Presenting my poster at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) Conference in Aberdeen was an incredible opportunity to share my project, "A Local Audit of Intravenous Fluid Therapy Prescribing in NHS Orkney", with a fantastic audience of senior clinicians, healthcare professionals and fellow medical students. It was an unforgettable experience that not only boosted my confidence in academic medicine but also left me feeling deeply inspired about my future in healthcare.
My audit evaluated how closely intravenous fluid prescriptions at the Balfour Hospital aligned with NHS Orkney and NICE guidelines. Over two weeks, I collected data on documentation, prescribing patterns and fluid management practices. The results highlighted areas for improvement, particularly around weight recording, electrolyte balance and the use of recommended fluids for maintenance therapy. Discussing these findings with senior clinicians during the conference was incredibly valuable and gave me lots of ideas for how future quality improvement initiatives could be developed.
The conference itself was packed with brilliant talks covering everything from palliative care innovations to managing respiratory conditions in the community, with fantastic oral presentations by resident doctors on ongoing QI projects across their departments. It was eye-opening to hear directly from experts about the evolving landscape of patient care, particularly how multidisciplinary teams are reshaping chronic disease management. Every session offered practical insights that I know will shape how I practice as a doctor—especially the importance of holistic, patient-centred approaches. It was an inspiring reminder that medicine is constantly moving forward, and I can’t wait to be part of that momentum.
One of the best parts of the day was the networking opportunities. Throughout the event, I had rich conversations with consultants, registrars and academic leaders who were so generous with their advice and encouragement. Equally valuable were the friendships and connections formed with other medical students. Sharing experiences, swapping tips about clinical placements, and discussing future career plans made the day even more rewarding. There was a genuine sense of community and shared passion for healthcare innovation.
Reflecting on the day, I left feeling more energised than ever about the possibilities that lie ahead. I am grateful to Russell Mackay, HEPMA and Systems Lead Pharmacist at the Balfour Hospital for his invaluable input and guidance throughout the audit. Seeing firsthand how medical knowledge, research, and collaboration can drive real improvements in patient care has fuelled my excitement for my career as a doctor. I’m proud to have been part of such a dynamic event and I look forward to contributing more to the medical community in the years to come.
