Callan

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I was really excited about the idea of being part of a new graduate medical school, as I knew that would mean that we get access to updated content and teachers who are keen for us to do well. At the open day, staff were all so friendly and seemed genuinely excited to teach and help us get through this intense course, and the state-of-the-art simulation suites were an added bonus. At Surrey, I felt that I would be supported and encouraged to learn, no matter how challenging the course gets. I was also drawn to the connections that Surrey has with nearby hospitals and other health departments, specifically the Royal Surrey Hospital. 

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

The campus is beautiful, and it feels so nice to have lectures in buildings surrounded by trees. The tutors have gone out of their way to create learning aids, study guides and practice scenarios; I can tell that they really want to help us succeed. I really like how the weeks and the blocks are structured, as it helps to understand how it all ties together. I've also made some great friendships with people who I know will be there for me throughout this four-year journey.

What are the best things about life here as a medical school student?

As course rep, I've really loved getting to work closely with the faculty to help provide student feedback to tailor the course to our needs. It's been a challenge but it's really interesting to have a bit of insight into the logistics of the programme, and all of the tutors are receptive to feedback and easy to talk to. I love the environment on campus, and the proximity to the Royal Surrey and lots of GP and mental health hospitals makes it easy to gain hands-on experience. And I have to mention Surrey Sports Park, which has amazing facilities to help de-stress with a workout to break up the studying. 

"Graduate medicine is a tough and very fast-moving course, which is why it's so necessary to have a supportive network of classmates and teachers around you, and I really have found that at Surrey."

What are your career plans?

The nice thing about medicine is that it's kind of all mapped out for you! I still don't know exactly which specialty I want to go into yet (although I'm currently leaning towards emergency medicine), so that will really determine how my first few years after graduation shape out. We have eight placement days in the first year, split between GP and mental health units, and then the entirety of our second, third and fourth years are mostly spent in hospitals, so I have plenty of time and opportunities to help me decide. It's really helpful to have so much clinical exposure so early on, especially since I'm a hands-on learner. 

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

Graduate medicine is a tough and very fast-moving course, which is why it's so necessary to have a supportive network of classmates and teachers around you, and I really have found that at Surrey. Our clinical skills and communications workshops help to give a taste of what hospitals will be like, and we have different specialists from the Royal Surrey come in to give us lectures each week. At Surrey, it really feels like you have access to all the tools you need to do well, and you are provided with so many interesting opportunities and experiences. I would recommend coming to an open day so you can get a feel of the campus and see how engaged and excited the staff are.

Find out more about our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS.