Why Medicine?

On my first day back to school, starting in a new sixth form, I was promptly handed a piece of paper with a series of questions relating to my choices regarding university. One of the questions that stood out to me was " Why do you want to study medicine?" Although there is nothing peculiar about this  simple question, I was taken aback by the fact that I only had 4 lines to write on. 4 lines to explain why I wanted to dedicate my life to an often heart rending job consisting of long hours, high pressure and endless studying. I managed to produce a rather succinct but slightly vague answer, and wanted to write one of more detail, and so today I shall be discussing why I want to study medicine.

1. A Life Time of Learning
One of the factors that first ignited my passion and enthusiasm for medicine was its dynamic and consistently progressive nature. A quick glance at any newspaper or site will instantly show you that the world of medicine is rapidly changing for the better. New and innovative technological advances such as CRISPR, liquid biopsys and brain organoids are making the medical field exciting, pushing the boundaries of what we previously thought was possible. As a result, a career in medicine involves a life time of learning, in order to keep up to date with the latest developments. Furthermore, you are provided with numerous opportunities to apply your new found knowledge to "real life" problems, in order to change the world for the better. In addition, by becoming a doctor, you gain access to opportunities to join in this scientific revolution, researching unexplored areas, creating new treatments and eradicating diseases that were once looked upon as death sentences.

2. Greater Perspective on Life
 I think that one of the greatest misconceptions about a career in medicine is the idea that qualifying as a doctor instantly results in a glamorous lifestyle. The reality is rather different. When you study medicine, you don't commit yourself to a job, but to an entirely different way of life. The working hours are long, exams are constant, pressure is high and the work is often emotionally distressing. As I discussed in my last blog post, during my two weeks of working in histopathology, I was initially shocked by the merciless nature of disease and the tragic implications it caused. However, I also found the experience to be rather humbling, and now I believe I have a greater understanding of the fragility of life.

3. The Opportunity to Make a Difference
After contemplating studying  medicine for the past few years, in 2015, I decided that it was the career I most definitely wanted to pursue. Before I started Year 11, my grandma was diagnosed with acute myeloid Leukaemia, suspected to have been caused by previous radiotherapy she received. The prognosis was not hopeful, and she sadly died after a 2 week stay in hospital. Although the doctors and nurses were unable to save her, their empathy, altruism and genuine kindness helped to improve her quality of life towards the end, and reduce the shock for my family. Their behaviour is one of the contributing factors in my desire to be a doctor, no matter how experienced or qualified I become, it will be impossible to save every patient, but it will always be possible to make a positive difference to somebody's life.
4. The Ethos of Medicine
One of my favourite aspects of medicine is the ethos and moral values which all doctors strive to uphold and emulate. Integrity, professional, caring for others and looking past social conflicts, providing help for all those who require it. These are the key pillars that support a relationship of trust between doctors and patients leading to an improved quality of care. Although it may sound slightly vague and ambiguous, I see a great deal of honour in being  doctor, a career I could love and be proud of.
5. The Responsibility
Medicine is stressful, it's a fact which can not be contended, and one which you must consider carefully if you are thinking of a career in medicine. Personally, I tend to thrive under pressure producing a higher quality of work than I would when at ease. Working in the medical field comes with great responsibility, as your actions not only effect you, but also the team members you work with, your patients and their family. All of your work must be completed to a high standard and the simplest mistake could have catastrophic consequences. However, I believe that this high pressure environment would help me to lead a successful career.