Rehearsed answers Flashcards
Area of medical history that most interests you?
- 18th Century Edward Jenner observes milkmaids’ immunity to smallpox after cowpox exposure.
- 1796: Jenner inoculates James Phipps with cowpox material.
- James exposed to smallpox; doesn’t contract the disease.
- Experiment establishes vaccination foundation.
- Jenner’s smallpox vaccine birth of immunization, using less harmful pathogen.
- Impact: Global eradication of smallpox through vaccination efforts.
- Preventive medicine principle: stopping diseases before occurrence, cost-effective, contributes to community well-being.
- Herd immunity via widespread vaccination protects even those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., due to medical conditions or allergies).
Tell me about your work experience.
Exceeded expectations in teamwork and synergy of healthcare staff.
Surprised by spontaneous nature of patients’ conditions
Involved in giving out tea rounds and meals
Observed daily red to green meetings
Shadowed a variety healthcare staff members
Joined a consultant and junior doctors on a ward round
Learned to take blood pressure, breathing rate, and blood glucose from nurses
Assisted with weight-taking and changing bedding for patients with mobility issues from Healthcare Assistants.
Gained insight on taking bloods and blood cultures
Talked through ordering tests and observed scans and results with junior doctors
Consultants provided tips on motivation and explained diseases not previously heard about (Adrenal insufficiencies)
Tell me about a positive aspect of your work experience.
Regularly shadows medics as a volunteer.
Patient profiles rewarding, enticing.
Values conversing and humanizing the patient experience.
Revealing a unique side of medicine.
Compelling reason to stay in the profession within the NHS.
Describes the positive impact of empathetic conversations as an amazing opportunity.
Relevance of the Hippocratic Oath in Modern Medicine
To do good and do no harm:
Emphasizes the fundamental principle of ethical medical practice.
Relevance in medical ethics:
Aligns with the pillars of medical ethics, specifically beneficence and non-maleficence.
Echoed in GMC guidelines:
Reflects in GMC guidelines that emphasize providing effective care through evidence-based medicine.
Historical importance:
The Hippocratic Oath was crucial historically, separating disease from supernatural beliefs and focusing on rational and logical reasoning for effective patient care.
Foundation of evidence-based medicine:
The essence of the oath is reflected in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing rational and logical approaches to patient care.
NHS values:
Consistent with the values of the National Health Service (NHS) in promoting effective and ethical healthcare practices.
Incidence of cancer lower in Philippines?
Demographic Factors:
Population age structure impacts cancer rates; younger population in the Philippines contrasts with an aging UK population associated with higher cancer incidence.
Lifestyle Factors:
Diet and physical activity differences contribute to varying cancer rates; the Philippines’ traditional diet may reduce cancer risk compared to potentially less healthy diets in some UK regions.
Environmental Exposures:
Environmental factors, including carcinogen exposure, influence cancer rates; variations in occupational and environmental exposures contribute to differences between the two countries.
Genetic Predisposition:
Genetic factors affect cancer susceptibility; certain populations may have genetic predispositions influencing cancer risk, necessitating research into the genetic makeup of the Philippines and the UK.
Access to Healthcare:
Healthcare access disparities impact early cancer detection; the UK’s well-established healthcare system with robust screening programs leads to earlier intervention compared to the Philippines.
Reporting and Data Collection:
Discrepancies in cancer reporting and data collection influence observed incidence rates; variations in cancer registries’ rigor contribute to apparent differences between the two countries.
Preventive Measures:
Variances in public health initiatives impact cancer rates; differences in awareness, vaccination programs, and tobacco control efforts contribute to varying cancer incidence.
Tell us about a time you showed resilience
Perservering and choosing to do an epq during a diffuclt period of my life.
Undertook an EPQ during a challenging period of personal life
Mother’s peak alcohol dependence required significant support
Balancing academic commitments with family responsibilities
Recognized the importance of the EPQ for a medicine degree application
Faced emotional challenges but maintained a long-term perspective
Emphasized the belief that temporary hardships can be overcome
Learned the importance of resilience and time management
Reinforced commitment to educational and career aspirations
Developed the ability to navigate difficulties while staying focused on goals
Why Medicine?
Parents separation and alcohol dependance.
HCA at local hospital, no aid recieved.
Caregiving responsibility, helplessness illuminated her feeling.
Fuels commitment to working in NHS
Contribute to address gaps in care like my mother had.
Compassionate and equitable healthcare environment.
NHS Values.
MDT , work-life, wellbeing.
EPQ
Young child to black adult.
Marginalised by system, genuine inclusivity.
Most important organ?
Bodily Function:
Control centre, homeostasis, controls movement, processes sensory information, and manages vital functions.
Response to Disease:
Neurological responses in tandem with immune and endocrine system (fever, changes in behaviour) indicate the body’s effort to combat infections or illnesses.
Fatality if Damaged or Necrotised:
Damage to the brain can have severe and often fatal consequences.
Intricate network and delicate structure make it vulnerable to irreversible damage.
Cognitive Function:
Seat of cognitive functions, including memory, learning, and decision-making, quality of life is highly dependent on a fully functional brain
Integration of Senses: link senses provides safety and effective communication with outside world.
Emotional Regulation:
Central role in emotional regulation, influencing mood, stress response, and mental well-being (holistic health).
Most important medication?
Discovery of Penicillin:
Discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Antibiotic properties observed when mold (Penicillium) inhibited bacterial growth.
Antibiotic that Inhibits bacterial murein cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial destruction.
Relevance in Medicine at the Time:
Pre-antibiotic era had bacterial infections as a significant cause of mortality.
WWII
Relevance in Modern Medicine:
Paved the way for the development of numerous antibiotics.
Firstline, common
Lifesaving Impact:
Revolutionized healthcare by transforming deadly infections into manageable conditions.
Saved at least 200 million lives.
Improved surgical safety and outcomes for patients with bacterial illnesses.
Tell us about a time you showed empathy
Situation:
Held leadership roles as Team Lead of the Diversity Team in high school.
Task:
Led meetings to address racism issues within the school.
Encouraged team members to share suggestions and anecdotes.
Action:
Initiated open discussions to create a safe space.
Actively listened, expressed empathy, and ensured respect during conversations.
Result:
Increased engagement from team members.
Gained valuable insights into the prevalence of racism in the school.
Reflection:
Learned about the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Recognized the significance of empathy and effective communication in fostering understanding during discussions about sensitive topics.
Tell us about a time you showed initiative.
Target Oxbridge
Initiated participation in prestigious programs (Target Oxbridge, UNIQ, Sutton Trust) for exclusive access to medical insights.
Explored diverse medical topics, including the effects of antibiotics on bacterial cell replication and Plasmodium virus transmission in mosquitoes.
Gained valuable knowledge and exposure to medicine through webinars, residentials, and early engagement.
Received guidance on the university application process, enhancing preparedness for medical school admissions.
Developed a proactive approach to my prospective career by actively seeking and embracing opportunities.
Area of current research?
SCD,
CRISPR, Casgevy
Research Topic: Sickle Cell Disease
Completed an EPQ on racial inequalities in Sickle cell disease patients.
Genetic Modification for Treatment
Explored genetic modification during the project.
At the time, it was unapproved but showed high success rates in trials.
Recent Advancements
Casgevy, a genetic treatment, recently approved by UK regulators.
Broader Significance
Casgevy’s approval opens the door for genetic treatment of other inherited diseases.
Particularly impactful for conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Potential Impact on Lives
Emphasizes the potential to save countless lives through genetic treatments.
Transformation of Medical Possibilities
Marks a milestone in genetic treatments, transforming the outlook for various inherited conditions.
For/Against treatment of smoking-related diseases?
For Funding Smoking-Related Diseases:
Medical Ethics and Duty of Care:
NHS upholds the ethical responsibility to provide care to those in need, irrespective of lifestyle choices and illness.
Utilitarianism
Public Health Perspective:
Reduces the overall burden of disease in the population.
Contributes to preventive efforts through awareness and smoking cessation programs.
Prevention and Smoking Cessation Programs:
Includes resources for prevention and smoking cessation.
Reduces smoking prevalence for long-term health benefits.
Against Funding Smoking-Related Diseases:
Personal Responsibility and Lifestyle Choices:
Funding treatments may be perceived as subsidizing unhealthy lifestyle choices and perpetuating socioeconomic inequalities.
Resource Allocation and Prioritization:
NHS operates with finite resources.
Funding smoking-related diseases may divert resources from other healthcare needs.
Encouraging Personal Accountability:
Not funding could serve as a deterrent, encouraging personal responsibility for health.
Aligns with promoting individual accountability for well-being.
Tell us about what you do to relieve stress
Badminton
Family time
Helping my brother or sister with their work.
Badminton as a Stress Reliever:
I’ve been playing badminton since high school, and it has become a significant stress-relief activity for me.
Currently, I play competitively in the top division of my local league, engaging with a diverse group of individuals.
This not only serves as a physical outlet but also provides a mental break and fosters a sense of camaraderie within the community.
Family Time for Healthy Relationships:
Spending quality time with my family is a priority.
Cultivating healthy relationships with family members helps create a supportive environment.
It allows me to step away from the demands of daily life and connect with the people who matter most.
Assisting Siblings to Detach from Work:
I actively support my brother and sister with references and proofreading..
Helping them with their work not only strengthens our bond but also contributes to their stress relief.
Witnessing them less stressed and worried about their responsibilities provides a positive and fulfilling experience for me.
Should cosmetic surgery be funded by the NHS?
For Funding Cosmetic Surgery:
Mental Health and Well-being:
Positive impact on mental health and self-esteem.
Aligns with holistic healthcare approach.
Medical Justifications:
Some cosmetic surgeries have medical justifications.
Addresses trauma, burns, congenital anomalies.
Reducing Inequalities:
Access to cosmetic surgery reduces socioeconomic inequalities.
Ensures accessibility for a broader demographic.
Against Funding Cosmetic Surgery:
Resource Allocation and Prioritization:
Limited NHS resources may be better directed toward essential medical services.
Prioritizing life-saving treatments over elective cosmetic procedures.
Ethical Considerations:
Funding may raise ethical concerns, supporting non-medically necessary interventions.
Resources should prioritize urgent medical needs.
Private Sector Options:
Cosmetic surgery for aesthetic reasons could be explored in the private sector.
Preserves NHS resources for essential medical care.
