Work experience related to qualities

Question 1

Tell me about a time you’ve shown empathy.

Answer 1

Tutoring / my sister’s school helping out

Question 2

Teamwork

Answer 2

shop/ncs

Question 3

Initiation

Answer 3

at work - shop displays

Question 4

Leadership

Answer 4

NCS

Question 5

Organisation

Answer 5

working a job while a levels - Sunderland rr

Question 6

Problem - solving

Question 7

Dealing with uncertainty

Question 8

Time when I’ve been exceptional

Answer 8

looking after sister when parents got covid

Question 9

Do you have good Communication skills?

Answer 9

I believe during my volunteer and work experiences I have developed some good communication skills.

For example, while starting my job as a legal secretary in order to learn all the relevant practical skills, I attentively listened to more experienced workers. This opportunity helped me understand that effective listening will not only help me gain more information but also help form a working relationship with others by building trust.

During the job, there were also many instances where I had to practice confidently asking for help with any doubts and problems. I practiced how to communicate effectively by being precise with what I needed help with. This helped me resolve issues in a time appropriate manner and also how to get detailed instead of general information on how to improve my quality of work. I know that this will be an important skill to use to perfect skills as a medical student in clinical placements and when working within multidisciplinary teams to provide urgent care for patients.

My job also frequently required me to talk to clients

I had also volunteered to help with my school’s year 7 opening day. I acted as a tour guide for the parents and their daughters. This opportunity helped me to refine my communication skills even more as I made sure my sentences were easy to follow and engaging.

As a doctor, you are faced with many situations daily where good communication skills are crucial. I believe that I have a strong foundation in terms of communication skills that I can develop further during medical school.

Question 10

A time of an ethical dilemma

Question 11

Tell me about a time you have been professional.

Answer 11

I used to work

Question 12

Honesty

Question 13

Courage

Answer 13

starting job

Question 14

Creativity

Question 15

Compassion

Question 16

Do you know how to be respectful / tell me a time when you have had to show respect.

Answer 16

school discussion - if someone could choose to have their child born with a disability would you?

Question 17

What is professionalism?

Answer 17

I would say it’s the type of behaviour and level of competence or skill expected of a professional.

The GMC also includes that being professional is what a medic should do to ensure patient care is at its best and so the public can have trust and confidence in their abilities.

Question 18

Do you think / Why is professionalism important in medicine?

Question 19

What is respect?

Answer 19

Being considerate and attentive of the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.

I know treating patients with respect and dignity is one of the 6 NHS values

Question 20

How do you think demonstrating respect and dignity impacts patients?

Answer 20

• Certainly always improves patient satisfaction and trust in the profession
• However, in some situations it may be more critical in others
• One might argue that many young patients just want a diagnosis and the correct drugs and there is little comforting required for most of their acute illnesses
• On the other hand, a patient suffering with a chronic illness will require much more time, support and respect from the doctor -> Holistic care may improve overall outcomes
• Also essential with mental illness and palliative care
• Lack of respect and dignity can be devastating as the patient might outright refuse the treatment offered or go and see another doctor, which wastes resources
• Example from work experience: Doctor having to send away venous ulcer patient due to time pressures, but managing to do this in a dignifying manner