Why I Chose Medicine
“Emily please don’t go to university we can’t afford
it.”
Mum
2002
I was not what would be termed the
stereotypical medical school candidate. I come from a working class
family, from which no one had ever gone to university. I went to a
state school and a state college. I worked all through my GCSE’s
and my A levels in order to fund myself.
So how, you may ask did I make the decision to
apply to study medicine? Well, it all began when I was 8 years old,
my cousin dressed me up in a white coat and a pair of doc martin
shoes (all the rage back then), and I knew right there I wanted to
be a doctor.
Why a doctor?
Well I was good at science and have a good
memory enabling me to recall information easily, a skill essential
to becoming a modern doctor. I was a good communicator something
always commented on by teachers at school!! Everyone told me their
problems in the playground and I was always on hand to give advice
and help anyone no matter how serious the matter. I was never
afraid to speak up whether for myself or acting as an advocate for
someone else. Lastly, I was fascinated with the workings of the
human body even now I am still intrigued by how the body can grow,
change, and reproduce.
Setbacks
More than once, I was told at Sixth Form
College that I would never make it to be a doctor. I went through
periods of self doubt, questioning, does a girl like me
really belong in medicine. My parents were worried they couldn’t
afford for me to go to university but I managed to convince them it
was ok and helped by working as much as I could.
Where am I now?
I am in the top half of my class, I have been
elected a student representative still using those advocacy skills
and I have never regretted the hard work and perseverance it took
me to get here.
My advice
If you are not the stereotypical medical
student that’s not a bad thing it’s a great thing always stay true
to what makes you different and you will bring diversity to the
world of medicine.
Emily Bolton
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
May 2007