Profile: Maz Carney and Natalie Ash

Maz Carney and Natalie Ash are in their second year of study of the Biomedical Informatics as well as being Student Representatives for the current cohort

What was your first impression of St George’s?

Maz: It felt like a community, it was friendly and very soon you get to recognise faces around the campus.

What do you think are the best aspects of the course so far?

Natalie: The trips to the surgeries were great; you get to apply knowledge learned on the course to Healthcare in the real world.

Maz: I also enjoyed the communications skills course; it really helped me to get to know other BMI students.

Which student clubs have you joined?

Maz: I joined loads, there are tonnes of sports clubs at St George’s ranging from snowboarding to badminton and they are all pretty reasonably priced.

Natalie: I joined the music society and the suturing club. It’s a really great way to network and meet students from other courses.

What’s the social life like at St George’s?

Natalie: The Fresher’s events are amazing; pretty quickly you get to socialise with students from all the courses at St George’s. There’s always an event on campus and as we’re so near central London, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is find the right socialising/studying balance. I have school friends at other London universities and they can’t believe how much there is to do here.

Why do you think other students should choose Biomedical Informatics?

Natalie: Some people think that if they are studying IT and science that they have to choose between the two when they are at school; this course allows them to combine their interests. It means that they have a wider career choice when they graduate.

Maz: It’s a very interesting subject delivered by a reputable institution and you learn about healthcare. It’s useful if you are thinking about Graduate Entry Medicine as you can learn about the place you eventually want to work in before making that career choice.

What do you think about teaching methods on the course?

Maz: There’s a great balance between tutorials and lectures. I really like being taught in small groups, you learn from others in the group as well as the tutor.

How do you feel that your time on this course will benefit you in the future?

Maz: I am much more confident as a person than I was when I arrived. I know that I am going to graduate with a good degree and I feel pretty good about my future prospects.

Natalie: I found it pretty daunting coming to university and having to fend for myself for the first time but it’s been a great experience so far. I have learned how to prioritise work and social life and to balance assignment deadlines with being a Student Rep. I feel I am building up momentum for my future career.

What advice would you give to students coming on this course?

Maz: If you have issues with settling in or at any time on the course talk to your personal tutor or the Course Administration team; they’re here to help you and have lots of experience which they are happy to share with you.

Natalie: Remember that everyone’s in the same position. Getting used to studying at university level is hard but talk to other people on the course and you’ll soon find out you’re not the only one having difficulties. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get to know everyone.