Now well into her fifth and final year on the MBChB programme, BMA Deputy Rep and President of LivPsych Nour Al Tarsha takes a moment to reflect on the opportunities Liverpool has provided, from involvement in research to extensive clinical placement exposure, the chance to try her hand at fencing and travel to the Philippines for an elective experience bringing fresh perspectives on her chosen vocation of Medicine.
I’m Nour, a fifth-year medical student originally from Syria, now based in Liverpool, which has been home for over half my life.
Liverpool is a welcoming, diverse city with a strong sense of community, and I have always loved its spirit - its warmth, resilience, and deep commitment to looking after one another.
The medical school has a strong reputation for supportive teaching, excellent clinical exposure, and a values-driven culture that closely aligns with my own experiences and aspirations. Medicine brings together everything I value: science, human connection, and the chance to make a tangible difference.
Growing up between two healthcare systems, I saw firsthand how compassion and access shape people’s lives.
That inspired me to pursue a career where I could advocate for patients, challenge inequalities, and bring both cultural awareness and clinical skill into practice.
Looking ahead to the summer, I feel that the breadth of clinical exposure throughout the course has been one of the strongest aspects preparing me for FY1. Rotating through different trusts, hospitals, and specialties has allowed me to develop a broad and adaptable clinical foundation, which I feel confident I can continue to build on as a foundation doctor.
Nour picks up a prize from the RCGP
In terms of skills, the course structure and quality of teaching have been particularly strong. Being taught by experts in their respective fields has brought depth, relevance, and real-world insight to learning, helping to bridge the gap between theory and day-to-day clinical practice.
Spending extended time with patients and working alongside a wide range of healthcare professionals on placement has made FY1 feel like an exciting and natural next step - the stage we have been working towards throughout the past five (or six) years.
Graduating from Liverpool has given me a strong sense of reassurance that I am well prepared to meet the challenges of FY1 and beyond.
Nour presents her research at an academic conference
Throughout the course, I have particularly enjoyed making the most of the research and academic opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Taking part in audits and presenting posters at conferences has helped me develop strong critical thinking and presentation skills, as well as confidence in engaging with evidence-based practice and quality improvement. These experiences have also shown me how research can directly inform patient care and drive meaningful change within clinical settings.
I have also valued the strong emphasis Liverpool places on reflective practice and structured record-keeping through the e-Portfolio.
This has encouraged me to engage more thoughtfully with my learning, track my progress, and identify areas for development in a way that feels purposeful rather than purely administrative.
The curriculum offers clear opportunities for students to engage in both academic and clinical development. Being able to translate clinical experiences into audits, reflections, and teaching-focused projects has reinforced the importance of lifelong learning and has helped me develop a more holistic understanding of my role as a future doctor.
One of the highlights of my medical school experience was my elective in the Philippines - an experience I will cherish forever. It offered a completely new perspective on healthcare delivery and challenged me to think differently about medicine in resource-limited and high-pressure settings, while supporting my growth both personally and academically.
Nour presents her Elective experience
I was particularly proud that my elective report was selected for publication by the Association of Anaesthetists as a case study, which reinforced the value of curiosity, reflection, and fully engaging with the opportunities available throughout the course.
During my elective, I spent two weeks in Internal Medicine and two weeks in Anaesthetics, gaining exposure across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties. This breadth of experience significantly widened my clinical and professional horizons, shaping how I approach patient care and strengthening my motivation to become the best version of myself as a future doctor.
Beyond the clinical learning, the elective allowed me to build meaningful connections with inspiring doctors in the Philippines and, unexpectedly, to meet fellow UK medical students from Manchester - reminding me that medicine is a global profession, even when it takes travelling halfway across the world to realise it.
Nour in the Philippines while on Elective at the end of Year 4
A real highlight has been the opportunity to combine academic development with leadership and representative roles. This year, I am the BMA Deputy Representative for the University of Liverpool and President of LivPsych, experiences that have allowed me to support peers, organise events, and represent student voices at a wider level. Through organising talks, leading charity fundraising initiatives, and contributing to motion writing, I have developed strong skills in leadership, organisation, and communication, while gaining valuable insight into advocacy, teamwork, and professional responsibility beyond the clinical setting.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Liverpool not only as a medical school, but as a university that truly allows you to have the full student experience alongside your studies.
The medical school is academically strong and supportive, but what really sets Liverpool apart is the sense of community.
The cohort in the School of Medicine is full of like-minded people, and you continue to meet new faces throughout your degree - whether that’s on a new placement rotation, through societies, or at university events.
Beyond the curriculum, Liverpool offers a wide range of opportunities to develop personally and professionally. As a student, I have access to internships and extracurricular experiences through University of Liverpool Alumni connections and wider partner programmes, which allowed me to explore my interests, gain real-world insight, and build valuable life and professional skills alongside my medical training. These opportunities helped me grow in confidence, communication, and adaptability - skills that are just as important as clinical knowledge.
Outside of medicine, Liverpool gave me the space to explore who I am beyond being a medical student.
I tried fencing in my second year and joined the triathlon team in my third year, and through these experiences I met so many amazing people from different backgrounds. Being encouraged to engage in life beyond lectures and placements has been incredibly important for my personal growth and wellbeing.
Nour fencing with friends at Sport Liverpool
Over the past two years, I have volunteered with IntoUniversity, an organisation that supports aspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through a unique combination of academic mentoring and personal development. This experience has shown me that its work extends far beyond improving grades; it empowers students to build confidence, set meaningful goals, and recognise higher education as a realistic and achievable pathway. Supporting young people to see themselves as future university students and active participants in shaping their own futures has been deeply rewarding.
If I could give advice to my first-year self, it would be to slow down and be present! Medicine is often described as a “long degree,” but in reality, it flies by. I would tell myself to stop worrying about how far away fifth year feels and to enjoy the moments as they come - the friendships, the small achievements, and even the challenging days that shape you without you realising it.
Putting yourself forward opens more doors than you think. No one has everything figured out, even if it seems that way at the time. Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready; it grows through trying, participating, and sometimes getting things wrong. Most importantly, I would tell my first-year self to be comfortable with not knowing everything. Medicine is a lifelong process of learning, and accepting uncertainty early on makes the journey not only more manageable, but far more meaningful.
Nour and the triathlon team
Discover more
- Unlock many of the benefits that have stuck with Nour by joining us at Liverpool. Check out our Undergraduate Medicine and Surgery options, the A100 and A101 Graduate Entry courses.
- Learn more about the interactive and innovative way the programme is delivered on How you Learn, including immersive simulation, case-based learning and extensive time on clinical placement.
- Head to our School news page to see how our students capitalise on the unique opportunities available at Liverpool.