An entrepreneurial opportunity in medicine

Career Bio:

I am a fourth year medical student at Imperial College London, currently studying for a BSc in Pharmacology.

I joined the MedShr team in the summer of 2015, which transformed what could have been a very lazy two month break from university into a productive and enjoyable time. I worked on the optimisation of the MedShr App and was part of the effort to engage Healthcare Professionals with the platform. As a medical student, MedShr greatly complements my clinical learning and I have continued my involvement in expanding its scope, through my work as an Editorial Assistant.

Born and raised in the lush pastures of Ireland, I am a true nature lover. When I’m not studying, you can find me immersed in practicing Spanish or lost in poetical musings.

What inspired you to study medicine?

I don’t remember there being a pivotal moment in my life that inspired me to pursue medicine; it was more the affinity I had for studying science and the desire to apply those skills to make a tangible difference to people’s lives that naturally drew me towards medicine. The lifelong journey of learning that encompasses a career in medicine is an impetus to always strive for better.

What, in your opinion, is the greatest concern for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) in this day and age?

Modern medicine is often hailed as the panacea for all ailments. This philosophy can place a great burden on the shoulders of HCPs who strive to meet those expectations. Although it’s human nature to push boundaries and try to achieve what hasn’t been possible so far, I think many HCPs are frustrated at not being able to deliver the quality of care they feel their patients need and deserve. This frustration can breed resentment and negatively impact patient-physician relationships. The sad irony comes from the realisation that these sentiments are born out of the desire to do all that one can to help alleviate suffering.

Do you ever regret becoming a HCP? Would you consider doing anything else?

The humility one imbibes from being exposed to suffering and the rawest of human emotions makes medicine an incredibly rewarding career and I haven’t looked back in regret at the decision I made. Having said that, I have a passion for learning languages so at some point in the future I would love to be able to work abroad and amalgamate my love of languages with practicing medicine.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning?

Although the prospect of spending an extra few hours in my warm cocoon of a duvet is extremely enticing, I can’t deny that waking up to a day full of fresh experiences and challenges is far more satisfying in the long run.

What do you think about MedShr? Is it useful for HCPs? If so, how?

Smart devices are rife these days making MedShr an easily accessible platform for clinical discussion. Imagine a typical day on the wards – a patient has an interesting constellation of signs that you’d like to get a second opinion on or perhaps teach peers about. Using MedShr is simple: gain patient consent through the App, snap a photo and share with your professional network. I think MedShr is a brilliant interface for case-based discussion. It’s simple, secure and effective and can greatly advance medical education to improve the quality of care that patients receive.

Who do you follow on Twitter / Facebook?

Quite a diverse range of people – politicians, activists, sports personalities and comedians. Rafa Nadal is at the top of my list!  

Tell us something unexpected about yourself.

I’m incapable of laughing without accompanying tears (of joy) streaming down my face.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Dependable, reflective, conscientious.

If you could give one piece of advice to young people thinking about studying medicine, what would it be?

There’s no denying that you have to work hard - grades are important. But never abandon your passions. Whatever it is that gives you a buzz, hold onto it tight and aim to excel in it.  Remember that medicine is an art. Those unique experiences you have along the way will enable you to better serve your patients and ultimately become a far richer person.