I had my first day of work experience today, I learnt so much and really enjoyed it.
My day was meant to be from 9 till 1 so I got all dressed up in my smart clothes and got driven to the hospital at around 8:30 to collect my name badge from reception. My doctor said for me to wait in the reception area for a bit so I sat there until 9:30 and then he came to introduce himself to me. Then we went to the antenatal clinic.
There were many patients throughout the day, all very different. I took notes of each case-the problem, possible solutions and the procedures. I found it interesting that the doctor had to adapt to each patients case e.g. he was sympathetic and offered a lot of advice to a very upset patient and then was jokey and laughing to his happier patients. I thought it was quite intriguing because all though he was honest and observant with each patient, he also accepted they were there for 5 minutes or so and then when they walked out he had to be straight onto the next patient. I also got to see the doctor's sentimental side as he mentioned one of his patient's sad story. With each patient the Dr checked the mother's pressure and scanned to hear the baby's heartbeat. Where the father or relatives were present, he made sure to involve them in the procedure of hearing the baby's heartbeat. He explained to me that some doctors do not do this incase both parents find there is no foetal heartbeat but he said that that occurs very rarely and by making the father part-take in such activities brought out the joy of being a parent. I learnt about how important nurses and midwives are in the Gynaecology ward and the importance of organisation of medical records. There was also a lot of information about sweeps and inductions that were new to me but never the less exciting.
After this clinic, I joined a junior doctor and 3 4th year medical students from BATL on a tour around the department. I had to wait with them for about half an hour which was very useful as they gave me an insight on how the medicine course at BATL works and about applying to study medicine. They are in this hospital for 4 weeks before they have an exam and continue to a different hospital placement. They were encouraging and told me to make sure I make the most of my 3 days as this will form the basis of my personal statement and interviews.
I went back to find the junior doctor afterwards as I had nothing to do so she said I can spend some time talking to a patient who has just had surgery to remove breast cancer. This patient was in her 60s and I got to ask her a lot of questions about the surgery and how the hospital have handled her cancer as well as other questions. She had had a lumpectomy where the cancerous tissue and some surrounding tissues are removed as well as a lymph node. It was a nice chat. At around 2 I left her to get some rest and headed home.
So it was a busy day, no break for a sip of water even, but it's also been amazing. It's really been encouraging and I'm pretty convinced now that a job in this sort of environment is right up my street. Tomorrow and the day after I have longer hours to spend there so I am going to try and see more.
Will post tomorrow! x
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