Becoming a doctor has been a long-held dream for Thomas Lumsden and one that he will now achieve through his second graduation from the University of Aberdeen.
As a school leaver in 2012 Thomas, hoped to be accepted onto a course in medicine.
But in the very competitive field, he was twice unsuccessful. Undeterred, he instead enrolled on a degree in Biomedical Science where he was able to demonstrate his academic prowess, graduating in 2016 with First Class Honours and winning the Anatomy Prize for achieving the highest grades in his degree cohort.
Thomas, 28, who is originally from Fife but now settled in Aberdeen, said: “I was impressed by the level of support provided and the quality and quantity of research opportunities at the University.”
“My aim of pursuing a career in medicine remained and, with a better understanding of the high academic standard expected of me, I applied to the medical school again and this time was accepted.”
Thomas had also acquired a passion for research and he put this into practice during his degree, gaining his first publication for a systematic review into the effectiveness of focal therapy in prostate cancer and winning the Elizabeth Lockhart Prize in Medical Humanities.
“During my final year, I also applied for the Academic Foundation Programme in Aberdeen - a competitive training programme for junior doctors with an interest in research and teaching,” Thomas added.
“My application was successful, and I am due to start as a newly qualified doctor in August with continued links to the University of Aberdeen as an ‘honorary associate’.”
“It has been a very challenging time for everyone, and it is a shame that we are unable to hold a traditional graduation ceremony. However, I am grateful for the opportunity to start working for the NHS, and very appreciative of the amazing level of support from my friends, family, and fiancé, Sara.”