School Student
What's surgery like?
Joseph Ward
Medical Student
Throughout my early childhood I loved, and was rather obsessed with Lego. I would endlessly construct, modify and develop towering structures that had a habit of falling over and disintegrating over my bedroom floor – much to my mother’s dismay! I now aspire to pursue a surgical career because my urge to tinker and fix has stayed with me.
My favourite aspect of surgery is definitely the time spent scrubbed-up operating, or most often for me, assisting in theatre. I find the basic practicalities of surgery very satisfying, the well thought out, varied and complex nature of surgery stimulating and the knowledge that you are helping to relieve someone else’s suffering humbling.
Ensuring a decent work-life balance can be difficult and I have felt this pressure keenly throughout medical school. Luckily, my family and friends are very varied and non-medical, so I find it easier than most to escape medicine. In terms of extra-curricular activities, I play the flute, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and lead the University of Birmingham Surgical Society (SurgSoc).
So far, I have found mentoring by established trainees and consultants who have given advice, support and access to research opportunities invaluable. In terms of attitude, I feel a positive, go-getting attitude with a readiness to go the extra-mile is important in surgery.
