Parity for Disability Christmas Collection

I've been so busy lately I forgot to write about this! On Sunday the 3rd of December (almost 2 weeks ago now, wow how time passes fast) I was able to take part in Parity (charity for the local disabled) annual Christmas door-to-door rotary collection. I met with some of the other members outside a pub, and was the youngest there so felt a bit out of place at first, but was very quickly warmly welcomed. They were all so nice and jolly; one wore a Santa costume, one drove the Christmas grotto float that played music, and the rest of us wore bright yellow jackets and held collection buckets.

We walked around town, knocking on doors to try and help raise money for the noble charity. I was shocked, being my first year, how many kind residents were expecting it and eager to give money (some for the 5th year, as an elderly woman told me with a smile on her face!) it was lovely to see the children so excited too, a couple of them even read out their Christmas list to Santa while others ran down the street in their pajamas to hear the Christmas songs and see the lights.

Of course we got a few residents that ignored or slammed the door in our faces, but that's all expected. The good far out-weighed it, it was so encouraging to see so many generous people so happy to give in this loving time of year. It really does humble you. Some even invited me in while they looked for money, so I could be out of the cold!

Overall, knocking on doors to the sound of Christmas songs in the cold evening was quite lovely and I can't wait to participate again at future events. Thank you to the rotary team for letting me join in (and a personal thank you to the man who gave me two jars full of money, how incredibly generous). Please everyone remember to spread the love this Christmas and hep those in need!

See Parity's website here
Get involved here
Donate here

Care Home First Day Volunteering!

Last month I walked into my local care home with my CV and a smile. Since then, I've spoken to the manager, has a pre-interview, care home tour, interview, DBS check and exchanged multiple e-mails and phone calls. Today I was delighted to have started my first day volunteering there!

I got in at 10 to 11 where I was led to one of the activities room in the dementia ward where other residents were. I met Peggy who loved my floral jumper and owned the budgie in the landing, and her friend (whose name I can't remember) who came from outside of the dementia ward, who was excited to hear me sing (apparently they were told I was going to be their singing instructor.. I guess I didn't mind!) 

More residents started to arrive until there were 10. We then put in the CD for "Songs that won the war" and sang along with the lyrics that were kindly printed by Sarah, one of the carers. Although I didn't know most of the songs, it was so nice to be apart of it. We sang "Cliffs of Dover" "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" "Who do you think you're kidding Mr Hitler?"..etc. The songs were either too high or too low for my vocal range, which made me sound a bit like a dying cat, but it was fun none the less! 

Once the singing 

had stopped, I went around giving coffee and tea t the residents with the other carers, and met Peter the previous singer/actor, Joan the happy and bubbly but unfortunately dementia struck lady (has trouble forming sentences), Jimmy Bun the previous soldier and business management man, his wife Pat, Iris the quiet but sweet dementia lady and her friend Rose. 

I sat with Jimmy for the longest while he spoke to me about his past experience in the army that he joined when he was 19, he left school at 14, and after the war rode his bike to Twickenham to work in business management, then later New York. They started to bring in the lunch so I let just after 12, thanking the carers and saying goodbye to each of them, saying I'd see them next week.

I'm so excited to continue volunteering there, it's such a lovely care home, it's close, and I've already started to develop relationships with the kind residents. I've been told I'll be running activities with them each week, so I can't wait to see what next week brings!

MedLink 2016

Yesterday, Monday the 21st of November, I attended MedLink's seminar and exhibition at Kensington Town Hall in London with my Dad.

We drove there and arrived promptly at 11:30pm (after searching the different parts of the town hall!). We were signed in and given green wrist bands and a St George's university tote bag with brochures and pens inside.

We walked into a huge room with a stage and balcony, and sat a couple of rows from the front. We were welcomed by the speaker, James Ridgeway, who immidiently lifted everyones mood. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm, it was a great way to start the event. The first talk of the seminar was by Colin Dowe from St George's University of Medicine and Vetirnary Medicine. At first I thought it was a London university, but soon found out it was realtivley new (40 years old next year) and stationed in an island called Grenada, West Indies in the Carribean. I'd never thought about studying abroad before, but this talk really opened my mind and was highley persuasive. Apart from the location being absolutley breath-taking, SGU has a great approach to teaching and offers so much support and oppurtunities. With 5,817 students out of the 7,500 being in medicine, and having a 97% first time pass rate, joined with the UK, US and Canada (as well as requirements of A's and B's) I'm definitley considering applying for SGU as well as UK UCAS universities.

The second presetnation was about Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), designed to help us through the university interviews by telling us about the structure of the interview, advice, and even doing practice ones that I did with my dad. There were also talks from Humanitas University in Italy, Student BMJ and Kaplan UKCAT & BMAT help. They were all so informative and used the short amount of time fantastically.

James then came back to speak about the exhibition and Stethescope practical. He was so motivational, and even shared his story of being kicked out of school at 16 for having dyslexia, his fear of public speaking and eventually going to Cambridge and becoing a doctor!

We were all then let out of the hall and made our way upstairs for the exhibition, where it was absolutley packed with people. There were pods with different universities and organisations to talk to, such as the University of Dundee, Nottingham, Newcastle, Carfiff, Belfast.. etc. I am so grateful for having the oppurtunity to speak to different university teachers and students about the differnt courses and oppurtunities, it really gave me an insight into my different options- it's now so hard to decide! I know have a book full of notes and a bag full of leaflets, a free copy of BMJ, pens and other freebies and QR codes that  collected from each pod.

At 3pm, we were all given a free Stethescope and app to go with it, that activated the QR codes. I'm totally in love with my Stethescope (now named "Seth" by my sister), it's so exciting to feel that much clsoer to being a doctor (even if I couldn't find my heart beat at first...)
At the table with the Stethecopes, I also saw some books called "Surf" to buy, which happened to be by the speaker/doctor James Ridgeway. I was so inspired by him that I bought one before heading back downstairs to get ready to leave.

As I went downstairs and tried out the Stethescope, I saw Dr Ridgeway so my Dad and I went to speak to him, and I even got my book signed! He was so kind and caring, saying that I could do it, pursure my dream of being a doctor, and to not let anyone stop me. He even got me to read an excerpt of his book out loud:

I know this to be true
Failure
Is something for you not
Success
You need to realisee
Your life is fixed
It is not that
Your life is full of choice and oppurtunity

Now read it again, starting from the bottom line reading upwards.

I was so overwhelmed from his kindness and inspiration, it's something I will cherish forever. I thanked him as he wished me the best, then my Dad and I headed on our journey home.

I can't wait to read "Surf" and all the different university brochures, it was such a brilliant event and far exceeded my expectations. It's FREE and I definatley recommend it t every student thinking about Medicine, it's not just in London!

Find MedLink info here
Buy Jame's book here
Find my #medlink16 posts on instagram (qianbeile) and twitter (ceilidhjade)

The Young Doctor Programme by InvestIn

On Sunday the 20th of November, I woke up at 5:30am for an early start to catch the train to London for "The Young Doctor Programme" by InvestIn Education, held in the Anatomy building at UCL (University College London).

After train delays and having to take a bus to another station, I finally arrived at Gower Street at 10am, passing the UCL Hospital and campus as I got to the Anatomy Building. I was registered and handed a booklet, while other students rushed in (also late due to trains and M3 closures).

I walked in to see a massive lecture theatre of 100+ students, and stationed myself in the seat at the right top corner of the room. The first talk was by Dr Manik about the 'World of a Doctor', speaking about the different course types (traditional, integrated and problem-based), ward duties, career options and a typical week of a junior doctor. It was very insightful, and made me very excited for the years ahead.

Dr Manik then spoke of current issues facing the NHS, such as the junior doctor dispute, A&E waiting times and working weekends. It was so interesting to be up to date in the knowledge of what's facing doctors right now, and really getting to understand the politics and ethics involved with working in the National Health Service.

At 11:30am, Dr Stef ran the "Hour in A&E" practical segment of the programme, where we were presented with case studies of possible patients and problems, letting us know what to ask patients (Medical history? Current medication? Smoker/drinker?) and then getting the chance to discuss differential working-diagnosises and what tests to do; then ultimately what treatment we think we should assign. We did this for a heart attack and fracture patient, and I loved learning about the different types of procedures (such as ECG and echo). The doctors were even kind enough to tell us some funny experiences they'd had with patients, such as fake comas and falling onto toilet brushes.


At the lunch break, my friends from secondary school and I walked into town to find somewhere to sit and eat. I loved the beauty and diversity of London, and while sitting in Starbucks eating a sandwich it felt very homey to be looking out into the city with it's Christmas lights and busy chatter.

After walking back to UCL (which only took 5 minutes from town!) we had our second practical of suturing by Mr Aaron. We were each given an  orange and needle, and forceps and scissors one between two. It was easier than I thought, after learning how to correctly hold and use the equipment from watching the demonstration projected onto the screen at the front, while Mr Aaron did the suturing under a camera. Me and the girl next to me, named Marta from Poland, both found this our favourite part as we laughed trying to thumble over the needle and thread. I'm now a proud owner of a sutured orange kindly named "Orlando" by my Dad.

 

3pm was the start of the presentation about applying to medical schools, ran by ex-Oxbridge students Dr Jonathan and Emily. This was the longest presentation, but possibly the most useful (if I had to pick just one!). We were led through the UCAS application process of personal statements and aptitude tests (BMAT/UKCAT), as well as being given advice for standing out and putting across our passion for medicine in our applications. They also showed us funny videos of mock interviews that they acted in, demonstrating a good interview candidate vs a bad one (body language, thought process..etc). There was so much valuable information, I'm so thankful.

The last segment of the programme ran from 5-6pm, and it was an open pannel discussion for students to ask questions and get ansers from a range of 11 different doctors! I thought this was a lovely idea, and gave us opportunities to further get informed on anything we were curious about (such as NHS vs private, studying abroad, and part-time jobs during med school).

I really thought this was such a well organised programme, with such enthusiastic and passionate doctors eager to help. We were all given copies of the presentation slides, as well as extra materials such as extra case studies, advice, example UKCAT questions and CV. We had regular breaks where we were allowed to ask questions frequently. I enjoyed every minute of the experience, and I am very grateful to InvestIn, UCL and the doctors for being so helpful. I now have 15 pages of valuable notes filled with the joys of medicine (and my not so neat note-taking handwriting!)

Overall, I'd definatley recommend the Yound Doctor Programme to other Year 12 students interested in Medicine, as it really does prepare and inform you. It is quite pricey for some though, as a ticket was £115 per person (now £120), so I'd advise you go with friends for a group discount and even tell your school/college about it as an idea for a school trip.

Find InvestIn programme options (not just medicine!) here
Book tickets for the Young Doctor Programme here
Look at what UCL has to offer here

A Taste of Frimley Park Hospital

On Thursday the 8th of November, Frimley Park Hospital held a careers event for sixth form students interested in perusing a profession within the NHS.

I arrived at the hospital at 4:15 along with some other college students, and we were kindly escorted by a nurse to the children's education centre within the hospital. It was on the other side of the building, passing the cardiology and radiology ward; seeing patients in neck braces and stretchers as we passed by. There was a queue of people as we were offered pens, lollipops and the hospital's magazine "InTouch" as we waited to sign in and get given a sticker with a letter on it.

I then proceeded to walk into the cafeteria and found two familiar faces from my college at a table near the food display. We all ate from the generous buffet and spoke of volunteering, our A-Levels and the Maths Challenge exam while waiting for the programme to begin.

At 5pm, we entered the lecture theatre next to the cafeteria and my friends and I sat at the front left, eager to hear the presentations that followed from the chief executive officer, a nurse, midwife, operative surgeon and medical obstetrician and gynecologist.

The talk were very informative and interesting, even though I'm set on medicine to become a general practitioner, it was lovely to have an insight to the life of hospital staff and the other career paths available (the midwife was especially enthusiastic- it was great to see someone so passionate about their job!). I attentively made notes during the presentation, eager to jot down everything so I wouldn't forget later (I got some compliments for my particularly geeky periodic table notebook as well... no shame).


An hour passed quickly, and we were then split into groups of ten according to our letter, mine being group I. Our group first went to a small room with various medical equipment spread across the table, including blood sample tubes (which I now know are colour coded according to purpose, e.g: purple for blood count), drips, stethoscopes and needles. I spoke to the gynecologist who spoke of how to get volunteering and different specialties to go into, such as dermatology which requires another 7 years of education- which is a possibility to consider.

On the other side of the table was a surgery simulator sort of machine, which is used for practicing keyhole surgeries by using two tong-like instruments to pick up a bead and place it on a small pedestal, which challenges your co-ordination while only looking at the screen (I could only get one bead- I guess I need more practice and possibly better glasses.)

 

After that, we traveled across the corridors to the physiotherapy ward, where we had a short tour of the gym and hydrotherapy pool. We were then given quick talks by the physiotherapists and completed a quiz to test our knowledge on the purpose of physiotherapy. It was unfortunately rushed due to over-running.

We then quickly met back at the cafeteria and had a 15 minute refreshment break where we completed a short evaluation form, before proceeding to our last talk about midwifery. Even though it's not the area I'm particularly interested, she was very persuasive amongst the other students and made a very fascinating talk. She spoke about her role within the hospital, what it takes to become a midwife, and several examples of conditions within the mother and baby, as well as procedures such as water birth and diabetes within babies.

The day went very fast and ended at 8pm, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The only negative aspect was that I didn't have enough time to see the other rooms and talks, especially the junior doctor. However it was such an incredible experience and I hope to start volunteering at the hospital soon!

Update: DEBRA

So I got into my college newsletter! Debra raised over £500 which I think is fantastic, especially as their events are still going on and I will be joining them in December. So thankful to be apart of it. 

Find out more about Debra Charity here

Donate to them here

Debra Charity Volunteering

Earlier today I got the chance to volunteer at Reading for the Debra Charity! 

Debra helps raise money and awareness for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)- a genetic skin condition which causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. It affects around 5,000 people in the UK, and currently has no cure.  All the money raised goes towards the families and victims of EB, as well as aiding the research and equipment to help cure it.

The group of six of us volunteered from 11am-2pm, and were stationed around the shopping centre with buckets, leaflets and sweets, as well as having a "decorate your own cake" stall. It was great to have so many donations, and have a chat with some of the members of the public. One lady even spoke of seeing a child at Great Ormond Street Hospital with EB, and how it was truly horrible.

Thank you to Kate at Debra for letting me volunteer and my College Freshers Fayre for introducing me to the charity. I really enjoyed today and will hopefully volunteer again around Christmas!

Find out more about EB here

Donate to DEBRA here 

Get involved here

Step by Step Charity Busking at College

Yesterday (Thursday the 20th October 2016) my sister Katriona and I volunteered to busk at our college open day to raise awareness and money for the Step by Step charity to help homeless homeless youth in need of support.

The college raised over £250 for Step by Step and it was a great experience to be apart of. We arrived at 3pm and sang until 5pm, feeling nervous and cold from the rain- but it was totally worth it! Aside from the generous donations, it was especially nice when our principal listened to one of our songs (the one in the video) and complimented us at the end, saying "Thank you for doing this, I really appreciate it, those were some lovely sounds."

My sister and I had only prepared 5 songs; not knowing that we'd be performing for 2 hours. Thank you to our college for giving us the opportunity- we really enjoyed being able to use our musical hobby to help our college and such an important charity, so we will definitely be signing up to volunteer again soon (with more songs and warmer clothing next time!)

Click here to go to Step by Step's charity website, see their twitter post about the fundraising event, and please donate to their JustGiving page to help out.
Busking video: Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood

Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen Online Course

Last week, on the 12th of October, I completed the University of Leeds "Anatomy: Know Your Abdomen" online course on www.futurelearn.com, (specifically this course) and thought I'd share it!

The course was split into two components:

1. Get in touch with your abs - locating the organs of the abdomen and using anatomical vocabulary 

2. Ready to digest something new? - exploring the gastrointestinal tract and it's common medical problems 

It was a 2 week course which required 2 hours a week. Although it's a very short course, I thought this was great as I could fit it around my busy schedule and found it as a break from normal A-Level consolidation. I found it particularly interesting to learn the specialist terminology of the abdomen (who knew something as simple as a six pack is called "rectus abdominus" muscle? How fancy). 

You surprisingly learn a significant amount of information in such a small amount of time, but it is broken down with videos from lecturers and surgeons, articles and short quizzes to help you. I even got to research and write short essays on the health impacts of six packs and beer-bellies, which you get to share with the other learners who comment, like and share their finding with you too in such a friendly online community. 

I managed to pass the end of course exam with a score of 73% and will soon probably purchase the participation certificate as a cute personal reminder! I'd definitely recommend it. There are so many free courses on futurelearn too, so even if science isn't your thing you can do courses on linguistics, business, archaeology..etc. 

I actually found out about futurelearn from my Chemistry teacher (shout-out to Temi) who recommended the Biochemistry course by the University of East Anglia, which I'll start on the 7th of November. I've also got an "Exploring Cancer Medicines" course in progress (also by Leeds), and hope to do one on dementia soon as well- which I look forward too!

My futurelearn profile: https://www.futurelearn.com/profiles/4542943

Introduction

Hi everyone!

My name is Ceilidh, and this will be my online diary of all thing medical related! I'm currently 16 years old, and eager to become a doctor. I am a dementia friend, St John's fist aid cadet and a student of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. 

I actually got the idea to make this blog from my college's Medical Society, as a nice way to document anything and everything that interests me (and hopefully others).

I'm by no means a blogger, or even a good writer, but I thought I'd give it a try, so try not to cringe at my posts haha. Maybe we'll have something in common?

Follow me on a journey to achieve! :)
-Ceilidh