Dr. Matthew Lee

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Dr. Matthew Lee

Junior doctor in London from Hong Kong. Currently working in A&E. Empowering difficult conversations

16/03/2023

That's a wrap on two amazing days at Digital Health Rewired!

I really enjoyed speaking about the impact of 3D printing in the NHS and our work educating healthcare professionals alongside a fantastic panel. It's always inspiring to hear how different technologies are being used across the system, and I couldn't have thought of a better venue to do so 🙌

Some brilliant speakers with lots to reflect on around AI practicalities, digital in social care, and workforce empowerment. A large part of the reason I love these events is being with like-minded people passionate about using tech in medicine, and it was great to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues building amazing things. Definitely left with a buzz, and already can't wait for the next one! 🥳

29/07/2021

My two years as a foundation doctor are finally done! 🥳🥳

It's been crazy, to say the least. But in the worst of circumstances, I've had the best time. ⭐️

I worked in A&E, internal medicine, surgery, intensive care unit, geriatrics and community medicine and learned so much! I saw death, but I also saw life pulled from the brink of it. Particularly during the pandemic, every day had new challenges to adapt to. These experiences were humbling and made me stronger and more thoughtful. They fuelled my desire to constantly learn and grow - as an individual and clinician - to help others around me.

I have so much to be grateful for, not least to my consultants, mentors, colleagues and friends who've helped me along the way. I've never known a more altruistic bunch who love what they do so much.

But this is just the beginning, and I'm so excited for what's next. Looking forward to sharing it all with you guys! 🚀

28/04/2021

I've just turned down my dream medical job in Central London.

I was lucky enough to get a training post offer for internal medicine in London, and I was ecstatic. It’s all I ever wanted. And truthfully, taking the training post was the sensible option. A job in the country's best hospitals, my next 3 years of training secure, and a step closer to becoming a cardiologist.🫀

This has been one of the most agonising decisions of my life. But I've decided to tread off the path. Instead of taking the job, I'm going the opposite way. I'll be taking a year out of clinical medicine.

I turned down the post because next year, I want to devote my time to building skills in technologies that we can use to improve healthcare. I want to learn how to turn my ideas into tangible impacts on patients. I see this in medical technologies like AI, 3D printing and virtual reality which are a combination of the two things I'm most passionate about: healthcare and tech. 🩺💻

The world of medicine is changing, and I want to be a part of it. As much as I love seeing patients in the hospital, I love the thought of innovation and creating something that can make a difference beyond the patients sat across me in a consultation. 🚀

Will I come to regret it? Perhaps. But I'll regret it even more in 10 years time if I never bothered to try.

Lots of exciting announcements and life updates in the next few weeks, thanks for sticking around (the videos are coming, I promise!!!)🤓

18/04/2021

Didn’t realise how much I needed a break until I finally took some time off today to catch up on some sunshine, good food and good company ☀️ so excited that markets and stores are finally opening around London 🥳

The last few months have been tough on us all. Thankfully we’re seeing Covid cases going down, but it’s important to stay safe and follow guidelines. Remember to make time to relax and recharge as well if you’ve had a busy week!

07/04/2021

After 4 months in A&E, I've finally finished my rotation in emergency medicine! 🚨

What a crazy time it's been. In the worst of circumstances, this has been my best job as a doctor so far.

A&E is a department unlike any other. It's fast paced with high stakes. Every day I was seeing new conditions, learning to do new procedures, meeting people from a myriad of backgrounds. What was amazing was how much we got to see, because absolutely anything and everything could come through the door. In a single day, you could go from diagnosing twisted bowel, to treating a heart attack, to managing road traffic accident casualties. There's a real satisfaction in making the correct diagnosis, starting the right treatment, and getting them into the hands of the right specialty. I loved being able to make a personal and tangible difference in their care.

As a junior doctor, you're the first (and often only) clinician your patient sees when they walk through the hospital doors. To be there for someone at their weakest - that's a big responsibility, but a privilege I'll never take for granted.

Yet despite all the upsides, this was one of the most mentally challenging periods of my life. Covid-19 was an incredibly difficult time in the hospital. We saw death, sickness, and at times, very little hope. I was told that Covid was a hoax; I wish they could've seen what was really going on. Years from now, I have no doubt I'll remember those mask-strapped faces, hunched forwards gasping for life's breaths. I left many a shift feeling dejected and heartbroken, knowing I'd have to come in the next day and do it all again.

Nonetheless, this was a really important period for me - medically and personally. I'm grateful for my experiences because I know they will help me become a better doctor. I've tried to embrace the maturity forced upon me from my difficult experiences. At the very least, I'm more confident in my ability to manage unwell patients. I'm certainly better equipped at dealing with obnoxiously drunk, drugged, psychotic people screaming down my neck. Come at me, life. ✌️

Looking forwards, I'm excited for the next steps in my career. Next stop: internal medicine 🙌

Address

London

Website

https://twitter.com/mbklee_

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