My First Week as an F1 Doctor: Embracing Responsibility

There’s a moment when the weight of responsibility really sinks in. Maybe it was your first big job promotion, caring for a newborn baby, or babysitting a younger sibling. For me, that moment came during my first week as an F1 doctor. The pressure was palpable from the start—you quickly realise that the classroom version of patient care is a world away from the actual chaos of a hospital ward.

The Reality of NHS Patient Care

I had spent years preparing—long hours in lectures, clinical placements, and endless revision. But no amount of preparation could fully equip me for the reality: standing in front of a patient, knowing that every decision I made could deeply affect someone’s life. In 2023/24, the NHS had an estimated 600 million patient contacts, or 1.7 million interactions every day—each one a person with their own story and needs.

On my first day, I was entrusted with my own patient—a mixture of pride and panic rushed through me. It wasn’t just about getting the medical side right anymore; I was suddenly responsible for this person’s well-being in a very real way.

Empathy: The Heart of Responsibility

One moment that will stay with me is meeting an elderly gentleman who was visibly anxious. As I introduced myself and reviewed his notes, I felt the weight of his trust in me, a total stranger. He wasn’t just looking for answers; he wanted reassurance, someone to understand his fears. That’s when I realised: the more I focused on being “perfect,” the heavier the responsibility felt. But when I shifted my attention toward the patient—his worries, his experience—it all started to change.

Empathy isn’t just feeling for someone; it’s about seeing the world through their eyes. And in that, you discover that the responsibility you carry isn’t a burden but a privilege. When I reframed things that way, it helped me keep going, even on the hardest days.

The hardest part of responsibility isn’t the weight itself—it’s how you approach it. If you focus on the fear of making mistakes, it becomes overwhelming. But when you see responsibility as an opportunity to make a difference, it starts to feel lighter.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that responsibility isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about showing up for the people who need you and doing your best in that moment. There’s no such thing as a perfect doctor, but there is such a thing as being present, caring, and doing the best you can with what you have.

I’m still figuring things out, and I know I’ve got a long way to go, but I’ve started to understand that responsibility is something you grow into. It’s not a test of your abilities—it’s a chance to be there for others when they need you most. And the more you lean into that, the more meaningful it becomes.

From Self-Performance to Other-Centred Care

Think back to when you first felt the weight of responsibility. Now, recall the moment when that responsibility shifted. Maybe it was seeing the relief in a sibling’s eyes after looking after them, or hearing praise from your team after a job well done.

For me, the shift came when I realised it wasn’t about proving myself or being perfect. Once you start focusing on others, the weight doesn’t necessarily lighten, but it becomes more meaningful, grounding, and even motivating. Responsibility isn’t about being flawless; it’s about the impact you have on the people you serve.

My first week showed me that this year will be challenging, but I’m ready to grow into my role as an F1 doctor. My aim is to connect with patients on a personal level—because behind every case number is a person with their own story. This week has tested me, but it’s also ignited my excitement for what’s to come.

Curious about my journey from student to doctor? Read the full story and reflections here.

What responsibilities have shaped your life? I’d love to hear your experiences.

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