Meet Emily: From ward to world stage
Competing in the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos this summer may seem a world away from life at St Bartholomew's Hospital, but for Emily Goodchild, both are part of her everyday life. When she's not fencing on the international stage, she spends her time helping to deliver excellent clinical care as a specialist trainee registrar and National Institute for Health and Care Research clinical lecturer in the endocrinology department.
Emily returned home with two bronze medals after representing England in both the individual and team events. This championship is one of the biggest international fencing competitions, bringing together fencers from across the world, which makes securing a place on the podium that much more impressive.
"The atmosphere was amazing - it was such a fun event, and really well organised. It was great meeting competitors from across the world. Winning two bronze medals made the experience even more memorable."
Emily started fencing when she 17 years old and now, she represents Great Britain in competitions one to two weekends a month. She enjoys the physical and psychological challenge of fencing, and learning new things about herself she would never have otherwise accessed.
Day-to-day, Emily works in the endocrinology department which is an internationally recognised centre of excellence. Since joining the organisation in 2015, she has spent the past 11 years learning from experts in the field. She splits her working week between seeing patients in the hospital and doing medical research at QMUL.
"It's really inspiring to work alongside and learn from consultants who have a really deep understanding of their patients and take a very considered, thoughtful approach to their care. They challenge existing diagnoses, treatments and each other. Witnessing this is a really valuable learning experience and a privilege to see in action."
As part of her training, Emily has had opportunities to develop her skills in research, teaching, patient engagement and health inequalities. However, she believes that it is the people who have taught her the most.
"The whole department is excellent. I learn so much every day, from the consultants, the other registrars, clinical nurse specialists, the Day-Unit team and admin colleagues. It makes me aspire to become the best clinician I can be."