What Went Well: Week 2 provided me with more hands-on experience, particularly in data collection at Queen Mary Hospital. With the guidance of a medical student or an experienced researcher, I felt more confident and capable in performing auscultation and gathering accurate heart rate data. This increased exposure allowed me to refine my technique and become more comfortable in a clinical setting.

The taster lectures for high school students also went smoothly this week, largely because we had already resolved the technical issues from the previous session. This allowed us to focus more on the content and interaction with the students, ensuring they had a positive and engaging learning experience.

What Could Have Been Done Differently: While the week was generally successful, I realized that I could have been more proactive in seeking feedback on my data collection techniques. Although I was under supervision, taking the initiative to ask for more detailed critiques could have further improved my skills.

What I Learned About Myself When Working with Others: This week reinforced my understanding of the importance of teamwork and supervision in learning new skills. I appreciated the value of having experienced individuals to guide me, and I also learned that with the right support, I could quickly adapt and improve. It highlighted my ability to learn and grow when given the opportunity to practice under the watchful eyes of experts.

What I Learned About Leadership: Preparing for the upcoming press conference for the mobile stethoscope app taught me about the importance of thoroughness and attention to detail in leadership roles. Ensuring that the data presented was accurate and well-supported required careful cross-checking and a commitment to excellence. I learned that leadership also involves ensuring the credibility and reliability of information before it’s presented to the public.

What Do I Want to Develop or Focus on Next? In the coming weeks, I want to focus on further improving my data collection skills, striving for greater precision and confidence. Additionally, I aim to enhance my ability to critically analyse and verify data, particularly in preparation for public presentations or publications.

What I Still Need to Develop: I still need to develop a stronger ability to independently verify and critique my work. While supervision has been incredibly helpful, building my own confidence in these tasks is essential for my growth. I also need to continue working on my ability to handle public-facing responsibilities, such as preparing for press conferences, where the accuracy and clarity of information are paramount.