A New Beginning: The Doctor’s Journey

Poem

Through gilded halls of learning once I strayed,
Where books and lectures wove their studious shade.
A scholar’s dream, an endless quest for lore,
Now tempered steel, I tread the clinic’s floor.

Beneath the sterile light, the truth unveils –
The trembling pulse, the life that ebbs and pales.
A breath once vibrant slips to silent rest;
The stethoscope confirms what hearts detest.

How strange, to hold such power in my hand,
To name the time, to help a soul disband.
With whispered words, I meet the family’s grief,
And strive to bind their sorrow with relief.

Each day’s ascent, a curve so steep, so high,
A summit cloaked beneath an endless sky.
Where once were theories scrawled on scribbled lines,
Now sutures weave, and cannula defines.

The weight, though heavy, strengthens shoulders frail,
And faltering steps find balance in the trail.
Though sleepless nights may cloud the weary mind,
Within these trials, joy is yet confined.

For when a healing smile greets morning’s sun,
And lives are touched by acts of kindness done,
The purpose of this toil is crystal clear:
To meet each patient’s pain with hope sincere.

Yet not alone this journey must I wend,
For solace blooms with family, with friend.
Their voices lift, their warmth renews my soul,
A steady anchor as the seasons roll.

Empathy, the cornerstone of care,
Reminds us all why first we chose to dare.
To stand within this crucible of strife,
And bear the sacred charge of guarding life.

And as each chapter folds into the next,
The journey’s meaning ever stands perplexed—
A fragile balance, where new burdens grow,
But seeds of hope in humble hands we sow.

Thus life becomes its own perpetual art,
Each patient’s story stitched into the heart.

Reflections

The poem “A New Beginning: The Doctor’s Journey” was born out of a deep need to reflect on the transition from medical school to the practical realities of foundation training. It aims to encompass some of the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual journeys of a junior doctor. At its heart lies the interplay between the immense challenges faced during this pivotal stage and the profound rewards that accompany it. By reflecting on my lived experience for the past few opening months of practice, I hope to blend vivid imagery, lyrical depth, and emotional resonance to create a piece that not only reflects my personal experiences but also resonates universally with others embarking on the same journey.

This poem stems from my personal experiences as a foundation doctor, navigating the steep learning curve and the many “firsts” that define this stage of training. My initial motivation was to find a way to process and articulate the huge variety of emotions I have felt: the exhilaration of newfound responsibility, the crushing weight of a patient’s death, the delicate art of speaking with grieving families, and the quiet triumphs of helping a patient recover over time. Writing has helped shape my lens for understanding the profound nature of this role.

The inspiration for the poem’s form came from the Romantic poets, particularly Keats, whose works often explore the tension between beauty and sorrow, permanence and transience. I felt that this poetic style was uniquely suited to explore the dichotomies in medicine—the joy of saving a life contrasted with the heartbreak of losing one, the thrill of mastery tempered by the humbling realization of how much more there is to learn.

By writing this poem, I hoped to capture a sense of universality. While it is deeply personal, it is also reflective of a shared experience among foundation doctors. Each of us enters this journey with trepidation, ambition, and a desire to make a difference, and each of us must grapple with the emotional toll of the work while finding our footing. The poem hopes to serve as a mirror for others to see their own struggles and triumphs reflected back at them.

At its core, the poem explores the theme of transformation: from student to doctor, from observer to practitioner, from novice to someone entrusted with life itself. It traces the journey from the theoretical confines of medical school to the unpredictable realities of the hospital ward. The imagery of climbing a steep ascent symbolizes the daily challenges and the relentless pace of learning, while moments of reflection highlight the personal growth that emerges from these trials.

Empathy is a recurring thread throughout the poem. In a profession that demands technical precision, the human connection, the ability to truly see and care for a patient, is what motivates us. The poem’s focus on family, friends, and colleagues underscores the importance of a support system in maintaining one’s mental and emotional health. I also hopped to capture the sacred responsibility of being a doctor. Confirming a death, speaking to grieving families, or even performing routine tasks such as inserting a cannula carries an immense weight. These moments shape not only the lives of our patients but also the people we are becoming. By acknowledging this responsibility, the poem elevates the mundane into something revered, a calling that is as much about the heart as it is about science.

For readers, I hope this poem serves as both a comfort and a call to introspection. For those who are final-year medical students or new foundation doctors, I hope it reassures them that the emotions they are experiencing are not theirs alone. The fears, the self-doubt, the moments of overwhelm are all part of the journey, and they do not diminish their worth as doctors. Instead, these challenges contribute to their growth and resilience. For more experienced doctors or educators, I hope the poem serves as a reminder of what it feels like to be at the start of this path. In the rush of clinical duties, it is easy to forget the vulnerability and uncertainty of those just beginning. This reflection may foster empathy and patience in guiding and supporting junior colleagues.

For everyone, medical or not, the poem is an invitation to appreciate the humanity in medicine. It reminds us that doctors are not infallible figures but individuals striving to balance their knowledge with compassion, and their competence with care. It is a reminder that medicine is, at its heart, a deeply human endeavour.

This poem is not an endpoint but rather the beginning of a larger journey of exploration and connection. I see potential in using poetry and reflective writing as tools for professional development. Encouraging junior doctors to write about their experiences can help them process complex emotions, build resilience, and foster a sense of community. Sharing these works publicly, can hopefully spark meaningful conversations and create a repository of narratives that inspire and educate future cohorts of doctors.

Finally, I hope to engage readers beyond the medical profession. The themes of growth, empathy, and perseverance are universal, and I believe that by sharing these stories, we can bridge the gap between the medical world and the public, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the challenges and rewards of being a doctor.

Charlie Coombs

F1, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Foundation School (KSS) Foundation School