FATIMA KOUSAR

• First on call for general medical and emergency cases
• Daily ward rounds, reviewing adult and elderly patients with a range of acute and chronic conditions
• Taking medical histories, clerking patients, performing systemic examinations, and prescribing under supervision
• Managing common acute conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, pneumonia, and exacerbations of asthma/COPD
• Assisting in emergency resuscitations, including airway management, basic life support, and fluid resuscitation
• Performing procedures such as NG tube insertion, venepuncture, arterial blood gas sampling, ECGs, and urinary catheterisation
• Communicating clearly and empathetically with patients and relatives, particularly during high-stress situations in A&E
• Participated in on-call shifts covering acute medicine wards, A&E bays, and high-dependency units (HDU)

During my placement in the Orthopaedics Department with a focus on geriatric patients, I was involved in the post-operative care of elderly individuals recovering from orthopedic surgeries, such as hip and femur fractures. I worked closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and discharge coordinators, to ensure a holistic, patient-centered approach to recovery and rehabilitation.

My responsibilities included monitoring post-operative progress, assessing for complications such as delirium, infection, and thromboembolic events, and helping to optimize patients’ mobility and pain management. I regularly participated in ward rounds and MDT meetings, where we discussed rehabilitation goals, discharge planning, and individualized care needs. I also provided counseling to patients and families about the expected recovery process, timelines for rehabilitation, and available support services after discharge.

In addition, I contributed to two team-led clinical audits aimed at improving post-operative outcomes and MDT communication, gaining valuable insight into quality improvement processes in geriatric orthopedic care.

During my time in the Cardiology Department, I was actively involved in the care of acutely unwell patients, including those presenting with cardiac emergencies such as cardiac arrest, acute heart failure, arrhythmias, and patients with newly identified or worsening heart murmurs. I participated in daily consultant-led ward rounds, where I was responsible for monitoring patients’ progress, initiating and adjusting treatment plans, and ensuring timely escalation of care when required.

I performed routine clinical tasks such as intravenous (IV) cannulation, arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, ECG interpretation, and close observation of vital signs. I also assisted in advanced cardiac procedures, including percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), where I supported the consultant during catheter-based techniques to open blocked coronary arteries, often in the setting of acute coronary syndromes. These experiences gave me valuable exposure to the management of both chronic and acute cardiac conditions, as well as insight into post-procedural care and patient stabilization.

• As a Senior House Officer in the Surgery Department at Leicester Hospital, I assisted in a range of surgical procedures including laparoscopic cholecystectomies, small and large bowel resections, and operations for intestinal obstruction. I was involved in the perioperative management of acutely unwell patients, particularly those presenting with complex gut obstructions. My role included assisting consultants during emergency and elective surgeries, as well as providing post-operative care, monitoring recovery, managing complications, and supporting discharge planning.

During my time at Care Hospital, Sahiwal, I worked in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where I was responsible for the comprehensive management of critically ill patients. This included caring for intubated, ventilated, and sedated patients requiring close monitoring and multi-system support. I performed regular systemic assessments covering neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal functions to ensure timely interventions and prevent deterioration.

My role involved interpreting vital parameters, assisting with procedures such as central line insertions and ABGs, adjusting ventilator settings under supervision, and ensuring coordinated care with nursing and specialty teams. This experience significantly strengthened my clinical judgment and confidence in managing high-dependency patients in an acute care setting.

As a Senior House Officer in the Plastic Surgery Department, I was actively involved in the care of major burn patients, particularly within the burns unit, where I was responsible for overseeing day-to-day patient management. I assisted consultants in complex surgical procedures, including debridement, the application of skin grafts, and flap reconstructions for extensive burn injuries.

My responsibilities included leading daily ward rounds in the burns unit, monitoring wound healing, managing fluid balance, pain control, infection prevention, and coordinating multidisciplinary input from physiotherapists and dietitians. Being in charge of the unit allowed me to develop strong leadership, clinical prioritization, and communication skills, particularly when managing critically ill patients with high-dependency needs.

As a Senior House Officer in General Medicine, I managed a wide range of patients across specialties including rheumatology, cardiology, and nephrology. I was actively involved in acute medical care, including the assessment and initial management of medical emergencies such as drug overdoses, tranquilizer toxicity, and deliberate self-harm cases. These situations required timely triage, clinical prioritisation, and coordinated input from emergency services and specialist teams.

This rotation provided me with valuable experience in interdisciplinary communication and hospital systems navigation. I became adept at liaising with various specialties to ensure appropriate referrals and admissions, improving the continuity and quality of patient care. I particularly valued the collaborative nature of this post, which gave me a deeper insight into managing complex patients holistically, while strengthening my communication, coordination, and acute care skills.

As a Senior House Officer in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, I worked closely with consultant anaesthetists across a range of surgical specialties including general surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and urology. I was actively involved in the perioperative management of patients, assisting with the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, as well as monitoring and supporting patients throughout surgical procedures.

I developed hands-on skills in airway management, including endotracheal intubation and extubation, and performed procedures such as arterial line and central line insertions under supervision. My ICU responsibilities included the continuous monitoring and stabilization of critically ill patients, ventilator management, and the provision of post-operative care in high-dependency settings. This role significantly enhanced my procedural proficiency, situational awareness, and understanding of anaesthetic care across diverse patient populations.