A regular feature where an MBChB student chats to a member of staff over a leisurely lunch.
This issue, student Daniel Johnstone meets Val McDowall from the Emergency Care, Clinical and Resuscitation Skills team.
Of course we’ve had to be a bit more creative for this lockdown edition of Lunch Mates, and we’re delighted to invite you to the respective kitchens of Daniel and Val.
Daniel
What were you expectations?
I’m looking forward to being able to get to know the teaching staff here at Edinburgh a bit more – as coming from St Andrews, I’ve not had much of a chance. It’ll be good to be able to learn a bit more about Val, and have a down to earth chat.
What did you talk about?
So much! It started with just our lunch and talking about Val’s spontaneous chicken purchase (spoiler: they’re not great pets). We got carried away with time and ended up talking for quite a while. It feels like we covered everything from medicine, what we do outside of medicine and future plans.
Can you tell us about your lunch mate’s role and what they most enjoy about it?
Val is one of the Queens of Clinical Skills, and is involved with running the theme all throughout 6 years, as well as assisting newly qualified doctors. Whilst she doesn’t refer to herself as an academic, her attitude towards teaching is inspiring. She always feels like a proud mum at graduation, as she gets to see everyone’s transformation over 6 years of studying!
What’s your lunch mate’s favourite lunch place (in normal times) and lockdown lunch these days?
A cute little converted barn out in Linlithgow called Mannerstons – just a bit past Hopetoun House (although I’d probably still end up getting lost!). In lockdown, soup has getting boring so a freshly made salad hits the spot quite nicely.
What does your lunch mate enjoy doing in their spare time?
On top of being the mum to 2 grown-up kids, she’s currently growing her own vegetables – hopefully something that can continue after lockdown is over.
Did you find any interests in common (outside of work)?
Cocktails were the biggie! I’ve promised to show my cocktail bartending skills at some point
Did anything surprise you about your lunch mate?
Val is very humble about her role within the medical school, and always remains a keen learner herself – it was very lovely to see that even with such vast experience, there will always be exciting aspects of medicine to look forward to.
What’s your lunch mate’s most memorable moment in medicine so far?
Being involved with Medic One – it has re-shaped her view of medicine, and I can completely understand why!
Tell us about one aspiration your lunch mate has for the future
There’s lots of new learning styles coming into play in the Medical School which sound very exciting. She is so keen to find innovative ways to teach and get students involved – everything you’d want in a teacher.
Val
What were you expectations?
To get to know a bit more about Daniel. I really only know my PT students in any depth, we see so many students throughout the year but don’t go really anywhere beyond basic chat, this was a great opportunity to get to know Daniel a bit better.
What did you talk about?
Loads of things! Who does the cooking, how long it’s going to take to get through a huge tray of eggs, why some eggs have different shell colours! We did move on from eggs though!
The Samaritans, A&E, medicine, communication and empathy…..
Can you tell us about your lunch mate’s role and what they most enjoy about it?
Daniel loves learning, very passionate about people and caring. Loves learning new things and piecing it all together. Loves the science of medicine and the interaction with people. Has been working with the Samaritans for 4 years now, very passionate about being there for others in time of need. I think this is amazing and will be play a huge role in his life as a doctor!
What’s your lunch mate’s favourite lunch place (in normal times) and lockdown lunch these days?
St Andrews is hard to beat for brunch/breakfast or lunch – but if in Edinburgh, Henderson’s for their amazing salads.
Lock down lunch, he and his flatmate take turns cooking, I want to be there!
What does your lunch mate enjoy doing in their spare time?
Never got around to asking that one. He does make a mean cocktail apparently! We need another chat to find out!
Did you find out any interests in common (outside of work)?
Cocktails, food and the beach.
Did anything surprise you about your lunchmate?
He works for the Samaritans, how amazing is that! He seriously though about nursing!
What’s your lunch mate’s most memorable moment in medicine so far?
Working in A&E and leading a patient’s care through from start to finish.
Tell us about one aspiration your lunch mate has for the future
Working in A&E, finding the best cocktails in Edinburgh.
Watch the video in full
If you would like to take part in a future edition of lunch mates, or have suggestions of who you would like to hear from, please email cmvm.communications@ed.ac.uk
