The field of medicine never remains stagnant, relentlessly creating

ingenious ideas and new innovations, an exhilarating aspect since it is a

field of never-ending advancements, fused with the core concepts of
empathy and compassion. Underpinning the principles of medicine is
science: the use of logic to find solutions to the myriad of problems our
intrinsic bodies encounter. My ability to simply understand, both on a
scientific and emotional level, has driven me to medicine where
fundamental scientific ideas can be applied to be in service of the public.
Visiting the urology department at my local hospital, I discovered the
various tasks it undertook, one being prostate biopsy sessions. I found that
everything was completed as a team with the patient always in mind. Many
were afraid of the biopsy since they would possibly be diagnosed with a
life-changing illness, but with the team explaining the procedure they
somewhat relaxed. It was evident that hospitals relied on the wider
scientific community since samples were to be sent to them for testing.
Observing lithotripsy treatments, the doctor had a wide range of IT skills as
the procedure was controlled by a computer, proving that technological
developments have also helped improve medical treatments.
Spending a few days at a GP surgery, I interacted with numerous members
of staff and patients. One event which struck me the most was an
appointment an elderly lady had with the doctor. She had recently fell at her
house and was distraught since she was living alone. In response to this
sensitive subject manner, the doctor was genuinely concerned and
displayed a very privileged relationship with her. After her departure, the
doctor explained to me that people similar to this lady usually came to the
surgery to seek, most of all, reassurance that they were not alone. Giving
me an insight into a world that was often dismissed, but nonetheless
existed, I decided to work at a nursing home. Liaising with the carers in the
nursing home, I learned quickly how to deal with people who were reliant
on me for help. I carried out a range of tasks from making tea for the
residents to arranging pillows for them. My level of patience increased and I
was able to feel more warmth towards them. There was a particular
resident who had a form of dementia who enjoyed my company; she
frequently asked me the same questions and could not retain any specific
information. The severity of the situation was clear and so I later read that
dementia research in the UK only receives 15% of the funding cancer does,
hence halting the discovery of a cure to potentially one of the biggest
threats the UK faces today.
Playing karate for seven years and achieving my black belt taught me
discipline and how to work efficiently under pressure, helping me stay calm
during periods of study when the workload was intense. It will prove useful
when dealing with the pressures of the demanding course as this is a
domain which is falsely glamorised, with many unable to understand that
practicing medicine can be frustrating and stressful. For five years, I joined
a debate club where I worked with a team to construct a debate and was
often the chair, opening my mind to an array of views I had never come
across. Ethics in medicine were frequently discussed, so I went on to read
Tony Hope's 'Medical Ethics', followed by Goldacre's 'Bad Science' which
reiterated the importance of morals while being a doctor as well as the
health scares which arise from unpublished research.
With complete integrity and ability to deal with sustained work, I believe that
I would prosper in a stimulating career of medicine. Speaking three
languages: English, French and Arabic; I can communicate effectively
through a variety of means. I hope to contribute to the powerful workforce
of the NHS and provide members of the public with a service they deserve
since I am an individual who is interested in creating meaningful
relationships with people.