25 Nov 2024 Community

A Journey of Learning and Care: Arun Chonedan Joy reflects on his work placement with The Kirkwood

Arun Chonedan Joy, a 22-year-old medical student from the University of Huddersfield, recently completed a nine week work placement with The Kirkwood, learning about the specialist end of life palliative care we give to patients with life limiting illnesses. Originally from India, Arun is in his third year of studying medicine and views his time with The Kirkwood as a transformative experience that will shape his future career.

Leaving home for an opportunity was hard for Arun but he is glad he made the move: “It was a hard choice to leave India as I miss my family,” Arun shared. “But they knew, and I knew, that coming to study in England was a great opportunity.”

Adjusting to life in a new country came with its challenges. “When I first came to England, it was hard because I was living on my own,” he admitted. However, Arun found solace in building connections with his classmates. “I've made some good friends on my course, and now we live together. We help each other with our assignments.”

Balancing his studies with part-time work, Arun has gained experience in various roles. “Alongside my course, I’ve worked in restaurants and care homes to earn money, which I’ve enjoyed,” he said.

Arun has completed several placements during his studies, but he described his time with The Kirkwood as unparalleled. “Working with The Kirkwood has definitely been the best experience I have had,” he said. “I have learnt a lot whilst being involved here. One of the biggest things is how unlike a hospital it is. There is no rushing around, everything is calm for the patients.”

The emphasis on patient centred care left a strong impression on him. He said: “Every need for the patient is taken care of, no matter how small, and that is what has really impressed me about The Kirkwood. We care for the families too, which is so important. For me, that shows that The Kirkwood thinks about everyone.”

Arun highlighted the valuable skills he developed during his placement. “Whilst working with The Kirkwood, I’ve learnt about symptom management and pain control and how to talk to patients who are receiving end of life care,” he explained. 

Continuing: “You learn to have good communication skills and how to speak with not just the patients but their families too, even under stressful circumstances.”

The welcoming atmosphere on the In-Patient Unit where Arun was based also stood out to him. He explained: “I’ve really enjoyed working with the staff here, they made me feel really welcome from day one. It’s a very warm and inviting place to work where everyone helps each other and everyone is incredibly friendly. I felt very supported on both a professional and personal level.”

As Arun looks ahead to his future career, he reflects on the profound influence The Kirkwood has had on him. “I want to work in a busy ED (emergency department), with each admission being so different. Working in an ED is my dream,” he said. “I’ll work in England for a while, but one day I’d like to return to India and my family.”

Arun’s time with The Kirkwood has left a lasting impression. He said: “I will never forget my time with The Kirkwood and how amazing everyone was. I will always remember the skills I learnt here and take them forward into not just the roles I go on to take in my career but also in life generally too.”

For Arun, The Kirkwood is more than just a workplace, it’s a symbol of care and compassion. “The Kirkwood is a special place and is so important to this community and the way it cares for people,” he concluded.