School Alumni publish careers guide for student doctors
Dr Amelle Ra and Dr Samuel Latham graduated from Liverpool School of Medicine in 2019. Their new book The Ultimate Career Guide is a handy careers resource filled with insightful information and tips to support student doctors in their career choices.
Anelle and Sam took the time to share more about their book publication and journey back through their time at the School.
The road to Medicine
Amelle: I moved to Oxford from South Korea when I was 8 years old. I was attracted to Medicine because I wanted to pursue a career that helps the wider population and enables continuous personal growth.
Sam: I grew up in Liverpool and applied for Medicine because I wanted to challenge myself. I was drawn in by the prospect of developing a wide range of skills that could be used to help people in need. I also knew the profession would provide me with great job security, make my family proud and give me the opportunity to work abroad.
Lasting memories
Amelle: I remember being very happy on results day! I was visiting my sister who lives abroad so when I found out that I had been accepted, I remember ringing my mum and we both shed a few tears! My first day on campus was exciting! It was my first proper day up north and I was so encouraged by how friendly everyone was.
I instantly made great friends - little did I know these friends would still be such special people in my life almost 9 years down the line!
I had great supervisors and tutors who were wonderful mentors throughout. I absolutely loved my time at Liverpool.
Sam: I remember being so excited to start university. The friends I made through medic socials and sports teams are still some of my closest friends today. I was very fortunate to have several committee roles in the Liverpool Medical Students Society and medic sports teams. My involvement in these committees gave me experiences that I will never forget, such as hosting a variety of events and raising money for charity.
Lessons learnt
Amelle: There were a few challenges of course! Exam and assignment periods can be stressful. I would say having a good support network around you is essential - spending time with friends and family to relax/wind down has always been super helpful.
Sam: It is really important to enjoy your time off. Don’t worry too much about the long-term; set goals for the next 12 months and gradually build a CV that proves you have a bit of everything. If you do that, you will be in a great position to pursue any career.
Finding your path
Amelle: I decided to pursue a career in Dermatology during my final year of studies. I was always interested in Dermatology but I did not want to focus on just one specialty so early on at university. I think it is great to be open minded and consider all options. I completed a SAMP in Dermatology at Chester, which provided great opportunities for me to build on my CV and meet excellent mentors.
I would say being enthusiastic, making good contacts and having the right attitude during your clinical placements is the key – and will provide you with more opportunities.
Sam: When I began my studies, I had no idea what type of career I wanted after graduation. I knew it would be best for me to keep my options open and try to diversify my skillset as much as possible. That is why I decided to complete an MBA at Liverpool.
My intercalation year helped me mature and develop skills that have assisted me in numerous aspects of my professional life.
When I finally decided on the career path I wanted, I felt that I was in a solid position to make it happen.
After graduation
Amelle: I did my foundation programme training in London, which I loved. I think working in different areas is helpful because you get to work with people from different walks of life. After my FY2 year, I took a FY3 year out to do research in Dermatology as a Clinical Research Fellow.
I love combining academia with clinical work. I find being able to do research and seeing the positive effect on patients really rewarding.
That is why I applied for an academic route and have secured a position as an Academic Clinical Fellow in Dermatology as it provides you with research time during your training.
Sam: I completed my FY1 and FY2 in South London. This was an exciting adventure and one of the best decisions I have ever made. Currently, I am taking a FY3 and working as a Clinical Research Doctor in the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In this role, I am responsible for designing and conducting large research studies involving investigatory medicinal products and new diagnostic devices. I am gaining invaluable knowledge that I will carry forward with me into my next chapter.
I find it exciting to work in a team that is driven by the prospect of advancing patient care by conducting ground-breaking research.
The work we are doing involves highly sophisticated technology and there are lots of opportunities for me to explore my personal research interests. I work in a very supportive team and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Biggest career tips
Amelle: Do not let the competition put you off! Someone has to get the job and your career is a steady marathon not a sprint. If you work hard and persevere, you will get there. Be proactive, ask for opportunities, keep an open mind and keep going.
Being involved in clinical audits, teaching, having leadership roles and publishing or presenting research are aspects you should think about from an early stage.
And don’t forget to enjoy yourself! You are not meant to know which specialty you want to pursue from first year so do not worry if your peers do already - people often change their mind both as a student and as a doctor.
I was not very clued up on the available career paths or the fact that building a CV from early on in your studies is important. The book Dr Sam Latham and I wrote together helps provide student doctors with this kind of information, so I would say give that a read to get started. Good luck!
Sam: Clinical research is a key element in Medicine.
After completing your foundation training, a role in clinical research will stand you in great stead for any career.
Do not feel like you need to go straight into specialty training. If research is not your thing, there are many other opportunities for you to upskill and go exploring!
Don’t be reluctant to get involved with medic social side of the School community and don’t worry about not knowing which type of career you want. As long as you work hard and keep setting goals for the next 12 months, everything will work out for you the way it should. Enjoy your hobbies and don’t be shy!
Discover more
- The Ultimate Career Guide for medical students and foundation doctors is available to purchase in paperback or e-book through Scion publishing (link).
- Take Anelle and Sam’s advice and start building your career early on in your studies. Check out the careers support available at the School (link).
- Get insights and advice from School Alumni as they reminisce on their days at Liverpool and the careers they went on to create on our Alumni Stories webpage (link).