Profile: Ayoola Awopetu

Ayoola Awopetu
Medicine MBBS 5-year programme
2002 to 2008

Two of the main reasons I chose to study at St George’s is that it is a specialist healthcare university and is in London. The idea of learning about medical diseases in an actual hospital really appealed to me. Whilst you’re in a lecture theatre learning about disease treatment and prevention, a few metres away people are going through this for “real”. I also enjoy the idea of starting clinical training from the beginning of medical school, rather than a later stage. Before coming to George’s I had heard it had a really good, friendly and family atmosphere.

I will be the first person from my family to become a doctor.

The course is amazing. Personally although I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experiences, I’ve specifically found my clinical attachment years most interesting. The clinical attachment years begin in year three and I found they really brought to life the theory learned in the earlier years.

The social life is really good here at George’s. Wednesday evening is sports night where the sports teams meet after matches to celebrate their victories or commiserate their losses.

On the social side, I’ve been the captain of the football team, editor of the Students’ Union magazine, president of the entrepreneur society and Chairperson of the Students’ Union to name a few. I’ve enjoyed getting involved during my time here as it really helps me to relax when I’m not studying.

I’ve also been a mentor for the summer schools that St George’s (run by the Widening Participation Unit). I enjoy summer schools as they allow you to meet young people, inadvertently acting as a role model encouraging them to pursue further education.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at St George’s. A main benefit of studying here is the fact that due to the rich diversity in ethnicities in the population around St George’s, you have the opportunity to see lots of different medical conditions. A downside is that you only mix with other healthcare students. Sometimes, I feel as though it would be interesting meeting students not involved in healthcare.

I’m not sure what medical speciality I would like to pursue when I finish my studies. Being at George’s has taught me to be open minded. When I finish my studies I hope to use my own experiences and ideas to make an informed decision as to what would be the best career for me.

One of the best things I could recommend to someone who wanted to study is that St George’s teaching is second to none. Additionally, the friendly atmosphere is another good selling point.