treated in the same manner as others in similar situations

Socioeconomic inequalities:

• Lower health literacy - less educated than others, poorer understanding of health needs and availability of services. Consequences:

  • Common health prevention messages may not reach (avoiding unwanted pregnancies, smoking cessation, unhealthy eating, living + lifestyle) - so govt enhancing health promotion via media

  • Available services not optimally used - govt drive to increase level of services

• Public healthcare vs private healthcare

Geographical distribution (post-code lottery):

• Different levels of care received based on the region they live

• Urban areas have easier access to healthcare facilities than people in rural areas (GPs, limited specialties, longer drive)

• Primary care trusts can make independent decisions about provision of treatment based on their available budgets. Treatment available in one Trust may not be available in another Trust

Cultural/racial inequalities:

• Lower quality communication due to lower health literacy, language barrier, or preference for paternalistic model

• Implicit bias - some Drs discriminate (more authoritative tone, biomedical focused)

• Lack of trust due to historical discrimination

• Lack of understanding collectivist culture

• Certain ethnic minorities and marginalized groups may face higher rates of chronic illnesses and lower life expectancy due to both historical and ongoing discrimination or barriers in healthcare access

• Skin cancer diagnosis - melanomas go unnoticed in darker skin, more likely to die from skin cancer

Gender inequalities:

• Women’s health issues underresearched - less involved in clinical trials, lack of understanding → cardiovascular health. May experience symptoms differently from men. Treatment protocols based off male-centric research

• Endometriosis, PCOS, menopause historically dismissed or not taken seriously, leading to delays in diagnosis + treatment

• Stigma or taboo around reproductive health

• Victim-blaming or undereporting, PTSD misdiagnosed/underlooked

• Gender bias - women’s pain may be dismissed as emotional/psychological

• Men may receive less advice on mental health or wellness

What are some arguments for and against people paying for their own healthcare (as and when needed)?

For:

• Only pay for what you need instead of National Insurance contributions

• Prevent time-wasting patient visits (eg only going for a cold) because they would only go if if they need to

• Competition at doctors’ levels → increased standards of care

• Healthier lifestyle encouragement to minimise need to use healthcare facilties

Against:

• Poor would be at a disadvantage - neediest group and can afford it the least

• May put patients off seeing their doctor or not go at all

• Doctors may refuse to treat patient until payment made

  • US cases where doctors refused to admit patients in emergency until they paid)

• Patients may choose cheapest available option or alternative forms of medicine, rather than best outcome

• Patients with chronic illnesses would face spiralling costs, and they may also be out of work due to illness

• PPR - relationship may be based off money + impact Dr’s integrity. May follow patient’s wishes than clinical judgement

• Drs may organise more investigations than required (for more money) or refer patients to friends

• May encourage a black market, unregulated and dangerous for patients