I was most pleased to hear this summer that I had been accepted onto Bupa’s summer internship scheme for medical students, and equally daunted to learn that I was the first.
Setting out to work for the month I had off this summer, I began at Battle Bridge House, based in King’s Cross, having met my supervisors, Drs. Wai Keong Wong and Jenny Leeser at Bupa House, Holborn. I was struck by how friendly and enthusiastic everyone was to me, and I quickly settled in with my task. I spent the first two weeks conducting an audit with the aim of improving the way review appointments are made in occupational health. Working in this particular department allowed me to understand how workers of the railway are looked after, the prevalent health issues that affect this population and a whole new side to medicine that I would not have encountered through medical school alone. I had ample opportunity to sit in on clinics taken by technicians, nurses and doctors in equal measure. I took away a lot from my time spent talking to these staff and patients, which I am sure will enhance my development as a future healthcare professional.
The audit I conducted itself was an interesting insight into how the private healthcare insurance system works, and how practice is continually monitored to keep it efficient and cost effective. I was guided by Dr. Leeser through my tasks with prompt feedback, and was encouraged to write up my findings and procedure, which I would later present at a clinical governance meeting. Throughout my time at Bupa, such meetings were organised for me to be present at which revealed to me a commercial side of healthcare. I began to realise the challenges of the running of a private company, which in turn put into context the issues the NHS is now facing. It was a unique opportunity to hear from heads of different branches of the company and read the financial reports. They also had some delightful tea, a major perk.
Towards the end of my short time at Bupa, I visited centres around the country, including the highly impressive modern headquarters in Staines where I was privileged to sit in on some most intriguing work. Another trip took me to Manchester, specifically the Salford Quays where Bupa runs their remote health service. There I listened in on calls made and was told about how the department works. It gave me yet more of an idea of how healthcare is evolving; a cost effective service, and one I’m sure we will see in increasing use in all major healthcare services.
Throughout my time at Bupa I was helped whenever required, and plans were always made in advance. There was a good balance of using initiative and self learning and being taught new skills. I made friends and useful contacts in my time there. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work at Bupa and miss it having returned to medical school! I sincerely recommend if you’re a medical student to apply, a thoroughly worthwhile and rewarding internship.
