big big problem

**scrub** · 07-03-2006, 07:27 PM

yeah, hi guys. ive got my first two interviews next week one day after the other. that isnt the problem. the problem is that on my ps i wrote that i had shadowed doctors for 2 weeks in the oncology ward of my local hospital, which is true, sort of.

I arranged a placement at the oncology ward where i spent time following radiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists. The first mini-problem is that i spent less time with the clinical oncologists than i did with the nurses because due to the nature of the clinics i would have had to sit in, the doctor agreed that it would be uncomfortable for me, the patient and himself. I did still get the opportunity to see much of his work out of clinics such as the calculations and administering of drugs and even saw radiotherapy being used as treatment for some patients. I dont think that this will be such a problem if i put on a smile and explain diplomatically to the interviewers that i didnt mean to mislead.

The big, big problem is that this placement was now some 18-19 months ago (im now retaking) and because it never occured to me to write a diary because someone might actually want me to recall what i did, i now only have a vague remembrance of what i did. I dont want the interviewers to ask me questions about it and for me to just say 'I forgot'. Ill look like an absolute idiot. To adress the situation, I started researching using the internet what these radiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists are meant to do and what i was supposed to have learnt, but quickly stopped because this basically amounts to cheating. So this is my big problem. Sorry about the long-winded post, but please help. Thaks a lot guys.

ps. I had recently, about two weeks ago shadowed another doctor, a senior nephrologist for five days in the renal metabolic unit. I sat in on some clinics and went on the ward rounds on a general medical ward with the doctor, a few F2's and the senior nurse. Id much rather talk about this if they ask me about any questions on the NHS and my experiences of it, because 1) i actually remember what happened and 2) i learnt soo much and would have quite a bit to talk about, the doctor was so cool and got me involved at every opportunity.

**the_slob** · 07-03-2006, 07:33 PM

damn it man honesty! Don't lie or you might get found out. Talk about the nephrology experience instead. Apologise for not being able to remember too much and they will understand. You do not want to be talking waffle at them. Instead just make sure you know a bit about what your talking about and describe your eperience and why it helped you decide you wanted to be a doc..

**tig220** · 07-03-2006, 07:40 PM

They asked me about work exp. in a round about way i.e. what did you gain from it? If they mention your first placement in a question about workshadowing before you answer tell them ' 2 weeks ago i did some more experience on a ..... ward' mention your first placement briefly but then elaborate more on your more recent experience.
If they ask you any specific q's just explain that it was quite along time ago and they should be ok with that and possibly answer the q with reference to your latest placement so that the pannel don't dwell on it!!

**scrub** · 07-03-2006, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by tig220

If they ask you any specific q's just explain that it was quite along time ago and they should be ok with that and possibly answer the q with reference to your latest placement so that the pannel don't dwell on it!!

thanks for the replies guys. you have definetely eased my fears. lets just hope theyre as understanding as you make them out to be. thanks again.

**WAMS** · 09-03-2006, 05:28 AM

You don't need to remember specific things that all of the people did, what's important is the way in which they worked... eg did they work in a team... how did they communicate with patients, any negative aspects, did it confirm or put you off. Try and reflect on the experience, rather than say "I saw someone get chemo/radiotherapy"

Good luck!

**Soph33** · 09-03-2006, 09:58 PM

Exactly. Although it's possible you may get a technical type question, I didn't find that happened in any of my interviews and I think most people were asked 'What did you get out of your work experience / what did you learn from it' etc. The important things are the teamwork, communication you saw, how you felt, why it made you want to do medicine etc. So I'm sure you'll be fine. =]. And don't bring up that placement if they don't. Sounds like you have other things to talk about.

Good luck!