Sushmita Patil

• I gained insight into the responsibilities and obligations of junior doctors in the NHS by shadowing them.
• I have clarked patients, performed examinations, took ECGs, blood samples. I observed them writing prescriptions, and have helped writing up patient discharge summaries
• I observed the process for initiating a 2222 emergency call when a patient deteriorates, and how to call for assistance.
• I gained insight into when to involve senior staff and the importance of not hesitating to seek help.

• I shadowed an SHO’s during both regular working hours and on-call shifts to familiarize myself with the responsibilities of an SHO am now capable of triaging, managing patients whilst on-call. Where necessary I have also realised the importance of cross checking with seniors, for appropriate managements.
• I attend morning ward handovers and rounds, where I observe patient management processes. I've learned how to write prescriptions and have written a few under guidance. Additionally, I observed how to use the hospital software ‘clinical manager’ to view patient history, place orders, and edit information, particularly for pre-op, post-op, and recovery care. I have also done discharge summaries.
• I have observed and assisted in various obstetrics and gynaecology procedures in theatres.
• I have also attended clinics in both obstetrics and gynaecology.

• I attended daily ward rounds with consultants, registrars, and FY2s allowed me to observe history taking, clinical examinations, pre- and post-operative care, and learn how to document patient records.
• I observed and assisted with various surgeries. I also supported FY colleagues and gave them a hand in doing simple tasks to relieve.
• I presented a paper on KONO-S anastomosis at a divisional meeting, receiving positive feedback from consultants and registrars.
• I was involved in trials, collaborating on a study regarding diagnostic laparoscopy for acute right iliac fossa pain.
• This observership gave me insight into NHS operations, patient confidentiality, capacity assessment, and the importance of a patient-centered approach.

• Gained knowledge of anesthesia fundamentals and observed procedures like intubation, spinal, epidural anesthesia, and USG-guided nerve blocks (interscalene, axillary, adductor canal).
• Attended weekly foundation year classes, learning case presentations and PowerPoint creation.
• Participated in an audit on regional anesthesia, with an abstract selected by ESRA 2024 in Prague.
• The observership provided insights into NHS operations, confidentiality, patient capacity assessment, and patient-centered care.
• Observed complex cases in orthopedics, general surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and ENT.

• Clerking and Monitoring: Documented medical histories, examinations, and treatment plans. Monitored patients, learned EKG interpretation, and assisted cardiologists with diagnoses and treatments.
• Patient History and Examinations: Conducted detailed patient interviews and physical exams for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
• Referrals: Made referrals to other departments or specialists as needed.
• Documentation and Procedures: Created discharge summaries, documented patient information, and performed procedures like blood sampling and IV cannulation.
• Rounds with Consultants: Participated in ward and ICU rounds, supporting collaborative care.
• Coordination and Teamwork: Worked effectively with nurses and staff for seamless patient care.
• Emergency Management: Enhanced skills in handling emergency situations.
• Medical Observation and Discussions: Attended Medical Officer Training sessions, presented cases, and engaged in team discussions on patient care.

During my on-call duties, which included 12-hour night shifts about twice a week, I handled various clinical responsibilities:

• Assessed patient care needs, prioritized treatments, and managed patient flow.
• Conducted primary care assessments, managed cases, and oversaw medication administration.
• Provided primary care and evaluations for neonatal and pediatric patients as needed.
• Administered Advanced Life Support (ALS), improving survival rates for over 100 cardiac arrest patients.
• Reported births, deaths, and contagious disease outbreaks to authorities.
• Delivered sensitive news with empathy and professionalism, supporting patients and families through emotional situations.
• Initiated a hospital-wide patient safety program, in collaboration with the ED consultant and MDT, which reduced mishaps by 20% and improved diagnostics in emergency cases, decreasing patient wait times.
• Ensured proper safety protocols and infection control measures were consistently followed.

• Clerking, triaged patients and formulated further plans in clinics.
• Assessed and examined patients effectively to prescribe, plan treatments and triage.
• Held various health awareness camps about non communicable diseases, most important being focusing on silent symptoms of cancers and raising awareness about regular check-ups.
• Attendee ward rounds with the team of attending physician, nursing staff and junior doctors.
  5. Prescribed medicines to treat the patients upon considering the symptoms and medical history.
• Documented all patient evaluations, treatments, medications according to the hospital protocol.
• Communication with patients and their relatives about grave news of death or daignosis.

During my training, I rotated through five major departments for two months each: Paediatrics, Surgery, Acute Medicine, Community Medicine, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. I also spent 15 days in minor departments like ENT, Ophthalmology, and Anaesthesiology, and one month in the Emergency Room.
1. Acute Medicine: Assisted with history-taking, physical exams, IV cannulation, blood extraction, and ECG interpretation. Counseled patients on managing diabetes and hypertension.
2. Surgery: Participated in surgeries and performed wound dressings, digital rectal exams, IV cannulation, and blood extraction.
3. Paediatrics: Assisted in newborn care, APGAR scoring, and neonatal procedures. Monitored vitals in the NICU and managed routine ward care.
4. Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Supported in deliveries, conducted antenatal exams, and monitored labor.
5. Anaesthesiology: Helped in pre-anaesthesia checks, vital monitoring, and performed spinal blocks under supervision.
6. Community Medicine: Managed community patients, organized health camps, and led educational sessions.
7. Emergency Room: Conducted triage, administered emergency treatments, and performed CPR under supervision.