So here we are, a year down the line. I've had some new experiences, made lots of great friends and even learnt how to use my stethoscope.
I don't think I could have asked for a better start. The transition from my gap year, spent working full-time in care settings, could not have been smoother. Interestingly, most of my flat mates were in the same position as me. Having had a year out to re-apply and gain some life experience seemed to make everyone eager yet a little anxious about returning to an academic setting. It's amazing how little time in takes for you to become attached to people you have only just met. By the end of our first week, we were speaking to each other as if we'd known each other for years!
The thing that really makes BSMS is the people. I honestly I could not have wished for a nicer year group! Everyone is so friendly which gives the whole medical school a great atmosphere. This is something I really noticed as being different to sixth form; all the students here seem to be passionate, out-going and hard working. On reflection, it wasn't until I started that I quite realised the value of medical school interviews. By looking at the type of students on my course, it seems quite obvious what BSMS were looking for in their candidates. Interview days seems like such a long time ago now!
Overall I feel that the work has been hard, but I've enjoyed the challenge. Plus it feels great to actually be able to recognise medical conditions and abnormalities, as well as understand how and why things work in our bodies. Dissection has been great, I have learnt so much anatomy and developed my cutting skills- I'm still far from a pro, but I'm getting much better at using the bone saw! Also I've become good friends with my dissection group-working as a team has brought a real mix of people together through the unique experience.
In terms of social life, BSMS is simply amazing! From Freshers Week right through to the end of the year, MedSoc has organised an interesting array of nights out, most of which have included a hilarious fancy dress theme. I also love the Medic Parents scheme, which was introduced to us in our first week. My parents (2nd year students) have been great to me, they've cooked dinner for my Medic siblings and I and throughout the year they've really looked out for us. I can't wait to be a parent in September, when I'll have my own Medic children to look after. Also, I hope I can keep in contact with my medic parents; this will be a little bit harder as they will be based at the hospital for their 3rd year of teaching.
It amazes me at how much I have learnt in just 30 weeks of term-time teaching. As well as learning about the thorax and abdomen, we have also been taught clinical skills. We have recently had our first OSCE which required us to examine the cardiovascular, respiratory and alimentary systems, take peak-flow & blood pressure readings and demonstrate our focused history taking skills. Through our clinical placements we have had the opportunity to practice these skills on real patients in the GP setting, which makes you feel like a real doctor (well sort of!). We also have been on secondary care visits to various hospitals to get an insight into some of the different specialities. In terms of patient contact, in addition to these visits, we have had the opportunity to follow the development of a new born child and the impact it has on their family. I really enjoyed talking to the mother about her experiences as well as having a few cuddles with her beautiful daughter.
Throughout the year I have got involved and joined new societies such as belly-dancing, Sexpression and paediatrics. I have been to local schools through the Teddy Bear Hospital scheme to help reduce reception children's fears of doctors, as well as taking part in dissection art classes and doing a naked calendar to raise money for our chosen charities. This year I have acted as the first year representative for BrightWAMS society, this included writing lesson plans and having meetings with older students to run sessions to teach primary school children about the human body and to inspire them to consider medicine as a career.
Next year should be just as good, if not better! The work will be tougher, but with placements within A&E, psychiatry and paediatrics, there will be lots of exciting things going on. I will continue to work as a member of the BrightWAMS committee and have been elected the position of secretary. I'm excited to be moving into a lovely student house in Brighton to live with my wonderful flat mates again.
After making a silly campaign video, which we filmed in our flat, my best friend and I have been elected as Freshers Reps. This means over the summer we will be working hard to plan the most exciting week of social events in the Medsoc Calendar! We will need to design booklets, wristbands and choose some exciting themes, in addition to organising this year's Medic Parent scheme and communicating with club promoters to book venues.
Roll on September!
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