work experience

Question 1

What have you done to explore your interest in a career in medicine?

Answer 1

Work experience on the oncology ward: Participated in consultations and ward rounds, learning about the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach to patient care.
Care home experience: Gained insights into the challenges of end-of-life care and the importance of patient communication, especially with non-verbal patients.
Organising Charity Week 2023: Developed leadership and communication skills, as well as an appreciation for giving back to the community - was a very rewarding experience and I would like this to carry on in my future career.

Question 2

What did you learn during your work experience?

Answer 2

Oncology Ward: Observed the integral role of teamwork in patient care, seeing doctors, nurses, and specialists collaborate in discussions to ensure the best outcomes.

small acts of teamwork were vital: one doctor typed notes so that the other doctor can give the patient their full attention - small action of teamwork but it has a big impact on giving the patient their time and attention:

Question 3

If you could undertake any work experience of your choice, anywhere in the world, what would you do?

Answer 3

I would love to have experience working in a developing country, particularly in rural clinics or hospitals. This would allow me to experience resource-limited settings and learn how to adapt medical practices and patient care in challenging conditions, deepening my understanding of healthcare inequalities.

Would be interesting to see the comparisons between them and the NHS

I am from a developing country in bangladesh so this is definitely something I would like to set up when I go back to visit.

Question 4

Tell me about the most impactful day of your work experience. What made it so impactful?

Answer 4

One of the most impactful days was observing a patient with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) using an eye-tracking augmented device to communicate. It highlighted the importance of innovative healthcare technology and compassionate care, and reinforced my desire to work with vulnerable patient populations.

Technology is becoming an increasing phenomenon amongst the health care industry, some people have their concerns for patient - doctor relationships but this had a really positive impact on the patient and actually allowed the patient to communicate with the nurses.

Question 5

Tell me about the best doctor who you met on your work experience.

Answer 5

The best doctor I encountered was a consultant oncologist who not only demonstrated incredible clinical knowledge but also showed a genuine empathy for patients. I observed them leading ward rounds with a focus on both patient care and team collaboration, which deepened my appreciation for holistic patient care.

very clear to see that the patients actually felt the empathy and kindness from them and that’s something I would definitely implement if I had the opportunity to be a doctor

Also before a consultation appointment, the doctor made sure to discuss the patient with the medical student/ nurse before the patient arrived, informing them of the patients anxiety related to her cancer - this made sure the nurses and medical students ensured a comfortable environment for the patient.

Question 6

Can you describe your involvement in any healthcare-related activities or volunteer work?

Answer 6

Charity Week Fundraising Event (Leader):

Led the organisation of a fundraising event for Charity Week 2023, raising significant funds for children in need of basic necessities in developing countries.
Managed a team, coordinated activities, and developed communication strategies to engage the community and encourage participation.
The funds raised supported healthcare-related initiatives, such as providing access to clean water, essential medicines, and nutritional support for children in underserved regions.
Gained experience in leadership, teamwork, and project management, and saw the direct impact of charitable efforts on improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of healthcare infrastructure and equitable access to medical resources, especially in resource-limited settings.
Link to Medicine:

Volunteering in this capacity highlighted the significance of healthcare beyond borders and emphasized the need for doctors to work not only within the healthcare system but also in a broader context, advocating for global health and healthcare equity.
The experience reinforced my commitment to pursuing medicine, as I recognised the potential for doctors to lead and initiate healthcare improvements, both locally and internationally.

Question 7

Tell me about the most memorable case that you saw on your work experience.

Answer 7

The most memorable case was of a patient with advanced cancer who, despite their poor prognosis, remained remarkably positive. This experience taught me about the resilience of patients and the importance of supporting them emotionally as well as physically.

It’s also important to ensure they are actually emotionally okay or they are just trying their best to be brave for their family member who was with them and they weren’t trying to mask any underlying feelings - cancer is one of the most demoralising diseases you could have so its important to have check in on mental health and provide counselling or guidance when needed

Question 8

Tell me about a challenging scenario that you observed during your work experience.

Answer 8

1. I observed on the oncology ward a patient was advised to be moved to a hospice but unfortunately it was unlikely a family member would be able to stay overnight with them, bearing in mind the patient was quite a young patient so it was a major concern of the patient and parents - the doctors ensured that they did find a solution for this extenuated case as it was more emotional than others -
2. There was also a patient with a weak support system from her family and she didn’t feel supported in her care - so the doctor had a kind conversation with her expressing empathy and counselling strategies
3. I observed a difficult situation in a care home where a patient’s family disagreed with the proposed care plan. It was a challenge, but the healthcare team worked together to mediate the situation, ensuring that the patient’s needs were prioritised while maintaining family communication.

Question 9

What was the most interesting part of your work experience?

Answer 9

One of the most interesting days was observing a patient with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) using an eye-tracking augmented device to communicate. It highlighted the importance of innovative healthcare technology and compassionate care, and reinforced my desire to work with vulnerable patient populations.

Technology is becoming an increasing phenomenon amongst the health care industry, some people have their concerns for patient - doctor relationships but this had a really positive impact on the patient and actually allowed the patient to communicate with the nurses.

Question 10

How has observing patient-doctor dynamics during your work experience influenced your perception of medical practice?

Answer 10

I observed how patient-doctor relationships go beyond just diagnosing and treating conditions; they involve trust, compassion, and the ability to communicate effectively, which are essential for ensuring patients feel heard and supported.

Especially on the oncology ward - cancer is such a debilitating disease and having your doctors full support and trust in them is so vital to ensuring effective patient care.

Question 11

Can you discuss how your work experience has given you insight into healthcare management and patient care?

Answer 11

Care Home Work Experience:

Shadowed healthcare professionals in two care homes, one focusing on end-of-life care and the other on patients with chronic conditions requiring consistent management.

Witnessed the challenges of managing long-term care, including the need for personalised care plans and the coordination of healthcare services.
Learned the importance of continuity of care, especially in elderly patients, where long-term relationships with carers help in better managing both physical and emotional aspects of health.

These experiences highlighted the balance between clinical expertise and holistic patient care, showing that patient management is not just about medical knowledge but also empathy, communication, and collaboration with healthcare teams.
Gained a deeper appreciation of the administrative side of healthcare, including the importance of effective systems, patient records management, and resource allocation in both acute and long-term care settings.

Inspired me to pursue a medical career where I can contribute to both direct patient care and the management of healthcare systems to improve the overall patient experience.

Question 12

What insights did you gain about the daily challenges and rewards of being a doctor during your work experience?

Answer 12

The daily challenges include dealing with complex cases, long hours, and the emotional toll of working with critically ill patients. However, the rewards come from making a tangible difference in patients’ lives, especially when their quality of life is improved.

sometimes it is hard when younger people are involved, or patients who don’t get have a strong support system at home we try to navigate those conversations and get them the counselling or help they need

Question 13

What was the most difficult part of your work experience?

Answer 13

The most difficult part was witnessing patients at the end of their life in a care home setting. It was emotionally taxing but also incredibly humbling, teaching me the importance of empathy and support during difficult times.

Also on the oncology ward it was difficult to see patients anxiously waiting for the news from the doctor and what they may say - put it into perspective for me of how hard it must be and i couldn’t imagine being in their situation.

Question 14

Why is it important for candidates to undertake work experience?

Answer 14

Work experience is vital as it provides first-hand exposure to the realities of medical practice. It allows candidates to see the challenges, rewards, and emotional demands of the profession, helping them understand whether they are suited to the profession and strengthening their commitment.

Medical degree is a lifelong commitment and there is an increase in doctors or practitioners leaving the profession due to it’s demands/ stressful conditions so its really important to analyse whether you are fit for the role and can cope

It was also helpful for me to speak to other members of the mDT and not just doctors for example, the nurses and junior doctors and even some of the receptionists - it really helped give me a full overview on what life is like in the hospital and also the positives and negatives of it.

Question 15

Aside from your work experience, what have you done to confirm your interest in medicine?

Answer 15

I have regularly kept up to date with medical news articles and breakthroughs.

For example, one topic at the moment which is quite personal to me as well from going through my own experiences is TSW - topical steroid withdrawal - becoming increasingly common amongst people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis - they are given a steroid treatment however they’re not completely informed of the side effects so they experience really harsh adverse effects. stressed the importance of informed consent.

It was also helpful for me to speak to other members of the mDT and not just doctors for example, the nurses and junior doctors and even some of the receptionists - it really helped give me a full overview on what life is like in the hospital and also the positives and negatives of it.

Question 16

Can you describe the process you went through to secure your work experience?

Answer 16

I approached local care homes and hospitals directly, offering my time to shadow healthcare professionals. I was proactive in reaching out and ensuring I followed all necessary procedures, including securing any required documentation and adhering to health and safety protocols.

Question 17

How did you decide on the particular field or area of medicine that you focused on during your work experience?

Answer 17

I was drawn to oncology due to my interest in working with patients facing life-threatening illnesses.

Also been on the family side of oncology where family members had experienced cancer - I wanted to see the opposite end of the spectrum and what went on behind the scenes - this really allowed me to appreciate the knowledge and hard work that goes into treating a patient because as a family member its easy to feel they aren’t doing enough when your loved one is in critical condition.

Additionally, my experience in care homes sparked an interest in palliative care, where I saw the significant impact of compassionate, holistic care.

Question 18

Can you provide examples of how your work experience has prepared you for a career in medicine?

Answer 18

Through my shadowing experience, I have developed a better understanding of patient care, teamwork, and communication. I have learned the importance of empathy and professionalism, as well as how healthcare professionals collaborate across disciplines to ensure the best outcomes for patients

Also through my degree we had pathology and anatomy modules that gave me an insight into the type of content we would be learning - I found those modules to be the most interesting and consequently I excelled in. Pathology really covered the basis of diffrent diseases ranging from diabetes to parkinson’s to alzheimers.

Question 19

How did your work experience influence your decision to apply to medical school?

Answer 19

My work experience gave me an appreciation for the complexity of medical practice and deepened my desire to be part of a profession that combines science, patient care, and teamwork to make a difference in people’s lives.

Question 20

Can you describe how your work experience has helped you develop important skills and qualities needed in a career in medicine?

Answer 20

I’ve developed strong communication skills through patient interactions, organisational skills while volunteering, and teamwork through collaborating with various healthcare professionals. Additionally, I’ve learned to manage stress and stay compassionate in difficult situations.

I like to manage my stress through other hobbies like playing guitar and crocheting - it lets me have an outlet and a break away from academic stress - I think its important to have those outlets whether its artistic or physical excercise.

Question 21

Can you discuss any ethical or moral dilemmas that you encountered during your work experience?

Answer 21

In the care homes, I witnessed ethical dilemmas surrounding end-of-life care and the balance between respecting patient autonomy and following family wishes. This taught me about the importance of having clear communication and ethical frameworks in place.

Question 22

How did you interact with patients and other healthcare professionals during your work experience?

Answer 22

I was proactive in observing and learning from healthcare professionals. I always made sure to introduce myself to patients, listen to their stories, and respect their dignity. In the oncology ward, I observed patient-doctor interactions closely to understand how to communicate effectively.

It was also helpful for me to speak to other members of the mDT and not just doctors for example, the nurses and junior doctors and even some of the receptionists - it really helped give me a full overview on what life is like in the hospital and also the positives and negatives of it.

Question 23

Can you provide examples of how you demonstrated teamwork and collaboration during your work experience?

Answer 23

During Charity Week 2023, I worked with a diverse team to organise fundraising events, demonstrating my ability to collaborate.

As I was in a prominent leadership role I had to allocate different roles to everyone involved - it was important that during the event i listened to everyone’s ideas and made sure everyone was heard - it was important to work together to develop plans that had were the most effective and had the best outcomes

Working with people that had a similar goal - raising as much money as possible it made it easier to be on the same page - similar to how the MDT works in the hospital - everyone has a similar goal - always doing what is best for the patient.

Question 24

Can you discuss any challenges or obstacles that you faced during your work experience, and how you overcame them

Answer 24

Challenge: Raising Awareness and Engagement

Another challenge was engaging a broad audience and raising awareness about the cause, particularly for children in need of basic necessities in developing countries. The subject matter was very important, but not all potential donors were initially aware of the impact their contributions could have.
Solution: Creative Marketing and Persuasive Communication

To overcome this, I worked on creating impactful messaging and used various platforms (social media, posters, direct engagement with students) to spread awareness about the event and the cause. We also shared real-life stories of how the funds would directly benefit the children, which helped build a strong emotional connection and motivate people to get involved.

Challenge: Time Constraints and Balancing Priorities

As I was also managing other commitments, such as my academic studies and other extracurricular activities, time management was a challenge throughout the planning process. Finding time for meetings, coordinating volunteers, and executing the event while maintaining my other responsibilities was difficult.
Solution: Prioritising and Staying Organised

I overcame this by prioritising tasks and staying highly organised with my schedule. I used digital tools to keep track of deadlines, set reminders, and ensure tasks were completed on time. I also made sure to maintain open lines of communication with both the team and my academic commitments to balance everything effectively.

outcome: despite the challenges it was a very successful event raising 4,000 for children in needc of basic neccessities - felt very rewarding

Question 25

How has your work experience helped you understand the role and responsibilities of a doctor in the healthcare system?

Answer 25

My experience confirmed that doctors are not just clinicians, but leaders in healthcare teams who must advocate for their patients, collaborate with others, and communicate effectively. I also saw firsthand how doctors balance the technical and emotional aspects of care.

To understand the disease you have to understand the patient - its all part of comprehensive care - I witnessed this when the doctor really put the patient at the forefront of all their actions instead of looking at the biology majority of the time it was asking direct from the patient how they are feeling what their body is going through.