January 2022
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SCTS Ionescu Final Medical Student Fellowship 2021 Award George Liu
D
uring my time at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre my main objectives were to gain surgical experience, participate in research and form a holistic understanding of what Cardiothoracics means in this current era, especially post-COVID-19. I spent my first week in theatres, learning about the roles of each member of the team and the rationale behind the surgical procedures being performed. During this time, I also learnt about cardiopulmonary bypass, echocardiography, and applied my surgical skills under the care of the Surgical Care Practitioner team, suturing and assisting in saphenous vein graft harvesting and chest wound closure. My remaining three weeks were spent on the ward, assisting
in ward rounds and jobs. It was clear from the number of postponed surgeries that the backlog from COVID-19 still plagued the wards. The most important lesson I learnt was that delivering bad news to patients does not always go to plan, as the spectrum of responses is vast and therefore unpredictable.
However, with good communication and rapport, the doctors were able to support patients, physically and mentally, through this difficult time. I was keen to incorporate a couple of audits into my schedule based on my ward observations. The first audit was about chest delays and their potential to cause a delayed discharge. The second audit was regarding the completion rate of ward round jobs. These topics are both critical to patient care, but are not limited to cardiothoracic patients, therefore they will have a broader benefit for the Trust. The first of my two audit presentations was well received. Finally, I’d like to thank Mr Ionescu for this amazing opportunity. His generosity will continue to aid me throughout my career. n
“The most important lesson I learnt was that delivering bad news to patients does not always go to plan, as the spectrum of responses is vast and therefore unpredictable.”
