'I have always been a strong believer of being ambitious and following your dreams'
The students who are reciting the Declaration of Geneva for this your graduation ceremony 2020 have answered our questions about their experiences at the School of Medicine and their hopes for the future. Here is what Priya Biju told us.
Why did you choose to study medicine?
"I have always been a strong believer of being ambitious and following your dreams and passions. I always knew from a young age that no matter what I wanted to do as a career- I was going to give it my all.
My passion to work in the medical field came from my admiration of my mother. My mum is a nurse and I grew up watching my mum come home from work tired and exhausted. Yet, I saw the great passion she had to serve others. Her love for her profession inspired and motivated me. It is at the age of 15, I decided that I want to be part of the medical profession and dedicate my live to serve others.
I was determined to become a doctor. That was my plan A and there was never a plan B. It was plan A or nothing. To me medicine is everything that I looked for in a career. Despite the intellectual demands, personal sacrifices and emotional challenges, I strongly feel that it’s worth it."
What is a highlight from your time at the School of Medicine?
"I have plenty of good memories from my time at medical school, including meeting amazing friends who have now become family, the opportunity to experience various placements, assisting in organ donation surgery, making a short appearance on BBC News, and working in the NHS during the pandemic.
One of my favourite highlights is co-chairing an SSLC meeting as a year representative, alongside Professor Hazel Scott. I have loved my time at Liverpool School of Medicine, and will miss every second of it once it's over."
Were you a member of any societies or sports groups?
"Being a Course Rep for 2019/20 has been one of the highlights of being a medical student. I absolutely loved attending meetings and being the voice for student doctors."
Priya has also been part of other societies including:
- Vice President of MedEd 2019/20
- Social Media Rep- NeuroSoc 2019/20
- Treasurer of South Asian Society 2017/18
- Treasurer of EdMed 2017/18
- Teddy Bear Hospital 2015/16
How do you feel you have connected to your classmates over the last couple of months in particular?
"I managed to stay connected with my classmates over social media over the last couple of months. The majority of them are intercalating and have been at home with a lot of free time so this meant they were always available for a chat.
It hasn’t been the same, but we have tried to stay as connected as possible during lockdown. It is quite sad how medical school has come to an end this way due to COVID-19 and lockdown, but we will just have to celebrate all our achievements and good times when things get back to normal."
What are your plans for after graduation?
"Over summer I am looking forward to doing some painting and to create new videos for my YouTube channel. I hoping to encourage and inspire students to study medicine and will be taking my viewers along my journey as a doctor. I am very excited to start working as an FY1 and moving into a new city."
What would you like to do in the future?
"I would like to pursue a career in a medical speciality. Currently, my interests lies in Acute Internal Medicine and Cardiology. I am hoping that during my foundation years, I will gain experience that will enable me choose a speciality that best suits me."
If you could give yourself some advice as a fresher 5 years ago, what would it be?
Five years is going to fly by quicker than you think.
Priya has completed two research papers during her time at the School of Medicine which she is hoping to publish this summer. They are called:
· The Burden of Diabetic Retinopathy Amongst Young Adults with Diabetes
· The prevalence of cardiac valve abnormalities in patients with ankylosing spondylosis