Medical Student Profiles
Students Not Yet Qualified
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Chun Yen BehClinical Year 5 (qualification June 2012) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
It has a good reputation for Medicine and also is a centre for research.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Set goals, aim high and work hard. Read the textbooks. Get plenty of sleep so that what you study turns into long term memory
What are your plans after qualifying?
I want to be a cardiologist.
Have you had to overcome any difficulties before starting or whilst undertaking the course?
I was quite lost during my first week of my first attachment in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The registrars sat down with me and gave me guidance and tips and now, I felt more confident in dealing with patients.
What are the clinical attachments like at Aberdeen?You get posted to all the different specialties in year 4 and that really help in giving the student a feel of what the different specialties are like. There are also lectures during clinical attachment which further help the student to consolidate what they see in the wards
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?During weekdays, I study hard and during weekends, I spend time learning new skills such as cooking. I also manage to pick up tennis while studying in Aberdeen.
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Amanda FriendClinical Year 5 (qualification June 2012) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
I'd done my first degree in Aberdeen and really liked the university and the city, plus I found the staff very supportive of graduate applicants.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Stay calm! It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount you need to know, but with a bit of work it's achievable – just look at all the doctors around you who have got through it!
What are your plans after qualifying?
I'd like to work in paediatrics, possibly eventually specialising in child protection
Is graduate application a good option?
Definitely! Particularly if you've done a related degree, you'll find the knowledge you already have really useful whilst studying medicine. Being a couple of years older can also mean you're more confident on the wards and whilst dealing with patients. Obviously, money can be an issue, but banks will happily give loans to medical students, as they know once they qualify they'll easily be able to repay them, and having a loan or two to pay back is a small price for having such a rewarding career.
How much support for students is there at Aberdeen?Loads! The regent system means you'll be allocated a doctor who you can email about any concerns or difficulties you're having, whether personal or relating to the course. The phase co-ordinators are all extremely understanding and happy to discuss any issues students are having. We also have a very active Student's Association who you can approach for help and advice on just about anything! If you ask for help, you definitely get it.
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Jamie PopeClinical Year 5 (qualification June 2012) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
Well, I knew I wanted to study in Scotland and I really liked the look of the course in Aberdeen. Aberdeen as a city really appealed to me, there were great opportunities to play sports, a great social scene and during the summer it can be really beautiful. Less so in winter but snow can be fun too.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
1. Keep your hobbies outside Medicine, if you just concentrate on your studies you'll never enjoy your university experience.
2. Try and keep up throughout the year rather than cramming just before exams. Easier said than done but it really does help when it come to the end of the year.
3. Don't listen to the rumours and gossip, almost none of it is true and it will just scare you. Med students are terrible for panicking each other.
What are your plans after qualifying?
I'd like to get my FY years done, maybe down in Edinburgh or Glasgow, then maybe head off to Australia and New Zealand for a year or two, getting some experience of working in a different country and enjoying other countries. One of the main reasons I chose Medicine was the opportunity to travel so I'd like to travel to as many different countries as possible during my career in Medicine.
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I really enjoyed the SSMs; it was great to have a chance to look into something that you have an interest in. Also, it was fun working in a team with people who you wouldn't normally spend much time with, you get to know each other quite well. The best bit of the course is definitely the clinical parts in the hospital; it always seems more interesting applying your knowledge in real life situations and meeting patients.
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
I think I have a fairly good study/ social life balance, I play rugby for a club outside the university so that takes up a fair bit of my time with training twice a week and a match most weekends. This could affect my studying but I find having two evenings and a day at the weekend where I can completely forget about medicine really helpful. It's also really good fun meeting people outside of Medicine, it keeps you in touch with the world outside the hospital.
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Laura StewartClinical Year 5 (qualification June 2012) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
I chose Aberdeen for many reasons. The course itself appealed to me with its more traditional lecture based teaching and early clinical experience from 2nd year onwards. When I visited the city itself I loved how friendly the people were. There is also plenty to do in Aberdeen without it being too big a city like Glasgow.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Stay positive! Don't leave studying until the last minute because there simply isn't enough time to cram. If things are getting on top of you get help early
What are your plans after qualifying?
I plan to return home to Ayrshire to do my foundation years, then, I would love to become a GP
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I really started to enjoy the course when it became more clinical. The clinical skills teaching prepared me for entering the hospital. It's even better now with the new medical school. Fourth year is amazing too; I get to see patients every day. We get taught from all staff members from physiotherapists to consultants. I also enjoyed the Humanities block in 3rd year when I got to learn Spanish.
What are the clinical attachments like at Aberdeen?
It doesn't matter where you go for these, the teaching is great wherever. I spent my first block of fourth year in Inverness and I wish I was going back for more. There is a paediatric, maternity, geriatric and psychiatric hospital where placements are carried out in Aberdeen as well as the main ARI building. You also get the chance to choose a rural or urban practice for your GP placements. It's up to you what you want to do.
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Ashleigh TrimbleClinical Year 5 (Undertook BSc Med Sci; qualification June 2012) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
The prospective really grabbed me. It was very informative. What really drew me was the opportunity to gain and intercalated degree after either third or fourth year. I enjoyed the fact that students started learning various clinical skills early in the programme and that there were opportunities to study in more rural areas and abroad on placements in the later years of study. Aberdeen definitely allows you to experience other aspects of medicine in various different environments.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Do not leave studying to the last minute but it is important to have a social life and have fun!! Don't be fooled, there IS a lot of information you have to process but don't get too bogged down with it. I feel you need to have other interests so you can relax, and it seems to help you learn better. Aberdeen University has so many different societies that you are guaranteed to be able to find yourself a great hobby. Also, remember to try and do your work as you go along, especially when you start doing placements in 4th year and 5th, it makes everything easier!!!
What are your plans after qualifying?
After I qualify, my intention is to gain experience in various city hospitals around the UK in order to enhance my medical abilities before settling down Glasgow and remaining in hospital medicine.
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
There are a lot of events throughout the year such as student versus doctors sports day, SNIMS (Scotland and Northern Irish medical schools) sports weekend, societies like the Ogston Surgical Society which can enhance your clinical skills, as well as formal balls and dances. There really is something for everyone and it is a really good opportunity to get to know your peers. These events and societies also create a great opportunity to socialise with fellow medical students at a higher level which can be extremely useful for guidance if you need it at any time. There is a great 'family-like' spirit around the medical school and it makes you enjoy university even more.
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
I think it is essential to have a good balance between studying and a social life. Medicine is all about your own commitment and drive but it shouldn't hold you back from having a fun University life. It is all about managing your time efficiently and effectively!! If you can do this, you can most certainly have the best of both worlds!!
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Andrew Nicholson (Undertaking BSc Med Sci bewteen 3rd and 4th Year; qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
The Medical School has a rich and vibrant history and is attributed with several landmark medical discoveries. The course is well structured with plenty of patient contact.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Try and do a bit of studying every night so that you keep on top of lectures. There is a vast wealth of information that needs to be learned and learning a little bit as you go definitely takes the stress off cramming for exams. I would recommend continuing any hobbies you might have outside of medicine to help you relax and prevent medicine from overwhelming you
What are your plans after qualifying?
I plan to specialize in Pediatrics and hopefully spend a number of years working in developing nations.
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
The time spent on the wards and in clinics is definitely the best part. You learn so much from many interesting patients and great doctors and nurses who are very willing to teach.
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
I believe that this is essentially to survive Medicine. I study hard but also partake in activities such as playing football, hitting the gym and playing guitar. There are also lots of great Medical societies to join. I have had the fortune of raising money for and working for charities in both Ghana and Nepal, which has been incredibly rewarding and enjoyable
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Mark Goddard (Undertaking BSc Med Sci bewteen 3rd and 4th Year; qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
Aberdeen offers early patient contact and a very modern curriculum with great resources and incredibly friendly staff, who I have always found great to talk to. My parents don’t live far from Aberdeen, which many people would see as a disadvantage but I’ve found it to be great! Aberdeen is a very different city when you’re a student compared to what your experiences of it may have been at school. Aberdeen also has some of the best opportunities in the country to add some research to your CV at an early stage!
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Don’t get too scared by what other people do and how other people study! It’s all about finding the balance you need between work and having a life outside of your studies, everybody is different. If you study together and have a lot of fun then everything is much easier to remember!
What are your plans after qualifying?
At the moment my aim is to go into paediatric medicine, all my experiences of the speciality so far have been amazing. It also means you never have to really grow up!
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
Early opportunities to see patients on wards really keeps you enthused about medicine and you’re reminded every day why you chose to do medicine in the first place.
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
I think this is absolutely one of the most vital parts of being a medical student- getting that balance right. When I first arrived I was terrified that I would have no time for a life outside of studying and that everyone would spend the whole year locked up in their rooms studying, but there is plenty! I’ve still found time to be involved in theatre productions, participate in open mic nights, be on several society committees, be part of the tennis club and many other things. I think making studying social helps too. Working in groups, particularly for learning clinical skills, is an excellent tool that ticks social and study boxes at the same time!
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Kirsten Cumming (qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
I chose to study at Aberdeen University because of the integrated teaching course which means we learn about the theory and clinical skills aspects of medicine at the same time. I couldn't wait to have ward opportunities in first year! I was also really interested in the possibilities of remote and rural placements and intercalated science degrees.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Be organised, work hard and develop a good work/life balance. Having hobbies and interests outside of medicine are good for de-stressing! Keeping up to date with work and not leaving things until the last minute are really beneficial. Before exams I find group studying worthwhile-it's important to stay focused and not panic one another though! The teaching staff are all very friendly and always willing to give help and advice. Most importantly enjoy this amazing opportunity!
What are your plans after qualifying?
I am not sure what area of medicine I'd like to specialise in; Palliative care, Paediatrics and General Practice all really interest me! I hope to stay in Scotland for my foundation years.
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
My favourite aspects of the course are the clinical attachments; it's such a privilege to see patients from first year onwards. I have already had clinical attachments in a wide range of specialties including endocrinology, cardio-thoracic surgery, department of medicine for the elderly, children's hospital and endocrinology; these have all been great learning experiences. The brand new learning centre which opened in 2009 is based on the hospital campus which means you can have lectures, anatomy or tutorials and wards all within the one morning. This makes the course really stimulating and enjoyable.During the third year humanities block I studied "Health studies in education" and was fortunate enough to teach in a secondary school for two weeks which was fantastic.
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
It's really important to have a good balance between studying and social life. There are hundreds of societies and extracurricular activities run by the students association. I played in the University concert band whilst in my first year which was really enjoyable. The medical school sport teams are great to get involved with too, every year all the Scottish and Northern Irish medical schools have a sports weekend which is always good fun. There are several charities run by the medical school as well as university which are really worthwhile getting involved. Aberdeen Medical School is a very friendly place; it's nice to have so many other supportive students and tutors at hand to help you out. Having a good study/social life balance helps you enjoy your time at university and work well!
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Natasha Szmidt (qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
Ideally I wanted to stay in Scotland to study and I really liked the way Aberdeen taught its course based on body systems, integrating theory, anatomy and clinical practice. Also, honestly, I got a place! Medicine is a competitive subject and I am very lucky to be doing something I truly enjoy.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
It sounds simple but keep up to date with your work, it makes understanding and learning the material so much simpler in the long term. Also, even if you are not enjoying something, don't get put off. Make sure you learn it properly. The course covers so many different things you will find something you really enjoy and are good at.
What are your plans after qualifying?
I intend to stay within Scotland for my FY years but after that who knows! There are such a wide range of specialties to experience.
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
Medicine in Aberdeen wastes no time. From first year, you start to learn the material you will need to practice 'real' medicine. You speak to patients, learn and practice clinical skills and do clinical placements. You build on what you know and refine your skills continuously, it is very satisfying to think about a question and realise that actually yes, you do know the answer!
Do you have a good study/social life balance whilst studying Medicine?
There is no denying that studying medicine can be challenging and difficult at times, it is so important to have people you can talk to and have fun with. If you have a hobby or play a sport, keep it up. If you don't, find one when you get to university. Studying does not have to take over your life!
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Natasha Galloway (qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
I chose Aberdeen because I liked the systems-based course and the small size of city.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
My top tip for studying medicine is to keep on top of the work- doing a bit of work regularly makes it much easier at exam time!
What are your plans after qualifying?
As yet I am not sure what I wish to do once I am qualified!
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
I particularly enjoy the Clinical Skills practice we get. We practice our examination skills on volunteer patients, which makes it much less nerve wracking when it comes to a real patient on the wards
What are the clinical attachments like at Aberdeen?
In Aberdeen the clinical attachments are really interesting. In 3rd year, we spend 2 mornings a week on wards. This is a great way to practice your history taking and examination skills. The first time I saw a patient on a ward as a medical student was less than a month into first year, so you really do get hands on experience straight away!
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Mark McInerney (qualification June 2014) |
Why did you choose the Medical School at Aberdeen?
The new course was very appealing, and the interview process was the most friendly compared with others. I felt very welcomed here.
Have you any top tips for studying Medicine?
Do a little, often. 'Cramming' in medicine is difficult and so be organised. I use the library a lot and this has helped my broader understanding of medicine.
What are your plans after qualifying?
I'm not sure where I want to work yet, but I think I want to train in care of the elderly medicine
Is graduate application a good option?
It really is possible! I have a part time job at the weekend, am involved in lots of extra-curricular activities and still do well in exams. You'll have a great sense of confidence that will allow you to connect to patients and ask questions of doctors when you need to.
Have you had to overcome any difficulties before starting or whilst undertaking the course? Very few people from my hometown in England have studied medicine, and my parents haven't been to university. They didn't understand the training process much, and so to bring them on board I used the NHS choices website, where there are nice summaries about careers, training and studying.
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Lucy Arrowsmith (qualification June 2014) |
Hi, my name is Lucy Arrowsmith, I am 24 years old and currently in my 3rd year of Medicine at Aberdeen University. Unlike the majority of my classmates, I took a slightly different route into medicine. I have a degree in Medical Biology from the University of Edinburgh, I applied for medicine during my final year of study, and I was fortunate enough to be accepted at Aberdeen.
I think I am a good example of how there are many different routes into medicine. The window of opportunity to study medicine is not limited to those of school leaving age with five A's.
In terms of careers and the future, I have a real passion for working with children, so I hope to have a career in paediatric medicine.
Outside medicine I enjoying playing basketball and running, they help keep the stress levels to a minimum!