Basic Flashcards
What Was The Greatest Medical Achievement In The Last X Years? Ai (8)
One of the greatest medical achievements in the last decade has been the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare. AI has revolutionized how we diagnose, treat, and manage diseases by enabling quicker and more accurate decision-making. For instance, tools like Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold have advanced our understanding of protein structures, helping diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases. AI in imaging has also helped detect cancers, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases with remarkable precision. Moreover, AI has played a pivotal role in personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patients.Machine learning algorithms analyze genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to provide customized treatment plans, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. This has been particularly impactful in oncology, where AI helps match patients with the most effective therapies.The integration of AI into medicine has fundamentally reshaped the healthcare landscape, making it one of the greatest achievements of the last decade.
What Research Articles Have You Read Recently? (12)
Recently, I read a fascinating research article in Nature Medicine titled “The Use of AI in Predicting Heart Disease Through Retinal Imaging.” I’m fascinated by the applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare and that’s how I came across this paper.
The paper presented primary data collected from retinal imaging, where the researchers used machine learning algorithms to predict cardiovascular factors, such as age, blood pressure, and smoking habits, by analyzing images of the retina. They tested its ability to accurately estimate cardiovascular risk compared to traditional methods like blood tests. This involved a combination of data analysis and cross-validation with existing patient records.
The AI model successfully identified key risk factors and provided a risk assessment comparable to traditional techniques, with the added benefit of being less invasive. This development has significant implications for early detection and preventative care, especially in regions with limited access to healthcare facilities.
Challenges of being a doctor (4,5,4)
One key challenge is the constant need to make difficult decisions. Doctors often face ethical dilemmas where decisions can have life-altering consequences. For example, deciding between aggressive treatment and palliative care for a terminally ill patient requires balancing medical knowledge, patient autonomy, and compassion. This constant decision-making under pressure is mentally and emotionally challenging.
Another challenge is recognizing limited power. While the medical field gives you the tools to help, there are times when circumstances or resources limit what you can do for a patient. I saw this so many times while shadowing at a private hospital, where healthcare professionals work so tirelessly but sometimes there’s just nothing to be done and it’s a very difficult thing to accept. This made me aware of how important it is to understand that, while you may not always be able to help in the way you want, your role as a caregiver is still valuable, and in moments like those compassionate care makes all the difference to patients.
Finally, avoiding burnout is a major challenge in medicine. The high-pressure nature of the job means that the responsibility never really stops. Doctors are constantly on call and deeply involved in people’s lives, making them especially vulnerable to burnout. This made me reflect on how essential personal time for hobbies and a strong support system are for maintaining long-term well-being.
Why Not Nursing? (7)
Nurses and doctors share many similarities, such as patient care and collaboration, both of which I deeply value. However, my aspirations align more with the unique responsibilities of a doctor. Firstly, the extensive medical training required to diagnose complex conditions and understand different specialties excites me. Second, while nurses excel in patient care, I am drawn to the leadership and decision-making roles doctors hold, particularly in treatment planning and long-term management. Lastly, one of the unique aspects of being a doctor is the ability to directly diagnose and treat complicated medical conditions using both scientific knowledge and clinical expertise. Doctors take the lead in making diagnostic decisions and creating treatment plans. While I greatly respect the vital role of nurses in the healthcare team, my ambition lies in the unique position doctors hold in healthcare.
Rejected then what ?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal. If I don’t get accepted to leicter, I would see this as a temporary setback rather than the end of my journey because I know medicine is what I want to do with my future. I would reflect on my application, seek feedback to understand where I fell short, and take steps to address those weaknesses. I would use a gap year to broaden my understanding of real-world medicine and grow both personally and professionally. On a personal level, I would dedicate time to pursuing hobbies I’m passionate about, such as playing the guitar and continuing to work on the development of my Generational Link project. These activities will not only keep me productive but will also help me stay grounded while I prepare for reapplication. Resilience and reflection are key qualities for a doctor, and I’d ensure I exemplify them by learning from the experience and coming back stronger next year. You would undoubtedly see me reapplying next year, more determined than ever, as I view Leicester School of Medicine as a foundational step in my journey to becoming a doctor.
