Hannah talks about her time studying Medicine and how she focused on research, specialising in allergies and fertility.
Studying medicine
As well as medical knowledge, medicine allows you to learn a wide variety of skills ranging from communication, academic, teaching, clinical and research skills. These can be applied to projects and areas of life beyond medicine and have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Specialising in allergies
I intercalated in MSc Allergy. I chose this course because allergy rates are increasing globally and allergy knowledge can be applied to many specialties such as paediatrics, respiratory, dermatology and beyond.
I focused my dissertation on skin allergy, and I also completed a teaching module, which increased my confidence.
I also became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. It’s been a fantastic addition to my course - I would really recommend it to other students.
"Not only did I gain an additional qualification but I also developed a wide range of skills which I will take into my future career."
Presenting my research on a global stage
My work was later published and having a first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal was not something I expected to achieve during medical school!
I will also be presenting my dissertation research at the British Association of Dermatologists Annual Meeting.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the research skills that were taught as part of the curriculum and through the encouragement of my supervisor.
"These experiences opened my eyes to the world of research and the opportunities you can access as a medical student."



