Ipswich School had Oli Duncombe (OI 2003-18) in this month to talk to prospective medics in Year 11-13. Year 12 & 13 were in the Sixth Form centre with Oli and Year 11 joined by Google Meet.

Oli is a 3rd year student at Exeter University and is absolutely loving studying medicine at the moment. He found the first 2 years extremely hard because of the sheer volume of material that he needed to learn, but as he is moving into the more clinical side of training, he is finding that putting that knowledge to use is really satisfying. He discussed his experience of the practical side of the training, and if you struggle or make mistakes, the lecturers are always supportive and help you improve your skills. He has learned important lessons, such as not using a swab after dropping it on the floor and making sure you wash your hands after examining a patient!!  

He was asked about the other side of university life, i.e sport, and clubs. Oli explained that self-discipline is important because medical students are much busier than those studying other subjects, so you can't join all the clubs or societies that you may want to. It is better to stick to one sport and then immerse yourself in the medical societies. In Oli's case, he is focusing on rugby. 

He ended on a more serious note, saying that you should think about whether you really want to study medicine, for yourself and not anyone else. He summed it up with a quote from his uncle that “medicine is a calling, not a job.”