A-level subjects studied and why you chose those subjects:
I studied Biology, Chemistry, Physics plus AS Religious Studies. I chose these because I always have enjoyed science and I planned to study medicine. I did AS Religious studies because I really enjoyed the subject, liked the curriculum and wanted a bit of variety.
What University you attended and the reason why you chose that university:
I attended Queen’s University Belfast primarily because it was local, and was known to have a good medical school. Another thing that appealed to me about the medical degree in Queen’s was that part of the degree involved an overseas elective which allowed me to travel and gain some medical experience in a third world setting. For me this meant going to Zambia and Botswana for 8 weeks.
Job/Jobs since graduation:
After graduating I completed 2 years of Foundation training in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital. I then locumed for a year mostly in Craigavon Area Hospital and the Ulster Hospital. I am now two thirds of the way through 4 years of GP Specialty training in NHS Ayrshire and Arran in Scotland. I have worked in numerous jobs including General Medicine, Cardiology, Trauma & Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Oncology, Renal Medicine, Accident & Emergency, General Practice and Old Age Psychiatry.
I am due to work in Palliative Care for 6 months from February 2017 before completing the final year of GP training at my training GP practice in Ayr. It’s been a lot of hard work and long hours, but its been enjoyable and a real privilege to get to help so many people every day of your working life!
