What Degree Course did you study at UoB?

At University I studied the Medicine and Surgery MBChB. I also completed an external intercalation in BSc (Hons) Urgent and Emergency Care at Plymouth University in between the fourth and final year of Medical School achieving a first class honours. I then finished the final year of medical school here at Birmingham. During the intercalation I was based in the Emergency Department at Salford Royal, where I gained exposure to both paediatric and adult, minor, major and trauma cases. The intercalated degree involved 22.5 hours clinical time in the emergency department each week alongside academic requirements and monthly teaching down in Plymouth. This year was an incredible platform to pursue education, leadership and research interests.

What is your background?

I attended the CTC Kingshurst Academy in Kingshurst from Year 7 to Year 13. My GCSE results were 10A*'s and 4A's. I then decided to complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) at the CTC, and studied higher level Chemistry, Biology and History, and standard level Russian, English and Maths. I obtained 38 points. Whilst in Post 16, we had an a Access to Birmingham advisor come to the college to talk about the A2B scheme. Once informed about the eligibility and found that I was able to apply for A2B, I was then advised by my careers officer at the school through the application at the same time as submitting the UCAS application. At the time of my application the A2B would take consideration if you did not have the correct GSCE results and not lower the standard offer. I had the requirements at GCSE and IB required for the standard offer, as a result received the A2B Bursary of £1200 per year. 

What difference has the programme made for you? 

The medicine mock interviews is a great opportunity to meet a current student who can give you honest advice and have been through the interview process themselves. As they are not affiliated to the University you feel comfortable, this enables you to grow in confidence and feel more prepared for the real interview.

The A2B Module helped me develop a better understanding on referencing, this is critical when writing academic essays. You will be better informed about How university works and will generally make you more relaxed prior to attending.

Academic assignment- during mainstream education there is limited time for individual research in an area of your choice. Meeting an academic in your field to discuss an area of medicine that you can write an essay on with guidance is very exciting. A challenge but having wrote the essay I improved my style of writing, reference, verbal and non-verbal communication with academic. All skills key to being a successful medical student. I felt a lot more confident when faced with an essay title.

£1200 a year really helps financially, it enables me to buy the resources such as books, stethoscopes, travel expenses and formal clothing essential to the course. It alleviates financial stress and allows me to buy resources that will help me succeed as much as possible on the course.

What are your future plans?

I will graduate as a Doctor in 2018. I will then complete 2 years as a Junior Doctor which are called your foundations years. I aspire to specialise in Academic Emergency Medicine. I have thoroughly enjoyed my intercalation in Salford Royal and have developed personally and professionally as a result.