After graduating from the University of Plymouth in 2020, I began working at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where the COVID-19 vaccine was developed. My 5 years at University were very happy times. I look back fondly on every session with the fantastic clinical skills team, the all-nighters to get Special Study Units finished and the celebrations after final year clinical skills exams. I got very involved with the other activities that Plymouth had to offer too – Dartmoor runs, beach walks, teaching the younger years and collaborations with other degrees.
During my years at University, I researched the history of women in medicine, including Dr Rosa Bale, the first female doctor and GP in the South-West of England. On International Women’s Day, I was invited to unveil a plaque to rename the John Bull lecture theatre in her honour. I implore all students who study within that lecture theatre to read up on her life!
My University experience came to an abrupt end due to the pandemic and I graduated early, joining NHS frontline staff on a respiratory ward. It was an honour and a privilege to step up during the pandemic, help colleagues and care for patients. It was a scary time for us all; however I felt confident and capable as a result of working hard throughout my degree.
