Charlotte Bocking BM5, 2019

I chose Southampton because of the course’s early interaction with patients. I really enjoyed the early clinical exposure you get on the course. It was really important to me because it puts into context, straight away, what you are learning.

I always thought I would go down the science, lab-based research route instead of being a doctor, but when I was 16, I got a job in John Lewis and really enjoyed interacting with people and helping them find what they were looking for. So, I decided to do Medicine and I have not been disappointed.

I chose Southampton, partly because I already knew the area due to my grandparents living in Hayling Island, but mainly because of the course’s early interaction with patients. I really enjoyed the early clinical exposure you get on the course. It was really important to me because it puts into context, straight away, what you are learning.

There are plenty of things to enjoy on the course, but one of my main highlights was the third year project. I focused mine on cerebral function analysing monitors, in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. It gave been more clinical activity early on and I got to make some really good contacts. The varied placement opportunities are also really enjoyable, and I got so much out of them. I spent time in Cardiology, Surgery, GP practices, Oncology and Palliative Care, all of which aided my studies. 

Southampton is a great place to study. The first-year halls are great, and the campus is very accessible – everything is in easy reach. My advice to new students would be to enjoy it as much as you can, especially the early years. I was worried about how much work it would be, so I didn’t join as many societies and extra-curricular activities as I could’ve done, so I would say that make the most of your years, here on campus in Southampton. There is such a wide and varied list of groups to join. I was part of the Light Opera Society and we put on a production of Fiddler on the Roof, and I was also part of the Teddy Bear Hospital which goes into schools to talk to children about health and medicine. It was extremely rewarding.

I’m extremely proud to graduate from Southampton and to receive the Donald Acheson Prize for third highest scoring performance in the BMBS programme. I was in disbelief when I found out. It has been a great five years and I am excited to tale the next step of my medical journey.”

Anne Bocking, Charlotte’s mother, said: “We are all very proud of Charlotte today and I’m very excited to see what she does next. Whatever she does, she will do well. As long as she’s happy and health and enjoying her job, that’s the main thing.”