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It’s 20 years this weekend since I qualified as a doctor. I’ve worked in the NHS for 20 years (more, if you count medical student days).
2020 has been a year like no other. What have I learnt?
Here are 5 things I'd tell my newly qualified self today #newdoctors [/1 THREAD]
2020 has been a year like no other. What have I learnt?
Here are 5 things I'd tell my newly qualified self today #newdoctors [/1 THREAD]
1. Patients and carers put their trust in you and rely on you. This is a great responsibility but an immense privilege. It is something to be proud, frightened and respectful of, in equal measure, always /2
2. Experience really matters. The longer you do this work, the better you are at spotting patterns and knowing what works and what doesn’t. From time to time, an experienced person's judgement can be as important as (and complementary to) guidelines, algorithms and evidence /3
3. Never be afraid to say “I don’t know”. Never pretend you know something you don’t. Patients and carers need to trust you to tell the truth, including when the truth is that you are uncertain /4
4. The NHS is a flawed, wonderful beast. At its core are its people, but it is greater than the sum of its parts. If you let it, it could consume you – so look after yourself, take leave, make time for your friends and family. You will need them more than the NHS will need you /5
5. All of us – doctors, nurses, HCAs, social workers, managers, administrators, domestics, peer support workers – bring something vital. Be kind, courteous, say hello, ask what people think, laugh, smile. Good luck! [/6 ENDS]
