I Got Hired: Riyaz

Posted on: 14 August 2026 by Richard Finch in Class of 2025

Riyaz is now working as FY1 Resident Doctor at NHS - Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, applying the skills and confidence developed through their University of Liverpool experience.

What first caught your attention about this role, and what made you think, “This is for me”?

What first drew me towards medicine was seeing family members admitted to hospital and spending time around doctors who were caring for them. Watching the way they combined scientific knowledge with compassion, made difficult decisions under pressure, and genuinely made a difference during some of the hardest moments in our lives left a lasting impression on me. It was one of the first times I thought, “I’d love to be able to do that one day.”

At the time, I was working as an engineer after completing my degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of engineering and the commercial side of my role, but I increasingly felt that something was missing. I wanted a career where I could combine analytical thinking with direct human impact.

Making the transition into medicine wasn’t an easy decision, but it felt like the right one. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Every day as a doctor presents new challenges, opportunities to learn, and the privilege of helping people at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives. It’s a career that constantly pushes you to grow, both professionally and personally, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Which experience along your journey has had the biggest impact on who you are professionally today? 

Without question, the experience that has shaped me most professionally was making the transition from engineering into medicine as a graduate. It was a significant leap, stepping away from an established career to start again in a demanding and highly competitive field. Returning to full-time study after working in industry brought a completely different set of challenges, from adapting to a new way of learning to balancing the financial and personal sacrifices that come with changing careers. It was a decision that required a great deal of commitment, but one I have never regretted.

Graduate-entry medicine was one of the most demanding experiences of my life. The pace was relentless, the expectations were high, and there were countless moments where resilience became just as important as academic ability. There were setbacks, long hours and periods of self-doubt, but those experiences taught me to remain disciplined, adaptable and focused under pressure. They reinforced that growth often comes through embracing challenges rather than avoiding them, and that perseverance is one of the most valuable qualities a doctor can develop.

Looking back, I realise how much both careers have contributed to the doctor I am today. My engineering background strengthened my analytical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, while medicine has taught me empathy, humility and the privilege of caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Together, those experiences have made me a more resilient, grounded and adaptable clinician, and they continue to shape the way I care for my patients every day.

What’s been the toughest part of your graduate journey — and what did it teach you? 

The toughest part of my graduate journey was balancing the demands of medical school with the realities of life in my late twenties. Alongside the intensity of placements and exams, there were financial pressures, personal responsibilities and the challenges that naturally come with changing careers later than most. At times it felt overwhelming, but it taught me resilience, discipline and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture.

Medicine also taught me to become comfortable with uncertainty. Unlike engineering, where problems often have a defined solution, medicine requires you to make decisions with incomplete information and continually adapt. Learning to embrace that uncertainty has made me a more thoughtful and reflective clinician.

Looking back, those challenges shaped me far beyond academics. They reinforced that resilience isn’t about never struggling, it’s about continuing to show up, learning from setbacks and growing through them. Those lessons continue to influence how I approach my patients, my colleagues and my own professional development.

If you could give future grads one piece of advice, what would it be? 

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to stay consistent. You don’t have to study for 12 hours a day to succeed so small, focused study sessions done consistently over months will take you much further than last-minute cramming. Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint, and building sustainable habits will serve you far better than relying on motivation alone. I’d also encourage everyone to take up a completely new hobby or interest while at university, something totally unrelated to your degree. Whether it’s a sport, volunteering, photography or anything else, it gives you the opportunity to grow as a person, meet people outside your usual circle and leave university with more than just a qualification. Some of my best experiences and friendships have come from stepping outside my comfort zone, and I think that’s just as valuable as anything you learn in a lecture theatre.

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