Founded in 1969, the Balint Society helps healthcare professionals reflect on their work and better understand the emotional dynamics of patient relationships. Each year, it awards this national prize to essays exploring the emotional and relational aspects of patient care, giving medical students and doctors the opportunity to reflect on their experiences and develop their understanding of the human side of medicine.
We spoke to Ava about the inspiration behind her essay and how it reflects her journey as a medical student.
You recently won a prestigious national prize called the Balint Prize. Could you tell us about this prize and what your winning essay was about?
In third year, we take part in Balint sessions to discuss cases from our mental health placements. The Balint Society also invites creative essay submissions, offering a chance to reflect on our experiences. This sparked my curiosity and inspired me to write about something I’m passionate about. In my essay, I explore how not everything can be taught in medical school, particularly the complexities of patient care, cultural competency, and working with vulnerable populations like refugees. These insights come from personal reflection and learning beyond the classroom.
How did you get involved?
I received an email about the competition deadline and thought, 'Why not give it a try?' With more free time during the summer and a love for creative writing, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. When I say I enjoy writing, I mean writing freely from the heart, without the academic pressure or the worry of grades. I decided to focus on a topic I’m passionate about: cultural competency and vulnerable patient groups. I’m grateful for the chance to voice issues that matter to me.
Once again, congratulations on the prize! What was going through your mind when you found out you had won?
To be completely honest, I was on placement in the labour ward, juggling a million different things (trying to get those sign-offs of course...) and had completely forgotten I had entered the competition since it had been a while. As I was putting my phone away in my locker to scrub in for a C-section, a "congratulations" email popped up. My jaw dropped, and I felt incredibly honoured and grateful. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole day, and with the arrival of the baby, it was physically impossible for me to smile any bigger. It was a great day for all of us!
What message do you have for other medical students?
I think reflection is something we often overlook. I know we have so much to do, and activities like engagement logs or Balint groups can sometimes feel like tick-box exercises. But if you approach reflection in a way that’s genuinely helpful to you - whether you choose to share it or not - it can make a real difference. Taking the time to reflect on patient encounters, considering what went well and what could have been improved, can shape us into better doctors. The difference between a robot and a doctor lies in compassion and empathy, and I believe that comes from reflection.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
At this stage in my life, with fewer commitments, I try my best to give back to the community. As the South London team leader for StreetDoctors, I teach young people - particularly those at risk of street violence - how to respond in emergencies, such as bleeding or unconsciousness. This role has taken me across London, from youth clubs and football pitches to teaching in a boxing ring between rounds of a match (I wasn’t sure how to get into the ring, but there’s always a first time!).
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
In five years, I’ll have been working as a doctor for four years, which feels surreal to think about. While I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be doing, I can imagine various possibilities - perhaps I’ll be an F4, a clinical fellow, or even have entered specialty training. It’s exciting to consider, but also a bit uncertain. What I do know is that I plan to remain in medicine. Alongside that, I hope to continue pursuing my other passions, such as volunteering. In fact, I’d love to combine my medical career with humanitarian work. It’s an integral part of who I am and one of the main reasons I chose medicine in the first place.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: I absolutely love spring – the perfect balance of sunshine and breeze.
Favourite London restaurant: Berenjak! Right around the corner from us at Guy's campus – 10/10!
Favourite scientist: Ibn Sina (‘Avicenna’), also known as the father of modern medicine.
Coffee order: Iced hazelnut latte, forever and always.