I first developed a keen interest in the field of medicine when my mother, who served as my primary role model, ignited my fascination with human autonomy at the tender age of 5. Years later, I had the privilege of embarking on an internship alongside my mother, a distinguished clinical psychologist specializing in her field at the local hospital.
This invaluable experience provided me with deep insights into the challenges doctors face everyday and I gained deeper knowledge on how a holistic approach should take into account all the patients’ needs, wishes and circumstances. Since that formative experience, my curiosity and passion for the medical field has only intensified, propelling me to actively seek out diverse opportunities across various medical specialties. Recently, I was granted the opportunity to partake in a work experience placement at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, specifically within the Radiology department. It all started from searching for placements near me and summer opportunities. Subsequently, I reached out to over 40 hospitals and general practitioners in London , expressing my eagerness for placement opportunities. It was through one such correspondence that I was encouraged to apply for a placement within the radiology department under the auspices of the NHS trust.
Following up the applicant procedures, I got accepted and a virtual meeting via Zoom was arranged to inform me with hospital’s protocols and provide me with comprehensive details regarding my upcoming placement.
This clinical placement was intense and overwhelming at first, but I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it and gained a valuable and unique experience. The day commenced with an orientation to the hospital facilities, followed by a visit to the nurses’ station where I observed the process of handling calls and scheduling appointments. Furthermore, I had the privilege of witnessing a real-life interventional procedure on an 80-year-old patient with severe venous incompetence, which was a truly remarkable experience. I then spent time in the ultrasound department, where I observed various examinations, including cases such as post-stone removal and recent kidney transplant patients.
And overall in my opinion the case of the recent kidney transplant patient was the most interesting one as there was much to observe and report. Next on the agenda was an hour-long session observing MRI and CT scans consisting of different range of patients . After a lunch break, I had the opportunity to shadow the consultant radiologist in the reporting room, where I gained insights into the interpretation and reporting of CT scans and X-rays, as well as their communication to other medical specialties. One of the highlights of the day was my exposure to nuclear medicine, where I learned about the procedures involved and the steps taken to minimize the release of nuclear waste.
The day concluded with observations in the busy reporting room, where I witnessed the doctor fielding calls regarding scan reports from other healthcare professionals and patients. Radiology depends heavily on technology, and this is changing and developing at phenomenal speed. There is plenty going on to interest those who like to learn new techniques.
Moreover, I have learnt that one of the most useful skills in any specialty is communication, and radiology is no different. Your interpretation of imaging depends on the information you receive from the referrer, and their ability to act on your findings relies on how good your explanation is. Radiology work experience provided me with valuable insights into the field of medical imaging. I have gained hands-on experience operating the equipment and understanding how to capture high-quality images. Additionally, I have learned about the importance of patient positioning and safety protocols to ensure accurate and safe imaging procedures. Working alongside radiologists and other healthcare professionals, I had the opportunity to observe the process of interpreting images and how they contribute to diagnosing various conditions and now I’m considering this speciality as a potential future carrier for me.
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