Student Spotlights pass the mic to our student doctors, to hear their take on their School experience and shine the light on a particular role, team or pathway through the School of Medicine.
Year Five Student Doctor Eric Dos Santos De Andrade put his technical proficiency to the test at this year’s National Student Surgical Skills Competition hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and Medtronic. With competition from student doctors around the UK, Eric impressed the judges with his surgical talent, earning him second place overall.
As Eric advanced through several stages of the competition, the pressure mounted to demonstrate a variety of surgical techniques on synthetic organs. Eric embraced each new challenge and shares with us the highlights from competition day, what brought him to Liverpool and his hopes for the future.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Medicine?
"I'm from Caracas in Venezuela and witnessing first-hand the healthcare disparities that exist in my country and the dedication of local medical professionals, it fuelled my ambition to pursue medicine. This inspiration led me on a journey halfway across the world to Liverpool, aiming to blend the resilience and warmth of my roots with the cutting-edge medical education the UK offers. Liverpool's dynamic medical community and the prestigious University of Liverpool's commitment to excellence in medical education drew me here.
What have been your biggest highlights on the programme so far?
Participating in the RCSEd and Medtronic Surgical Skills Competition has been a highlight.
The experience of competing against peers nationwide, the intense preparation, and the hands-on challenges were incredibly fulfilling.
What motivated you to apply to the RCSEd and Medtronic Surgical Skills Competition?
Initially I thought to myself, worst case scenario I’ll become better at suturing, so I have nothing to lose.
The competition's unique structure, from the initial online quiz to the final hands-on challenges with surgical equipment and synthetic organs, presented an unparalleled opportunity for growth.
What did you enjoy most about the day?
The competition day was both challenging and exhilarating. The stations ranged from applied clinical anatomy questions to suturing, and laparoscopic skills. There was also an ‘Operation’ game station which was quite fun. The collaborative atmosphere and the feedback from esteemed professionals were particularly enjoyable aspects.
Congratulations on achieving second place! How did you feel when you received your award?
Securing the second place was a moment of immense pride. It was a testament to the hard work and the countless hours of preparation, offering a significant milestone in my aspiring surgical career.
The experience in itself made me become quite confident in my surgical skills which usually tend to be difficult to practice whilst at placement.
What do you hope to go on to do in the future?
Looking ahead, I aim to specialize in Orthopaedic Surgery, leveraging the insights and skills gained from this competition to further contribute to the field. I also hope to engage in research and educational endeavors to advance surgical practices.
Finally, what advice do you have for future first-year students?
To future first years, embrace every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. The journey might be demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable."
Discover More
- Learn more about the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (link) and their upcoming events
- Get in touch with mednews@liverpool.ac.uk if you are interested in stepping into the Student Spotlight or would like to nominate a student or group to do so.