Daud

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study at Surrey due to the outstanding reputation of its Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The Kate Granger Building, home to all health and medical students, offers access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Clinical Simulation Centre. This state-of-the-art environment provides an invaluable opportunity to integrate clinical and academic knowledge through immersive simulation experiences, which has been very practical during our studies.

The course is thoughtfully structured to prioritise both personal and professional development, ensuring we grow as well-rounded healthcare professionals. This emphasis resonated with me because a career in healthcare involves far more than attending lectures and practical sessions. The curriculum demonstrated the University's genuine commitment to helping students reach their full potential, through means of incorporating personal and clinical development exercises within our modules that have allowed us to thrive. We have truly been recognised and valued as individuals.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

Since starting the course, my confidence both clinically and personally has grown significantly, which I attribute to the exceptional teaching staff. Their approachable and supportive nature has fostered strong, personable relationships, and their invaluable guidance has had a meaningful impact on my learning journey. The staff are well versed in their respective fields and belong to the multidisciplinary team themselves, allowing us to benefit from their experiences as learned professionals in the field and guiding us to apply that knowledge in our clinical settings.

The placements organised for us have been enjoyable – my rotations in second year have included general medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, paediatrics and psychiatry, as well as general practice that began in our first year of studies. Through my placements, I’ve had a chance to take medical histories and perform examinations, and have been involved in the investigation and management of patients. Engaging in these practical experiences has been an invaluable part of my learning, especially under the guidance of skilled healthcare professionals.

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

The course is undeniably intensive, and while it presents challenges, my peers have been an incredible form of support. Whether offering advice or sharing experiences, they have made navigating the demands of the programme much more manageable. With a smaller cohort, we’ve developed a close-knit and collaborative environment, which has no doubt made our time here at Surrey enjoyable but also ensured our success on the course.

What are your career plans?

Looking ahead, I’d like to practice as a Physician Associate within the NHS – ultimately, I see myself working within the A&E Department.

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

The course is more intense in comparison to other university courses; however, it is designed to provide maximum benefit to the students and is definitely manageable. So my advice is to prepare for the intensity – don’t be afraid of the challenges that come your way! These are the experiences that will shape your future practice as a Physician Associate.

Find out more about our Physician Associate Studies PGDip.