It was absolutely amazing!
On Monday I got to observe some Neurology consultations, where the speciality is in dizziness, headaches, Parkinson's, MS, epilepsy, etc.
Then, for the afternoon I stayed with a doctor who works in dermatology. So we were reviewing skin complaints associated with skin cancer.
On Tuesday I was based in Rheumatology where I saw rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, Sjögren's syndrome, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
For the afternoon I was then based in the Day Care unit, where I witnessed endoscopies and colonoscopies.
On Wednesday I was in the MS Clinic, but also saw a case of
neuromyelitis optica and cases of strokes.
For the late afternoon, I was then based in endocrinology for the last half hour.
On Thursday I was in the Acute Medicine unit on Wards 1 and 2. This was where I witnessed cases of pneumonia, chest infections, bed sores, generalised stomach problems, etc.
For the afternoon, I went back to the day care unit to watch some OGDs, flexible sigmoidoscopies and other scopes.
On Friday (my last day, sadly), I was in Radiology. I was scrubbed up to watch an angiogram (cardiac catheter) and a pacemaker being changed in the Cath Lab. Then I watched an ultrasound, fluoroscopy and liver drainage.
Finally, I went back to the Day Care unit to watch a bronchoscopy!
Overall, my experience was completely amazing. Aside from the fact that I was able to witness some absolutely incredible procedures, the actual patient care and communication was incredible. I was able to reflect on the effectiveness of teamwork, especially in MDTs, and the daily activities that doctor's carry out. Of course, I had a lot of contact with the nurses too, and it was nice to see how they work together. I've learnt to open my mind to the countless possibilities that medicine can offer, consider the key qualities that make a good doctor, to always listen, and to always be true to myself by striving for what I care about most.
For the late afternoon, I was then based in endocrinology for the last half hour.
On Thursday I was in the Acute Medicine unit on Wards 1 and 2. This was where I witnessed cases of pneumonia, chest infections, bed sores, generalised stomach problems, etc.
For the afternoon, I went back to the day care unit to watch some OGDs, flexible sigmoidoscopies and other scopes.
On Friday (my last day, sadly), I was in Radiology. I was scrubbed up to watch an angiogram (cardiac catheter) and a pacemaker being changed in the Cath Lab. Then I watched an ultrasound, fluoroscopy and liver drainage.
Finally, I went back to the Day Care unit to watch a bronchoscopy!
Overall, my experience was completely amazing. Aside from the fact that I was able to witness some absolutely incredible procedures, the actual patient care and communication was incredible. I was able to reflect on the effectiveness of teamwork, especially in MDTs, and the daily activities that doctor's carry out. Of course, I had a lot of contact with the nurses too, and it was nice to see how they work together. I've learnt to open my mind to the countless possibilities that medicine can offer, consider the key qualities that make a good doctor, to always listen, and to always be true to myself by striving for what I care about most.
- Geeker
