Student Doctor Peace Taiwo shares her career prep tips
Student Doctor Peace Taiwo is in her second year at the School of Medicine and is already tapping into resources and opportunities to support her future career plans. Here she shares her tips on what student doctors can be working on alongside their studies to explore and prepare for their paths ahead.
This year, I have found online resources to be so beneficial in inspiring my career path. Documentaries and ‘Day in the Life’ YouTube videos have been an eye-opening, worthwhile experience.
However, I still felt there was more to the realities of these jobs, so I decided to get in touch with the School’s dedicated Careers Adviser and make an appointment to discuss what to bear in mind when deciding on a specialty to pursue.
Diving into the specialties through events and videos
The Medical Careers Festival in November was incredible and I knew I would get a nudge in the right direction. We spoke about what I could currently be doing to attain success in the future and evaluated the importance of some of the extra-curricular activities I am involved in. It was such a productive meeting. I made so many notes! And even though I am still not one hundred percent certain what I would like to do, this exposure truly helped.
The careers videos, available to Liverpool Student Doctors on Panopto, helped me learn why some doctors chose their specialty and what motivated them to choose that career.
They helped me evaluate what I enjoy, my motivation to study medicine and what would be a wise decision.
The specialists mentioned the reward after their service, and what pathologies they tend to work with and treat. They not only inspired me and motivated me to research more, they also encouraged me to continue my studies learning about the pathophysiology of some conditions.
The career videos also provided a few surprises! For example, I learnt about the broad range of pathologies radiologists examine and how they liaise with so many teams. I was surprised to hear that they have a good work-life balance; I had assumed they would always be on the clock.
Radiology Specialty Lead Dr Alexandra Williams shares career advice
Activities to help you prepare for your future career
At Liverpool School of Medicine there are so many things to get involved with that can help increase your chances of getting into a particular specialty later on.
I am an active member of a medical society, and I have learnt so much about communication and developed my team working skills.
There are so many opportunities with essay writing competitions and tutoring A-level/ GCSE students to improve your teaching skills and as you enter higher years you can teach for societies and receive feedback which you can log on your e-portfolio.
Advice to fellow students
I would advise other student doctors to get involved in research, so much can be learnt from this. I also recommend attending any online seminars from the Royal College that pique your interest.
I think my main advice to students in Years 1 and 2 is to manage your time well, be aware of things you can get involved in but also ensure your studies are maintained. If you find something interesting after watching a medical programme, go and research it, there is no limit on how much medical exposure you can gain! Make sure that you take up opportunities to get involved, and take advantage of the School Careers team, they are more than happy to help.
Discover more
- Liverpool Student Doctors have a wide range of dedicated careers support, including individual appointments with the School’s Career Advisor, annual careers fairs and online resources. You will find full details on the student intranet.
- If Peace has gotten you interested in the Careers Videos available, browse through the catalogue of over 40 videos on Panopto, where clinicians share precious insights and careers advice about their specialties.