"The most rewarding aspects of the programme are the chances to get to know and help patients, having the option to teach students in earlier years, and studying interesting topics."
Graduate Entry Medicine student, Eleanor Trezise, balances her studies with playing rugby and was recently selected for London Irish's Women’s Premier Academy. In January, she was awarded the Alastair Hunter Gold Prize, an award which exists to help students meet the financial demands of competing in a sport so that they can pursue their passions outside of the classroom. We spoke to her about her route into Graduate Entry Medicine and how she strikes a good balance between studying and training.
What did you do before joining the Graduate Entry Medicine programme (GEP)?
After leaving school and completing an industrial placement year, I undertook a BSc in Natural Sciences (Biomedical Sciences and Synthetic Organic Chemistry) at UCL. I then worked for a couple of years before studying a MSc in Biomedical Engineering with Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at Queen Mary, University of London. During this time, I was offered a deferred place on GEP. It was deferred because the end date of my Master’s degree clashed with the beginning of GEP, so in the time between the end of my MSc and starting Medicine I got a job as a circulating assistant in surgery.
Why did you choose to study GEP?
"Medicine combines my passions for helping people and medical science.
I hope to add sport, another passion of mine, to that combination one day by specialising in Sport and Exercise Medicine."
What do you hope to do once you complete your course?
After my F1 and F2 years I plan to do a F3 year. During this time, I’ll complete a MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine. I’ll then aim to become either a GP with an Extended Role or apply for the higher specialty training route for Sport and Exercise Medicine.
You have played rugby for Saracens in the past and were selected for the London Irish Women Premier Academy last year. Tell us about the difference receiving the Alastair Hunter Prize will make to you.
I’m incredibly grateful for the bursary and to the generous alumni who contributed. There can be lots of hidden costs to competing in sport that add up to a significant amount over a season. This bursary will primarily help me cover travel, club and gym membership costs.
What has helped you balance your time between studying and training?
It’s been important to prioritise, identify my preferred learning style and also to figure out where I can ‘trim the fat’. What I mean by that is, identifying what I need to say ‘no’ in order to streamline my time so that I can fit in both rugby and studying.
I’ve said no to lie-ins, not getting 8 hours sleep per night, poor nutrition, watching TV and I’ve deleted social media apps from my phone. This gives me more free time and energy to work on flashcards, practice questions and other forms of study.
I still get to see friends and family but not as much as before I entered the academy! But it helps that they’re understanding and supportive.
Tell us about some of your future sporting ambitions.
"I hope to make it through London Irish’s academy and be offered a semi-professional contract to play in the Premier 15s which is the top league in the UK for women’s rugby. I would play alongside working as a junior doctor."
This has already been achieved by other current players in that league who are doctors so I’m hopeful I will also be able to balance working and playing if I am successful at getting a contract.
What are some of the most rewarding and challenging things about studying Graduate Entry Medicine?
The most challenging aspect is the workload, especially in years 1 and 3. It’s important to be realistic and organised. If you don’t keep up with the work, you will make your life much harder.
"The most rewarding aspects are the chances to get to know and help patients, teaching students in earlier years (if you opt to) and studying interesting topics."
What would you say to someone considering studying Graduate Entry Medicine at St George’s?
"I’m very glad I chose to study at St George’s because the university ensures you are equipped with the soft skills as well as knowledge needed to be an effective doctor."
I’ve also generally really enjoyed my time here so far and benefited from high quality teaching.