Zainab explains how a passion for the science of the human body led to a career change from pharmacy to medicine.
I was a little concerned about going back to studying after being out of university for a good few years, but thankfully I’ve got a good routine and wonderful study friends!
Tell us about your current job.
I’m currently working part-time as a specialist primary care pharmacist within NHS Lothian. This involves processing discharge and outpatient letters from secondary care, as well as counselling patients on their new/amended medicines. I also supervise junior pharmacists undertaking their post-registration frameworks and mentor pharmacy students during their university placements.
Why the HCP-Med course?
I’ve always wanted to study medicine but, due to several factors, I didn’t apply after leaving school. My career as a pharmacist has been varied and rewarding, but it also emphasised how much I loved the science of the human body and the art of the patient consultation. I wanted to learn more, do more and be more involved in diagnoses and clinical decision-making processes. The HCP-Medicine programme offered a singular and fantastic opportunity of studying medicine whilst still being able to work. Given that the first 3 years are part-time and online (mostly!), I can fit lectures and studying around work, family and other commitments.
Favourite thing so far?
It’s hard to say! From the content of the lectures to the residential weeks where you can catch up with everyone, to my weekly GP placement- it’s all been amazing. I still can’t believe I made it here!
How did you feel about starting the programme?
It was a mixture of joy, excitement and nerves for me. I was looking forward to learning new content, meeting people from various professional backgrounds and getting stuck into clinical placements. I was a little concerned about going back to studying after being out of university for a good few years, but thankfully I’ve got a good routine and wonderful study friends!
What are your classmates and teaching team like?
My classmates are amazing and because we work in different specialties and professions, we learn so much from each other. The lecturers are fantastic too – they’re incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their respective fields, and they genuinely want you to succeed.
What’s the best thing about medical school?
It’s hard to choose one thing but it’s tied between taking part in consultations during GP placements and feeling like a medical student during anatomy labs.
What is your advice for someone who is thinking of applying to medicine?
Go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose but so much to gain from trying. And if it doesn’t work out the first time but it’s still something you want to do, then keep trying.
