Dr Farhan Ahmed

As a clinical fellow in geriatric medicine, I cared for older adults with complex needs in various settings. I worked with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic and person-centred care. Through this experience, I gained skills in general and specialist medicine, communication and ethics, teamwork and leadership, and working under pressure.

My Responsibilities included :

• attending daily board rounds with multidisciplinary team member
• doing daily ward rounds
• presenting newly admitted patients to Consultants and performing comprehensive geriatric assessments
• prescribing medicines and ordering investigations, vetting scans with radiologists
• keeping accurate medical records and doing discharge summaries/TTOs
• making referrals to specialist for complex cases
• interpreting ECGs, Chest X rays, and blood tests, ABG/VBGs
• updating family members , including difficult conversations like breaking bad news, advanced care planning, palliation and DNAR discussions
• participating in departmental quality improvement projects and audits
• attending departmental weekly teaching sessions

From this job, I gained skills such as:

• Clinical assessment and management of patients with geriatric medicine conditions, such as frailty, dementia, falls, delirium and polypharmacy. I learned how to take comprehensive geriatric assessments, perform cognitive and functional tests, prescribe medications appropriately, manage common geriatric syndromes and complications, and plan for discharge and follow-up care.
• Communication and interpersonal skills with patients and their relatives, especially those with cognitive impairment or end-of-life issues. I learned how to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients and their relatives, using clear and simple language, leaflets and interpreters. I also learned how to handle difficult conversations, such as breaking bad news, discussing advance care planning and DNACPR decisions, and dealing with complaints or conflicts.
• Teamwork and leadership skills with multidisciplinary teams, such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and pharmacists. I learnt how to work collaboratively and respectfully with other professionals, sharing information and responsibilities, participating in MDT meetings and ward rounds, liaising with other specialties and services, prioritising more important tasks and unwell patients when we are short staffed and delegating clinical matters to seniors appropriately and timely.
• IT and data management skills with electronic patient record system and audit projects. I learnt how to use EPRs like CRS, PACS, Patienteer, Medusa, Microguide effectively and efficiently, entering and retrieving patient data, completing documentation and discharge summaries, ordering and reviewing investigations, prescribing medications and requesting referrals. I also learned how to participate in audit projects, collecting and analysing data, presenting findings and recommendations, implementing changes and measuring outcomes.
• Equipment and resource management skills with ward rounds, MDT meetings, cannulas and catheters - learned how to use equipment and resources safely and effectively in the ward setting. For example, how to insert cannulas and catheters for intravenous fluids or medications or urinary drainage. I learned how to check their placement and function regularly, prevent infections or complications, troubleshoot problems and remove them when no longer needed. You also learned how to organise ward rounds and MDT meetings efficiently, preparing cases beforehand, presenting them clearly, documenting actions afterwards and following up on issues.

As a junior doctor at Croydon Hospital, I gained valuable experience in managing patients with general internal medicine and gastroenterological conditions in various settings, such as wards, SDEC and Acute Medical Unit.

I performed a range of clinical tasks, such as clerking, prescribing, reviewing investigations, performing procedures (IV Cannula, Venepuncture, ABGs, Catheters, NG feed, ascetic tap, femoral stab, etc) and completing discharge summaries.

I also collaborated with other specialties and multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal care. I participated in teaching, research, quality improvement and audit activities to enhance my knowledge and skills.

As a band 5 clinical assessor in the NELFT Covid vaccination campaign, I played a key role in providing specialist advice and technical services to patients who were eligible for the Covid vaccine.

I worked independently and under supervision of senior clinicians, planning, advising and recommending treatment when necessary. I assessed patients’ medical history, allergies, medications and contraindications before administering the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. I also monitored patients for any adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis or fainting and provided appropriate management such as adrenaline injection or fluids. I handled difficult conversations with patients who were hesitant, anxious or had language barriers. I communicated complex technical information about the vaccine and its benefits and risks in an easily understandable manner using leaflets, diagrams and interpreters. I observed infection control procedures such as wearing PPE, sanitising hands and surfaces and maintaining social distance. I adhered to professional code of conduct at all times and reported any incidents or complaints to the clinical supervisor. I maintained my own professional development and ensured that I was fit for practice. I ensured that all NHS statutory and mandatory training was kept up to date, including BLS (basic life support), Anaphylaxis and Immunisation training. I followed local and national policies and guidelines regarding the Covid vaccination programme and made comments on proposals for change such as increasing the number of vaccination sites or extending the opening hours. I responded to queries from patients or staff or escalated them to the clinical supervisor as appropriate. I supported more junior staff in the provision of care and training, including teaching them how to use protocols and equipment such as syringes, sharps bins and fridges. I used IT support systems and electronic patient record system effectively to enhance direct and indirect care delivery. I submitted accurate and timely activity data as required by the service using Excel spreadsheets and online forms. I was responsible for the safe and effective use of equipment and other resources, ensuring that they were maintained in good working order and reported any faults or damages to the maintenance team.

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From this job, I have gained skills such as:

• Clinical assessment and management of patients receiving the Covid vaccine
• Communication and interpersonal skills with patients and staff from diverse backgrounds and with different needs
• Infection control and prevention skills
• Professionalism and ethical practice
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• Teaching and supervision skills
• IT and data management skills
• Equipment and resource management skills

• Teamed with other physicians, specialists, and health care providers to provide well-rounded care for complex cases.
• Completed 3,744 hours internship (72hrs/week) in General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and including their subspecialties
• Provided emergent medical care and treatment for life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
• Met with patients to discuss medical histories and current complaints.
• Monitored patient vitals.
• Diagnosed and treated patients suffering from chronic conditions.
• Implemented therapeutic regimens involving medications and other interventions to mitigate symptoms and prevent reoccurrence.
• Interviewed patients concerning physical complaints, discussed symptoms, asked questions, and suggested treatment options.
• Presented cases to multi-disciplinary teams and discussed therapeutic interventions.
• Monitored post-operative recovery and educated patients on at-home recovery.
• Ordered and executed various tests, analyses, and diagnostic images to provide information on patient condition.
• Admitted and treated patients as part of hospital's 24-hour on-call services.

WHO approved and GMC recognized prestigious medical school in Bangladesh - affiliated with University of Dhaka