Well, it’s a critical time for the NHS: staff are already demoralised and overwhelmed, so this junior contract fiasco has only exacerbated our problems. The government claims it is intending to improve the quality and safety of a cost- effective seven-day NHS: no one can deny this is what we need, but I think they’ve gone about it the wrong way and in the process estranged the very people they need to make it happen. Nevertheless, it would be naïve to assume that junior doctors are striking solely due to pay or patient concerns. Instead, I feel this is part of a deeper set of societal challenges facing our generation. For example, medics are graduating with more debt than ever before and will have to work well into their seventies, with limited stability or flexibility throughout their careers. What hasn’t really been emphasised enough in the media is the long-term impact this contract will have on doctors who lose their pay-protection for taking time out, whether it be for reasons that range from research to charitable work. The ones who will lose out are the innovators we badly need, which could inadvertently undo the NHS. What’s also worrying is that it could potentially widen gender inequalities and discourage female students from pursuing a career in medicine, as maternity leave will also be affected. I hope it will all get sorted out quickly and amicably, especially as I will be part of the first generation of doctors to be affected by any changes. The fight between junior doctors and the government has been very much in the news this year. What is your view on the situation? problems. From August, I’ve been appointed as one of the NHS new cohort of Clinical Entrepreneur Fellows where I’ll have the unique opportunity to work on this project alongside my clinical duties as a junior doctor. Assuming I pass my finals next month, of course…
How can DC students become involved?
At Selfless we like to think of ourselves as a ‘do-tank’ where we convert great ideas into social impact, so we are always in need of new blood to keep us pumping. Everyone has their own unique set of qualities and skills that they can contribute to society in a meaningful way. From GCSE students to trained professionals, skillanthropy isn’t restricted by age or experience, just by time and goodwill. Dulwich boys and alumni have volunteered and fundraised for us in the past and I hope they will continue to do so. I’m immensely grateful for the ongoing support from the Master and the College, who have been with us from the very start of our journey, and I hope we will be working together for many more years to come. It’s important for healthcare professionals and policymakers to recognise that patient needs are always evolving. Our rapidly aging population has increasingly complex long-term conditions, making it more difficult and expensive to treat them. Under the current government’s austerity measures, public services like the NHS are facing major spending cuts which will ultimately affect patient care. That said, there’s an undeniable amount of waste and inefficiency, which we need to address if we are to maintain our status as a world- leading health system with the limited resources available. Part of the challenge involves encouraging our workforce to think of new ways of doing things with the latest tools and technologies, as every progressive system relies on innovation. I’m currently working on an exciting new platform designed by the team at Selfless which will bring together clinical innovators and start-ups to work hand- in-hand and solve some of our most pressing healthcare As a medic, how do you think that patient care will change in the future?
We delivered health camps in areas where most villagers, trapped in desperate poverty, had never seen a doctor before. Since our first trip we’ve been able to provide free treatment to over 10,000 inhabitants and our next team of volunteers will be f lying out next month
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