Dr Saleema BegumInternational Training Fellow, Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplant Surgery
For me, home is wherever I can serve my community. Home is where I am able to use my training and skills to make a positive difference in the lives of patients. Home is also where I have family and friends that show me love and support during this great journey of being a doctor.
How different was living and working in Birmingham?
Living and working as a Pakistani doctor in Birmingham can be both rewarding and challenging. While there is a large Pakistani community living in the city, the cultural differences can take some time getting used to. The greatest challenges were language barriers when communicating with patients or colleagues from different backgrounds, and understanding the cultural diversities that exist in this multicultural city.
It’s always challenging to work outside our comfort zone. The biggest challenge was to understand the healthcare system in the UK, which is entirely different from healthcare system in Pakistan.
What did you most enjoy during your stay at UHB?
One of the aspects I most enjoyed as a doctor working at QEHB was being able to provide care to patients from diverse ethnicities. . It was extremely rewarding to be able to engage with people, listen to their stories, and help them get back on track with their health. Working with such a diverse patient population also enabled me to gain valuable insights into how to better approach and treat patients from different backgrounds. This was invaluable experience that I am sure will help me in my future career.
At QEHB, the level of patient care was always top notch. Every day presented an opportunity to learn new things and improve my skills as a doctor, which is something I valued immensely. Furthermore, it was inspiring to be part of an organisation that was dedicated to providing the best care possible, and I am proud to have worked there.
What is the most important thing you learned?
One of the most important things I learned is the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Working within a team environment allows for greater problem solving, creativity, and improved patient care. The staff are all highly trained professionals who work together to develop strategies to ensure that every patient receives excellent care. Additionally, I learned about the importance of following protocols and procedures to ensure that all patients are receiving safe and effective care. These experiences have been invaluable in helping me to better understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration within a hospital setting.
Another important lesson I learned is the need for communication and understanding between staff. It is essential that all members of the team understand each other’s roles, responsibilities, and tasks so that problems can be solved quickly and efficiently. Additionally, it is important to ensure that there are open lines of communication so that everyone can work together effectively. This can help to foster a more cohesive working environment and ultimately lead to better care for patients.
What are your next steps?
I am going to start my professional career as an academic surgeon in a leading university hospital in Pakistan. I am looking forward to create a positive impact on the careers of young surgeons.
I would like to thank the international training programme for providing an excellent learning opportunity to fellows from all over the world. This program is invaluable in providing fellows with the clinical skills necessary to excel within their medical profession, and offers an excellent opportunity to learn from experienced clinicians while enjoying a stimulating environment with like-minded individuals in the pursuit of excellence.
By participating in this programme, fellows are able to better understand their roles as medical professionals and develop a greater appreciation for different cultures and approaches to healthcare. Through such experiences, they can become more effective practitioners who are better equipped to provide quality healthcare services.