Healthcare Society

Yesterday was our college's annual Freshers Fayre where first year students are able to sign up for societies (clubs) that second years either create or take over.

My friends Emily and Shauna took over Healthcare Society, but weren't able to run the stall due to lessons and illness. So I took over the stand for 3 hours, and I loved it! So now I'm 1/3 a leader of the Healthcare Society! I'm really looking forward to it, I hope to maybe do talks on first aid and Makaton but next week (Friday lunch) we will be talking to the students about their desired healthcare career. Until then!

Southampton University Open Day

On Sunday the 10th September I went to Southampton University's open day with my mum and sister. They had free shuttles from West Quay to Highfield campus which was really helpful (and also very very busy and full!) We arrived at roughly 10am and visited the information fair first to check in. I spoke to the Health Sciences (nursing) stand where a really kind 3rd year student told me about - the course in an honest way- how the placements can be really intense 12 hour shifts and long terms compared to others (3 week summer). BUT also how rewarding it is, and about NHS professionals. My sister spoke to the psychology stand and also visited the talk, while I went to the EPQ talk. The talk was good, however I think it was designed for those thinking of starting the EPQ rather than those (me) who have almost finished! However they only offer an alternative offer if you achieve an A or above.

I even downloaded the Southampton app which allowed me to plan my day and events to go see, which I found to be really useful and helped my time management. The campus is beautiful, with a stream and garden. I also got to peek at the yellow dance studio, which I would love to dance in as part of one of the many many societies they have to offer! They also gave out free cupcakes and a lot of information packs! I didn't look at the library as I had seen it on my research trip, which I wrote about on my other blog. Overall I love the university, as of now it's my first choice!

GP Shadowing

On the week of the 20th of August I did work experience up in Newcastle where I got to shadow my uncle who is a Doctor and his colleagues at a GP surgery! It was an amazing opportunity to experience what the job is like. 

I got to sit in on consultations and observe patient conversations and issues, and the solutions to them. I also got to see the 'behind the scenes' of the receptionists (and they have a lot on their plate- constant phone calls and paper work!) as well as shadowing a nurse who performed a lot of immunisations on babies, as well as dressings and swab tests. 

Apart from my uncle, I also got a chance to stay with a junior doctor and the practice's main GP to be able to observe different doctors' approach to patients and their problems. I loved the patient contact part, and how you really form a relationship with them and know they're back story (some doctors know the family from different generations carried on!). I

 was surprised by the amount of paper work though- there is sooo much! My uncle also did home visits which was also different from normal appointments, as some people experience 'white coat syndrome' and the atmosphere in the environment of the patient's own home is a humbling experience- as they're often bed ridden or severely ill but show such appreciation towards doctors (even if sometimes there is little help that can be offered). 

I made notes of everything that happened during that week, as well as taking photos, so I'll post it within a few days!