Where was your placement?
My placement was at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UCHW/Warwick Hospital/Walsgrave Hospital), in the Neuroscience ward.
What were you hoping to achieve on this placement?
I hoped to gain a more realistic insight into the working life and practices of a doctor, as well as understand the dynamics of a hospital ward, the expectations of the medical team, the importance of multi-disciplinary teams and develop my communication skills with patients.
How did you feel beforehand?
I have been very fortunate in obtaining placements in other hospital departments, including another ward in the same hospital (UHCW), thus I although I felt a little nervous, I was somewhat accustomed to the hospital already. However, I was a little anxious about taking up the time of the doctor(s) who allowed me to shadow them (as always)!
Describe some of your tasks.
Ward meetings, ward rounds, speaking to patients, shadowing my SHO (Senior House Officer/junior doctor), shadowing a physiotherapist
What was your biggest achievement?
Hard to say! I tried to act with maturity and responsibility on the ward, and felt very well-supported in the environment. Gaining the trust and developing a relationship with some of the doctors, nurses, as well as the patients, was certainly hugely rewarding.
What did you learn?
The difficulties of the working environment in the hospital; stresses and expectations in the hospital; the importance of teamwork, good communication, patience, alongside clinical experience and academic confidence
How has this helped you?
I have been able to draw on my experiences in the Neuroscience ward during my interviews at medical schools, though more importantly for me, I feel I have begun to understand what the career of a doctor entails - rather than scaring me, I have become more determined to be as excellent a doctor as the SHO I shadowed!
July 2017 Year 12 Work Experience
Lucy Hong PVJ