Making a difference for local children: the School of Medicine student easing concerns ahead of surgery

Amy Docherty still has another two years at the University of Dundee School of Medicine ahead of her. Nevertheless, tomorrow she will graduate with her first qualification—a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc). 

This degree is earned from an intercalated year, where students develop a skill set distinct from their undergraduate course.

During her BMSc year, Amy delved into Healthcare Improvement. She collaborated closely with clinicians at Ninewells Hospital's Ward 30, the paediatric surgery ward, who were eager to find new ways to support children with additional needs, their parents, and the wider ward staff before operations.

Leveraging her pre-university experience working with children with additional support needs (ASN), Amy designed a special pre-surgery ‘passport’. This document is tailored to ease out useful information from ASN children ahead of their operation.

Amy explained, “It's a colourful, child-friendly document with lots of different sections.”

“At present, there are various pre-assessment methods, but some children don’t understand or realize what they might need until the day of the surgery,” she added.

The communication passport is currently being trialled on Ward 30, and Amy is hopeful it will prove successful and be widely adopted. “I gather feedback from staff and patients’ families, and it’s been positive,” she said.

“One of the mums I talked to said, ‘I wish I had this this morning!’ I think the process of just filling it out is quite comforting for families, knowing that someone is paying attention to their child's needs.”

Amy’s efforts have earned her the prestigious Sir James Black Award, which she will receive during the graduation ceremony. Reflecting on a successful year, she expressed relief at having completed it and is now looking forward to re-joining her undergraduate medical studies. She suspects her passion for helping children may lead to a future career in paediatrics.

“Helping and working with children is something I’ve particularly enjoyed during this intercalated year,” Amy shared. “Of course, we’re all working towards becoming doctors, but I think for me, the path is probably going to be paediatrics. I love working with children. I’ve always had a natural affinity for working with kids.”

Amy Docherty will graduate with a BMSc in Healthcare Improvement and receive the Sir James Black Award at the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2024.