Charlotte Preston
Year: Second (at time of interview: December 2018)Hometown: Rossendale, Lancashire
Education: Psychology, University of Leeds
What work experience had you gained before coming here?
I did a wide range of things before coming to Warwick. I worked as a healthcare assistant whilst at university in both a care home and at NHS trusts. I shadowed doctors from different specialities including anaesthetists, surgeons and GPs. I also did volunteering as both a befriender in a nursing home and helped out at a monthly Alzheimer’s support evening.
Why did you choose Warwick?
When I decided to pursue graduate entry medicine I set my heart on Warwick from the start. I liked the fact that it is the largest intake of students compared to other universities and visiting Warwick on open days, meeting tutors and current students made me really want to get in as it has a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
How are you finding the MB ChB so far? How have your clinical placements been?
I am really enjoying the course, although it has its challenging days. First year was very lecture heavy and I was convinced I wouldn’t pass - but I’m still here! Now I’m in second year we have been spending a lot more time in hospital and this is the part of the course I really enjoy - patient contact. I'll soon be starting my placement on the cardio and respiratory wards and will meet my consultant, which is very exciting.
What do you most enjoy about the course?
My favourite part of the course is definitely meeting patients and practising our clinical skills in real life situations. It makes all of the lectures and studying feel worthwhile. It has also been great to make lots of new friends from really varied backgrounds.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities during your time here?
I have taken part in a few different societies including Bedside Play and netball. I’ve also been to events for GP Society and have taught student seminars this year for first years who come from a non-science background, a group which massively helped me during first year.
Do you have any idea at this stage about which specialty you’d like to pursue?
At the moment I’m thinking GP but I’m staying very open minded and am excited to explore the different specialities. Although maybe not surgery - I keep fainting!
Do you have any advice for people applying to the MB ChB at Warwick?
Get as much experience as you can and document it all so you can provide evidence of it. Note down what you learnt from it and enjoyed about it. Practise UKCAT and interview prep - I attended courses to help me improve before the interviews. Also, if you make it to interviews just be yourself! It can be quite daunting with lots of big personalities and you feel like you’re competing, but stay relaxed and true to yourself.