This year I was awarded the opportunity to attend the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Conference after being selected as the University of Aberdeen's representative. As someone with a strong interest in paediatrics, stemming from growing up in a large family, I was excited to meet doctors across the UK to learn more about the specialty as well as that to meet other likeminded students. The conference offered an inside view into not only children's healthcare but also the work culture behind the speciality, giving me the opportunity to connect with others who are curious about the field.
RCPCH awards one prize to each medical school from across the UK. The prize included free access to the conference, accommodation, and an event for prize winners. Travelling down from Aberdeen meant I had one of the longest journeys of anyone attending, which quickly became a talking point when meeting the other students. I was interested to hear about the different medical schools represented and the varied routes people had taken into medicine. Despite studying in different parts of the country, with different but similar clinical experiences, we all shared a common interest in children's health and wellbeing.
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to meet paediatricians working in a wide range of specialities in a non-clinical environment, where I was comfortable to ask nonclinical questions about life as a paediatric doctor. The lectures covered everything from clinical advances to the challenges facing children's healthcare services. I particularly enjoyed sessions discussing neurodevelopmental conditions, including ADHD. As this is a topic I have a personal interest in; it was fascinating to hear experts discuss current research, diagnosis, and support for young people and their families. Having a personal connection helped me connect emotionally to the topic. The conference also reinforced how important the wider healthcare team is within paediatrics. Alongside doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and many other professionals all play a vital role in delivering care to children and supporting families through often difficult circumstances.
Attending the conference was a great experience and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity of going. Beyond the educational value of the lectures, it was valuable to meet other aspiring paediatricians and hear about their experiences and ambitions. The conference strengthened my interest in the specialty and helped me have a better understanding of the nature of life in paediatric healthcare. I have gained an appreciation of mental health in the paediatric population and hope to continue my journey down that route.
