Black Bag 2010 3

My desire to become a doctor was sparked early on by my fascination with the biological sciences. I indulged my interest in anatomy and physiology by several opportunistic learning routes. For example, I made sure I tuned into every episode of House and ER. Not only did I find the clinical and scientific accuracy fascinating, but I wanted to become part of a profession where everyone is clever, rich and glamorous. The final realisation that medicine was the vocation I was born to pursue came with my completion of Theme Hospital: a complex task that required initiative, instinct and a profound understanding of the day to day running of Health Services.

In order to consolidate my belief that I should become a physician, I spent a month at the local GP practice, where I grew to appreciate the multiple roles interacting together to provide the best patient care. I learnt the importance of spending entire afternoons stapling together prescriptions and came to understand the challenges of appearing to be interested by receptionists answering phones, drinking coffee, and attempting to find something