How have you found the course?

It’s a hugely interesting and varied course. There’s something for everyone in each of the years because of how broad it is. I suppose the only downside of that is that sometimes you’re just starting to get your teeth into an area and then you have to move on to the next topic! But the great thing is it really gives you the chance to trial lots of areas and discover what gets you excited. Some of my cohort have discovered a new-found interest in topics like reproductive health or infection, and are looking to pursue those moving forwards.

We’ve been able to meet so many different specialists during the degree. As a small cohort we get to spend time with these people and ask questions, which is fascinating and something that just wouldn’t be possible in large lecture theatres with hundreds of others.

I liked lots of the modules, but if I had to choose I’d say my favourites were Infection: Prevention and Outbreaks and Food: Nutrition and Malnutrition. I also enjoyed Clinical Skills as an optional module as it was interesting to see what medical students are learning. I’m also really enjoying working on my dissertation.

What are you doing for your dissertation?

For the dissertation you’re able to either choose from a selection of proposed topics or find your own supervisors and choose the topic yourself.

Earlier on in the course, an infection consultant from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire came to give us a lecture, and I found her work really interesting. When it came to choosing my dissertation topic I decided to contact her and a researcher at Warwick who specialises in infection as well, and asked if I could assist them on a project looking at the epidemiology of ESBL (extended spectrum beta-lactamase) infections in neonates.

We’re trying to establish whether there’s vertical transmission from mum to baby or if the infections are transferred through the environment. We’re going to be doing geographical epidemiology, making heat maps to try and see if there are any clusters of infections. This will help my supervisors’ larger objective of reducing these infections, which sadly kill many vulnerable babies. I love the fact that even if I’m only assisting in a small way, this work could actually end up helping to save lives.

The fantastic thing with the dissertation is that every student in the course is working on something that is actually going to assist researchers and doctors in the real world.

How have you found studying as a mature student?

Everyone’s been great. The students are focused, sensible and treat me just like the others. I think the experience of the NHS that I’ve had because of my son has been quite beneficial as well, particularly in case based learning.

You've been involved in inclusive education activities during your degree - can you tell us more about that?

Sure! There have been lots of opportunities that have come along during my degree, which have really enriched my experience here. I got involved in the student-led WMS Disability Network, I’m an Athena SWAN student champion and I sit on the Inclusive Education subgroup panel. Last summer I also worked as an Inclusive Education Intern.

I’ve been involved in Patient Public Involvement (PPI) work too, which has been really interesting, and recently I’ve been appointed as a member of a research ethics committee for Black Country research involving children, which I’m so excited about.

What are you planning to do after graduation?

Assuming I get the required grade in my degree, I’m planning to either do a PhD or join Warwick’s Master’s in Public Health course next year. After that I have a few ideas I’m keen to explore, one of which is working in a mortuary. It’s something I feel I’d be confident doing, where I could make a difference to people during a very difficult time. I’d also be interested to do more work around infection, so that’s something I’m looking into as well.

What advice would you give to other students considering the course?

Do it! It’s great, the staff are wonderful and there’s a lot of support available if you are studying in challenging circumstances. It’s such an interesting degree and there are so many ways you can go with it. It gives you the perfect opportunity to figure out your next steps.