Being a doctor is definitely not an easy task. But often at times, I sit back and think about how lucky I am to be in this profession. Here are some of the reasons why:
Working with a team
I feel like one of the great things about this job is being able to work with a wide variety of people from nurses, to physiotherapists and pharmacists. With the NHS being the biggest employer in the United Kingdom, I get to meet so many different people. We are able to share different experiences growing up and about our journey into healthcare. Having a great team really helps, it doesn’t feel so much like work and you continue to treasure every day as it comes.
Seeing new cases everyday
One thing I love about medicine, is that no two days are the same. Yes, we do get a lot of the same cases for example community acquired pneumonia or heart failure, but each patient can present and respond to treatment differently. It really does keeps us on our toes.
Useful Knowledge
Having knowledge about the human body is amazing. We get a glimpse first hand at the anatomy of the human body in surgical procedures for example. We are able to use imaging to look at other various organs and structures in the body. Having medical knowledge also comes in useful if someone we know is unwell, we are able to help and point them in the right direction in order to seek appropriate medical advice.
Having the opportunity to learn so many different skills
Medicine is one of those jobs where you are constantly learning. Even as a qualified doctor, I am always seeing something new.
Being able to the impact you make on people’s lives
We can see very unwell patients undergo treatment and procedures, who go on to do very well and later discharged. Even if this is not the case and the patient unfortunately deteriorates, it is amazing to be able to build a rapport with not only the patient but with their loved ones too.
Good at managing time and prioritising
Because of how fast paced the working environment is. This means I have to be quite organised and efficient with the way I work. I have found that I transfer these skills to my personal life, from making to do lists, to prioritising “my jobs” or errands for the day.
Allows you to value time more
Because of the hectic work schedule, I definitely value my time more. I try as much as possible to use the opportunity wherever I can to practice self-care and catch up with family and friends that I have not seen for a while (even if it means virtually).
It can be so easy to get caught up in the stresses of work, but it's so important to take time to sit back and appreciate where you are and what you're doing.
Written by,
Dr Mobola Odukale