Student Doctor Katy Rushforth joined the School this past September after having absolutely smashed her A level results earning herself a place on her dream course and a science award from local chemical manufacturer Synthite in celebration of her impressive achievements.
I'm from a town called Mold in North Wales. An extremely varied range of healthcare experiences, involving myself, my siblings, parents, and grandparents inspired me to pursue medicine. Witnessing the positive impact health care professionals had on my family truly inspired me and made me want to have the same positive impact on future patients in years to come.
What inspired me to choose Liverpool was the city, there's always something going on and everyone is very friendly. This was displayed especially during the interview process, I was put at ease, felt valued and extra thought was even given to my Dad who was given a voucher to use on coffee and a cake in the University Cafe whilst he was waiting for me.
My journey to medicine
The Seren Medics programme, a Welsh Government initiative, supported me throughout the whole application process to medical school. Beginning in Year 12 it provided me with confidence in presenting and researching relevant medical topics, simulated clinical skills and work experience. In Year 13 we were given support in personal statement writing and practice for medical interviews. Overall, the programme improved my confidence in my ability to get into medical school and provided me with support for any concerns I had.
Gaining work experience at Wrexham Maelor Hospital enabled me to observe different specialties such as colorectal clinic and orthopaedic trauma.
A patient with MS greatly impacted me; they were severely uncomfortable due to sores resulting from incontinence and the only option to relieve this pain was a stoma. The high risk of general anaesthetic raised the concern she may not survive. This highlighted the difficulties of maintaining the medical pillars, especially non-maleficence, when quality of life is involved.
It demonstrated the importance of empathy, honesty and integrity and solidified that these were the qualities I hoped to adopt in my medical career.
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and communication I had with patients making me certain it was the career for me.
Katy with Synthite HR Director Sue White (left) and Alun School Head Teacher Jane Cooper (right).
Getting stuck into the course
So far, I have most enjoyed HARC as I find it incredibly interesting and helpful in consolidating my knowledge. My favourite block has been Urogenital as I enjoyed the interactive lectures and how they in turn related to other blocks, cementing my understanding.
I’m most looking forward to clinical placements in the future years as it will allow me to link my knowledge to real life situations and interact with patients.
I think my biggest piece of advice would be to not stress too much about the application process.
Be yourself and if you really want to pursue a career in medicine that will show in interviews.
I found the hardest part of the application process to be the UKCAT, following that, the personal statement and interviews come hand in hand and build upon each other.
To get ready for interviews, practice answering questions as much as you can, use online resources and expand your medical knowledge making sure to think about questions holistically.
Enjoy yourself throughout your last year in sixth form, work hard but remember to take time to relax and do things you enjoy.
Discover more
- Fantastic to have you on board Katy! Take a look at our MBChB programme for all the course content, including Katy’s favourite the Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC).
- Learn more about the Seren Medics programme and University of Liverpool initiatives such as Destination Medicine, which are helping more young people enter medicine.