A day in the life of a trainee doctor

James, shares his experience of a day in the life of a trainee doctor. 

Getting up at 7am is perhaps alien to most students; however, it is very important as a trainee doctor you’re up and ready to go.

Studying medicine is a life, not a course.

After a power shower to wake up, a brisk breakfast and wrapping up warm, I hotfoot it to the hospital.

Tuesday is ‘consultant ward day’, which requires a good night’s sleep, a touch of reading and a little preparation.

London has already sprung into life, because it never actually sleeps to begin with; I thrive off the energy.

Once I arrive at the hospital, which I can happily call my second home, it is time to stash everything in my locker, grab the essentials (stethoscope, notes, Oxford Clinical Handbook and my brain) and hit the ward.

Real patients, real decisions and real life. I am expected to speak to patients, become familiar with their medical history and be competent in performing clinical procedures.

I am an extended part of the healthcare team, not just a student. I am a trainee doctor.

After a re-write of a patient’s notes, it is time to present them to the consultant, and in many cases my observations are relied upon especially for new patients.

Your superiors will take care of you and it’s a great opportunity to learn from real doctors and patients.

The diverse nature of the course means that every day is you have first-hand experience where you can learn from some world experts.

Best of all, being on ward was a reminder that this is definitely what I want to do in life.”

If you’re interested in studying medicine, you may also like Reedhi’s experience at medical school.

Want to study medicine? Check out these courses: International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Sciences at INTO Univeristy of East Anglia, International Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at INTO Newcastle University or International Foundation in Pharmacy at INTO Manchester. 

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