At 51, Ben Collins Embraces New Journey as Junior Doctor

Former journalist Ben Collins has embarked on a remarkable career transition, starting his first job as a junior doctor at the age of 51. After four years of rigorous medical training, Collins reflects on the challenges and transformations he has experienced, marking a significant shift from his previous life in journalism to the demanding world of medicine.

From Journalist to Medical Practitioner

During his time at medical school, Collins faced a steep learning curve. He entered the program at 47, where he encountered a range of clinical experiences that tested his resolve and understanding of human anatomy. The realities of medical training included performing invasive procedures and engaging with patients in vulnerable moments. Collins recalls, “I’ve poked, probed, inserted, stabbed and cut people in their most intimate body parts.”

His journey included moments of self-doubt, particularly when approaching patients with sensitive questions. Initially intimidated by the task of discussing mental health, he gradually built confidence through patient interactions. One patient reassured him with the words, “You’ve got to learn somehow,” a sentiment that became a cornerstone of his learning process.

As he progressed, Collins encountered increasingly complex situations, from assisting in caesarean sections to examining newborns for conditions like hip dysplasia. Each experience contributed to his growth, shifting his perspective on what it means to be a physician.

A Transformative Experience

One pivotal moment in Collins’ training occurred during a urology class, where he witnessed the significance of a digital rectal examination. Initially skeptical, he learned how this procedure could reveal critical health issues, including signs of prostate cancer. “The prostate was hard, lumpy, and asymmetrical, and even I could immediately tell this was cancer,” he noted, highlighting the potential for early intervention.

Now, as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of a doctor, Collins grapples with the title that comes with his new role. He admits to feeling a sense of imposter syndrome, questioning whether he truly belongs among seasoned medical professionals. Yet, the excitement of being part of life-changing moments—such as witnessing births and delivering difficult news—fills him with a sense of purpose.

Collins further cites a memory from his time in the emergency department, where he diagnosed a potential seizure disorder in a baby after recognizing the symptoms from a previous case. “Knowing I may have played a small role in getting this child treatment that could prevent a life of disability is a nice thought to hold on to,” he said, expressing the profound impact that medical practice can have on patients’ lives.

Reflecting on his past four years, Collins acknowledges the mix of pride and exhaustion that has accompanied his medical journey. After resigning from his role as a small-town journalist, he has managed to navigate one of the most stressful periods of his life, ultimately finding satisfaction in his accomplishments. He looks forward to what he hopes will be a fulfilling career in medicine, eager to contribute positively over the next two decades.

As Collins embraces his new identity as a junior doctor, he is reminded of the importance of human connection in healthcare. “I am blown away at the momentary connections I get to share with people in the most extraordinary moments of life,” he concluded, ready to embark on this new chapter with both enthusiasm and humility.