Fight against Covid with junior doctor at Epsom-St Helier

It has been over a year since the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the UK, and hospital staff have been battling the pandemic ever since.

We have teamed-up with Epsom and St Helier Trust to give you an insight into the 'humans of health care'. 

Each week we will shine light on a frontline worker involved in the day-to-day running of Epsom-St Helier hospitals.

This week we will be shining light on Junior Doctor Vedang Tyagi, who joined the NHS last year and is now an "integral part of the Trust". 

Vedang joined the team after travelling to the UK in February with just one month's worth of clothes with him - he tells us what it is like to start his career during a global pandemic.

“After graduating from medical school in India last year, I packed a month’s worth of clothes and caught a flight to England in the hopes that I might find a job here in the UK," he said.

"Since I was young I’ve wanted to work in the NHS – an organisation I greatly admire – but I hadn’t imagined I would start contributing to it at such a crucial point in medical history.

He added: “Those I’ve met this year often wonder what beginning my career during a global pandemic is comparable to.

"I tell them that it was like being thrown into the deep end when you’ve just learnt to swim.

At first I struggled to stay afloat, and at times I felt like I was gasping for air.

"As instinct and training kicked in I became more comfortable in the water and before I knew it I was swimming. And I found that I love swimming," he said.

Vedang went onto admit that this year has been "challenging", but says it has also been the best thing to have happened to him. 

He continued: "I’ve learnt from the Trust’s senior healthcare professionals who have lead by example throughout covid.

"They’ve set the precedent, and I hope to emulate their work ethic, attitude, and example as I continue with my career.

I’ve witnessed some incredibly moving moments between patients and their families, many of these virtual.

"But best of all, I’ve been privileged to practice medicine as I truly want to.

"I’ve had the opportunity to give my patients the kind of care they deserve, without worrying that they can’t afford it or we’ll run out of resources.

“The fight against Covid-19 has been a transformative period for everyone – no-one is untouched by it.

"For me, it’s been the most important landmark of my life. It has allowed me to do what I’ve always wanted: to care and to cure.”

Stay tuned for next week's feature where we highlight the efforts of a Senior Nurse on Friday, March 5.