81 young people have become the first to graduate from one of the UK’s newest medical schools.
Why do Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) graduates want to pursue a career in the NHS?
David Cann was already working as a researcher in hematology in the NHS when he decided to accompany a medical colleague on the ward.
“I just knew from day one – it clicked and that was it,” he says.
The 31-year-old from Newcastle, who previously worked as a chef and in retail, was rejected by 12 medical schools before being accepted as part of the first cohort at ARU’s School of Medicine in Chelmsford in 2018.
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Mr Cann is acutely aware of the challenges in the NHS and says these have been made even greater during the pandemic.
“It was very hectic – we were never prepared for that. It was something we never thought would happen – education was blown up in both the clinic and the classroom.”
He’s not sure what to specialize in but hopes he’ll have a better idea by the end of his foundation program in Essex, which includes paediatrics, end-of-life care and emergency medicine.
“There’s no feeling like standing in front of a patient, working with a stranger who puts all their trust in you, delving into their deepest insecurities and learning about their family and personal life – it’s such a rewarding thing and all something.” I haven’t experienced that in any other job I’ve been in.”
Demi Bola-Ojo, from nearby Braintree in Essex, says she knew the NHS was “in a crisis” when she signed up for the course.
“During his internship, it wasn’t always the easiest place to work,” says the 26-year-old.
“There’s not always enough staff, there’s not always enough doctors, given the pressure my colleagues are under – that was probably the hardest part of the training.”
Still, she says graduating was an “amazing experience” and that she “loved” interacting with patients.
She will work in respiratory care at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford but is interested in becoming a GP.
Albion Thaqi from Woking in Surrey is particularly proud at the graduation ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral.
The mother of the 26-year-old fled Kosovo at the age of 18 and was unable to complete her education.
He also said he was impressed by what a “life choice” the drug decision was and the high standards expected of doctors both on and off the wards, but says it has now become “second nature”. .
“During the pandemic there was one thing that was always there and that was resilience. There is resilience in the NHS and for someone who works in the NHS their role needs to be valued and valued as much as one values and valued their role – I think that’s important.”
Costing around £20million to build, the ARU School of Medicine opened in 2018 after an increase in public funding, with the government offering to pay for the first 100 student places.
Data from last year showed that parts of Essex have the fewest GPs per 100,000 patients.
Headmaster Dr. Sanjeev Ahluwalia says: “I had tears in my eyes today. I am very proud, but I am particularly happy that many, many years of work by many, many people, but especially the students, has led to this.” Day.
“It’s just great to see our students graduating.”
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