Medical Expert, Clinical Decision Maker - Personal Statement Example

Medical expert/Clinical Decision Maker Ophthalmology, being a specialty concerned with the screening, diagnosis and management of the optical, medical and surgical disorders and diseases of the eye, its adjacent structures, the visual pathways, and the visual system, needs extensive knowledge of the basic sciences and general principles of medicine and surgery. I have acquired this knowledge through various teaching programmes, books, journals, internet, seminars, professors, peers, colleagues and patients. I have access to relevant clinical information and can apply that knowledge appropriately. I have actively participated in various ophthalmology registrar teaching sessions, seminars, workshops and conferences. I have given presentations on interesting topics using power-point and graphic designing. Due to my extensive non-resident programme in ophthalmology, I have acquired diagnostic and therapeutic skills for ethical and effective patient care. I can elicit accurate and concise history relevant to the patient’s problems and perform appropriate ophthalmological and other systemic examinations. I can also suggest investigations that are relevant, useful, cost effective and of course ethical. I can arrive at correct diagnosis by virtue of my knowledge in the field of ophthalmology and applied sciences, my access to information, common sense and good cognitive and analytical skills. I know my limitations and will not hesitate to refer or take help from a more experienced specialist when needed, in order to deliver the best to the patient. I believe research is a means of continuous education and learning. The topics which interest me are glaucoma, corneal diseases, photo-diode laser therapy and retinal diseases. I have submitted a few articles to some journals pertaining to these topics and am awaiting acceptance. I involve myself in journal reading and analysis. I am also keen on further studies. I have a good knowledge about interpretation of diagnostic images related to eye and I am keen on further improving my knowledge in diagnostic radiology related to eye and visual system. I have attended and watched many surgeries and have a good idea of regional and topical anesthesia of eye and periocular structures, laser therapy for retinal diseases, glaucoma and posterior capsule, cryotherapy of eye and ocular adnexa and; surgery for cataract, eyelids, lacrimal apparatus, strabismus, glaucoma and trauma to eye and orbit. I am aware of the complications arising due to medical and surgical therapies and will strive to recognise them at the earliest and manage them. Communicator I understand that communication skills are essential for optimal functioning of a specialist and are necessary for good history taking, conveying important information to the patient and his relatives, foster patient satisfaction and compliance and influence the outcome of the patients illness. I have attended a workshop on successful communication and interview skills for health care practitioners. Coming from a multicultural, cosmopolitan background and having travelled extensively, I have better understanding of different patient and societal beliefs and their concerns and expectations about their illnesses. I can also converse in 3 languages. I have attended the weekend training session held by the Medical Indemnity Society to improve skills in working with those who present with significant communication challenges. The fact that I am good communicator is enhanced by my socialising nature. I have taken part in various poetry and recitation competitions and have won prizes in them. I have also given Jazz singing performances. I am a good photographer too. I was a photography semi-finalist at International Amateur Photographic Competition, 2007 and one of my photography is published in the book” Endless Journeys”. Collaborator I am aware of the fact that specialists need to work in partnership with other expert health care professionals to provide optimal patient care, education and research. I consult effectively with other physicians and health care professionals and also contribute when others are in need of my services. I actively participate in interdisciplinary team meetings. In medico-legal and trauma cases, I can effectively collaborate with the police and allied services and do the best to the patient. I worked as the First president of Bruno Groening Society of Australia, where in I collaborated patient care, research, educational activities worldwide. Manager I involve resources, co-workers, tasks and policies in day-to-day decision making. At times of need, I can set priorities and effectively execute tasks through teamwork with colleagues and other health care resources. I understand the importance of population-based approaches to health care services and their implications in medical practice. I studied Masters of Applied Management (Health) including total quality management at the University of Newcastle to understand the structure, financing and operation of Australian and New Zealand Health systems better. I also attended Anthony Hopkins workshop on time management skills. I can effectively manage multiple research projects while working in a full time position. Health Advocate I am aware of the various health policies aimed at visual health and safety and aim to apply these policies at individual patient level, to practice population and at the general societal level. I have taken part in camps aimed at visual screening of populations at risk for ocular disease and have provided appropriate resources to those affected by ocular injury or disease. I have worked voluntarily in visual rehabilitation projects for better understanding of the determinants of health and public policy as they apply to individual patients, hospital and community. Scholar I have attended numerous ophthalmology training courses. I have attended the ‘Coordinating Optics’ course at the Muthusamy Postgraduate Ophthalmic University. I have undertaken numerous critical appraisal projects (refer to research section) and teaching of patients, students, residents, other health care professionals (refer to teaching section). I have written chapters on cornea and glaucoma in the Ophthalmic Clinical Science Textbook, International College of Ophthalmology. I actively participate in grand rounds, journal clubs, research day presentations, research projects, scientific presentations and publications. I can identify practice areas for research and have submitted many research related articles to journals (awaiting acceptance). I can carry out any research outlined in the proposal and can identify areas for further research that flow from the results. Professional I consciously strive to balance personal and professional roles and responsibilities and explore and resolve interpersonal difficulties in professional relationships. I am aware of local and provincial regulations and recognize and know how to deal with unprofessional behaviours in clinical practice. I display attitudes commonly accepted and essential to professionalism and know personal and professional boundary objectives. I have attended medical defence union workshops on professional, legal and ethical codes. I collaborate with legal team and provide evidence for patients seen in emergency department. I actively take part in surgical audits and morbidity/ mortality meetings as a part of clinical risk management. Read More