'I think we have all appreciated the chance to get involved, gain experience and help over the past 2 months.'

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We have been working to make sure that this year's set of graduations is special, and one of the ways we have done this is to bring together some of our students to read the Declaration of Geneva. We asked these students some questions to get to know them a bit better.

Why did you choose to study medicine?

"I chose to study medicine because I've always been interested in science as well as working with people. Being in a team of people is something that I enjoy from sports, and the opportunity to work within a diverse and skilled group of people and professions is something that I think is fairly unique to medicine."

What is a highlight from your time at the School of Medicine?  
 
"A highlight for me was organising and running the LMSS Grand Round event during my intercalation year with one of my best friends from uni. We had the opportunity to perform on stage at the O2 academy for hundreds of students, which is something I will never forget. "
 
Were you a member of any societies or sports groups 
 
"I have been an active member of the medics rugby club since the end of first year, which has been great fun as well as a source of social and academic support during Medical School. I have also been lucky to have been heavily involved in the LMSS, both organising events and assisting in the running of the society this year as one of the 3 officers.

The LMSS has a huge impact on the medical student body, with a role in all of the main socials, mentoring schemes, academic events and charity fundraising. Hopefully in coming years it can continue to grow and diversify with the support of the medical school." 
 
How do you feel you have connected to your classmates over the last couple of months in particular?  
 
The last couple of months have been odd in terms of connecting as a year group. While it is a shame that we won't be able to graduate and celebrate together, I think we have all appreciated the chance to get involved, gain experience and help over the past 2 months.  
 
What are your plans for after graduation? 
 
"My post-graduation plans had been to travel to Canada, but I don't think I'll get very far now. Hopefully I will get the chance to spend the summer with family and friends before everyone goes their separate ways for F1."

What would you like to do in the future?

"In the future I would like to see more of the world and work in some different countries if circumstances allow."

I'd like to get involved in a bit of teaching if possible, and maybe get some coaching qualifications to do a bit of that in my spare time.

It would be nice to retire before 80, but we'll see how that pans out. Otherwise just be happy and raise a family." 
 
What advice would you give to yourself as a fresher 5 years ago? 
 
"My advice to myself as a fresher would be to get involved with more societies and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered at university. Perhaps to be more confident and chatty as a fresher, definitely to go out more in first and second year when we had no clinical placements most of the time." 
 

Percy was involved in many extra-curriculars during his time at the School of Medicine, which he really enjoyed.