Health Science Reviews

By Tavia Quarmby

Moving back to South Africa after studying my undergraduate degree in Melbourne was a decision I made solely based on getting to be around my family and friends again. I chose to study at UCT due to its proximity to those important to me but never expected it to impress me with its quality of education, support, and general good ‘vibes’ all around. 

So far, this year has truly exceeded my expectations, and I have felt that at the end of every week I have grown academically and personally in a multitude of ways. This year has also been a big turning point in my thinking of what direction I want to go after my studies. Having chatted to the intercalated medicine students, I have realised that my love for science does not stop at research alone and my goal has shifted to focusing on clinical-based science and medicine as well as on research. The decision to apply to study medicine next year has not been made lightly and I have gone back and forth in my thinking. My original mindset was that I would be “starting over” and all my hard work in science over the past 4 years would be worthless as, realistically if I get into medicine at UCT, the next 6 or more years of my life will be spent studying. However, this mindset shifted to one of appreciation and acknowledgement when an intercalated student explained their decision to pursue a medical science degree alongside their already long medical studies, telling me: ‘Science teaches you invaluable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving that a lot of medical students don’t develop.’

After thoroughly enjoying beginning of the modules and the techniques courses, I started to realise how much information I was accumulating in each 3-week module and become overwhelmed by how I would tackle this when it came time to study for exams. The modules felt like they got gradually harder and harder, but all my peers around me and the staff offered immense support, supplying me with extra recourse materials or study notes when I needed it. 

Now, having gotten through the exam period, I look forward to conducting my research and further developing my skills in and out of the lab.