Meet Leyla Turkoglu. Leyla is a CT3 core anaesthetics trainee. She is the LTFT and education lead in the trainee committee. Leyla’s clinical interests include paediatric anaesthesia, transfer medicine and human factors.
What does the Association Trainee Committee mean to you?
Trainee Committee is an opportunity for me to get involved with issues that affect our specialty at a national level. It’s a way to meet others who are going through anaesthetic training, to hear their ideas and their issues and to collaborate to improve things for us all.
What has most surprised you since joining the trainee committee?
The family feeling amongst members of the committee. The committee has been a great support for me personally during difficult times. I did not anticipate making so many good friendships.
What would you like to achieve in your time on the trainee committee?
I would like to make small changes for trainees to make our working lives better and less stressful. I would like to be an approachable voice for people who might find themselves struggling, for whatever reason.
Why did you decide to become an anaesthetist/doctor
I took the scenic route, working in the city as a solicitor. For me, this was a bad combination of boring and stressful and I can only cope with one at a time! Becoming a doctor, and later an anaesthetist, allows me to combine my skills in problem solving, my interest in people and (hopefully) do some good in the world.
What do you like most about your job?
I like the variety provided by a career in anaesthesia- all patient groups, all pathologies pass through our doors. It’s also extremely satisfying when a patient who was anxious before their anaesthetic says they had a good experience with us.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my daughter, partner and two little cats. I enjoy cooking, eating out and experiencing new foods. I try to learn something ‘non-medicine’ related during my free time- I’m currently taking a wine qualification.