International MB ChB student profile: Riti
Riti is a first year MB ChB student from the USA, who came to Warwick from northern California. For her first degree, Riti majored in psychology with minors in biology and chemistry and worked as an Emergency Service Technician on campus. Here she tells us why she chose WMS and how she's finding the course so far.
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Why did you decide to study medicine at Warwick Medical School?
I was drawn to WMS because it welcomed students from different disciplines, rather than only a biomedical background. The graduate entry requirement was also appealing, as my fellow students are similar in age and maturity.
My decision to study in the UK was made for many reasons, but an important one was the principle of healthcare being a citizen's right regardless of financial status. For-profit healthcare systems force us to treat based on who can pay rather than who needs help, widening already-prevalent inequalities and slashing trust in the system.
How did you find the transition to life and study in the UK?
Because I was familiar with moving away from home for my first degree, it felt similar to that, and I was fortunate enough to have a family member come with me to help me get settled and explore the town. My family and I had some amusing mishaps navigating the public transportation system and discovering that Brits don't have a preferred side of the street to walk on, though! Studying in the UK feels quite similar to the US, and it's additionally difficult to compare medical school with my psychology degree.
How have you found the MB ChB so far and how have you found your overall Warwick experience as an international student?
Phase I of the MB ChB course has been challenging but extremely rewarding; because of the content-heaviness, it requires lots of diligence. However, making the connections between content and clinical setting in CBL so early on has kept me motivated to keep learning. The anatomy lab has definitely been a highlight; having the privilege of studying plastinates with my peers and such knowledgeable professors is truly humbling.
Courses in the US tend to have smaller, more frequent exams rather than one at the end of the year, so I have to keep reminding myself to stay on track even though the immediate pressure of an exam is not there.
I felt quite a bit of imposter syndrome in the beginning because I didn't have direct experience with the NHS. However, I've been reminded by my peers and professors that it's my experience with a different healthcare system that can bring change to this one.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities?
I've become quite close with my flat mates; we enjoy doing arts and crafts and playing badminton together. We've also made it our mission to try all of the coffee shops in Leamington Spa. In the future, I hope to become more involved with hospital volunteering and the yoga society at WMS!
What tips do you have for other international applicants?
Keep in close touch with family and friends back home; it's a source of comfort when things are unfamiliar. Remember why you are here. The school (and the country) have so much to explore but it is your choice to accept what is offered!