Jonathon Kaberry
Year: Second (At time of interview: March 2018)
Hometown: London
Education: Human Geography, University of St Andrews
What work experience had you gained before coming here?
I had quite a variety in my work experience, which helped me decide medicine was right for me. I spent a month in Dermatology with a bit of Plastics at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. I also spent a week on the cardiology unit at Leeds General Infirmary. I was a volunteer in London for two years for an HIV and Aids charity doing point of care testing in the community.
Why did you choose Warwick?
I wanted an accelerated course that was all graduates and not one that merged after the first year with undergraduates. I started studying at Warwick when I was 27, thus I wanted to be on a course with like-minded graduates who have had a wide variety of experiences, be that educational or professional. Secondly, I wanted a course with early clinical contact, which Warwick definitely offers medical students.
How have you found the MB ChB so far?
It has been the hardest thing I have ever done, but the best decision I have made. There have been times when I have wondered if I am out of my depth but the majority of the time I love it, especially the clinical aspects of the course.
How have you found the transition from a humanities subject to medicine?
The transition was difficult, however there is plenty of support to help bring you up to speed with regards to the science you need to know. I found that starting to study again after four years out of academia was tricky and exhausting. However I am approach studying medicine as I would a paid job and that has helped in terms of time management.
How have you found your clinical placements?
Clinical placements are great. The exposure you get to lots of different patients and working with so many diffierent clinicians is fantastic. Everyone I meet is keen to teach and happy for me to help where I can. I have spent time clerking in A&E, taking bloods, doing consultations in GP and watching surgeries. It's all fascinating and I learn so much every day from being in the clinical environment - I'm absolutely exhausted by bed time!
What have you enjoyed most about the course?
Without a shadow of a doubt this has to be the clinical part of the course because you can begin to see how you life will be as a doctor and the patient interaction you will be privileged to have.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
I have been involved in a society that goes into schools and teaches 11-18-year-olds sex education. It's a really fun thing to do and the kids love it as the sessions are very engaging and it's not a standard lesson. Currently, I am also running a video project to help the year below me at Warwick understand what the next part of the course involves for them.
Do you have any ideas at this stage about what you’d like to specialise in in the future?
I'm definitely drawn to the more generalist of specialities such as GP, Emergency and Acute Medicine. This is probably because I like the wide variety of patients you have. These specialities also keep you very busy and on your toes.
Do you have any advice for people applying for this course?
Don’t be put of by what people say or what the media is saying about Medicine. Work hard for the UKCAT, and be able to show you know what it means to be - and is expected of - a good doctor.
Finally, what three words would you use to describe your experience studying at Medical School?
Challenging, rewarding, marathon.