Student Spotlight: Jayden Gittens

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Man wearing glasses and a beige jumper walks to the right in front of a wall with large cream coloured bricks
Student Doctor Jayden Gittens

Student Spotlights pass the mic to our student doctors, to hear their take on their School experience and shine the light on a particular role, team or pathway through the School of Medicine.

Currently completing an intercalated MRes degree in Colorectal Cancer Research at the University of Bristol, Liverpool Student Doctor Jayden Gittens has recently celebrated being awarded a prestigious Akindolie Medical Scholarship (link) in recognition of his academic achievements and impactful extra-curricular initiatives, as well as earning him a place in Powerful Media’s Top 150 Future Leaders (link).

“I grew up in South East London. I often say that medicine was always a career that I wanted to go down, but in truth I toyed with being a pilot, a lawyer and even an actor.

But in the end, there was no other career that linked my love for science with my passion for talking to and helping people.

Fracturing my hip as a teenager introduced me to the surgical world and I have been pursuing a career as a surgeon ever since. Having grown up in London, I wanted to move away from home but still have a city lifestyle; so Liverpool School of Medicine was the perfect choice for me.

Choosing to intercalate

I’m currently studying a Master of Research degree at Bristol. The idea of intercalation has always stood out to me, and I was keen to seize the opportunity to study a topic I am really interested in further and get a degree from it.

My ideal career would involve a split between clinical practice and research, and intercalation is the perfect opportunity to get research experience early on. I was fortunate to have been involved in clinical research projects prior to intercalating so I knew that I enjoyed it.

My interest in colorectal came from my third-year general surgery rotation at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. I thoroughly enjoyed clinics and the scope of surgery that general and colorectal surgeons perform.

Spending time in clinics and theatre at the Royal with Mr Rooney was extremely inspiring and consolidated my desire to pursue colorectal further.

Fortunately, I found a project at Bristol that matched my interests perfectly. Now, I spend most of my days in the lab – which I love!

Securing an Akindolie Scholarship

Being an Akindolie Scholar means so much to me. Last academic year, I organised a Women in Surgery conference with my colleague, Student Doctor Portia Amoako-Tawiah which was a huge success. We were able to donate all of the ticket proceeds to Freedom From Fistula (link), a charity that aids women in Africa suffering from obstetric fistulae.

As Surgical Scousers Co-Presidents, Portia and I are planning on setting up an outreach scheme for schools in Merseyside to introduce pupils to a surgical career. I was able to use these activities in my application for the scholarship, which requires both excellent academic results and an exceptional track record of giving back to society outside of your studies.

Featuring in Powerful Media’s Top 150 list

I could not believe it when I found out that I was a Top 150 Future Leader. Every year I look forward to seeing the amazing students featured, and this year I was nominated by a previous Leader. Though I was nominated, I had no idea that I’d be named in it. Everyone who is featured is just so successful!

Being a young black man from South London I have grown to appreciate the importance of representation and taking up space.

I also do not underestimate the privilege of studying medicine so try my hardest to help younger students applying through mentorship and interview practice.

To anyone who is considering a career in medicine or surgery but does not feel adequate, please know that you are more than capable. Never underestimate yourself or your achievements. There are many of us here who are willing to help you through the journey!

man smiles to the camera indoors in a ray of sunshineStudent Doctor Jayden Gittens at Cedar House

Facilitating at national diversity conference

I was contacted by Dr Viktoria Goddard, Vice Dean of Learning and Scholarship at Liverpool School of Medicine, asking if I would like to be involved in this year’s Diversity in Medicine and Healthcare (DIMAH) conference (link). For me, it was a no-brainer.

It was the perfect opportunity to hear from student doctors and staff from other institutions about the EDI work that they are doing.

I had never had experience facilitating a workshop so it was definitely a learning curve! We learnt lots from the session, and it was very fulfilling to work with members of the DIMAH group who are equally as interested in EDI work. We are all working hard to create a curriculum that is representative of everyone.”

Do you want to step into the spotlight? If you would like to feature in the spotlight series, or nominate someone to share their story, drop us a line at mednews@liverpool.ac.uk.

Discover more

  • Are you an aspiring surgeon yourself? Why not join the Surgical Scousers society via the Guild (link).
  • Interested in completing an intercalated degree between Year Three and Year Four of the MBChB programme? Take a look at the fantastic intercalation options available to you on our website (link).
  • Take a look at Powerful Media’s Top 150 Future Leaders list for 2021-22 (link). Tip: Jayden’s profile is on page 36 of the digital magazine.
  • Learn more about Powerful Media (link) and their annual Future Leaders list that profiles the UK’s most outstanding African and African Caribbean students.