Health, Sport and Bioscience Graduate Profiles
Taiwo - BSc Biochemistry
As a traditional life sciences student, I came to the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience to read Biochemistry and was accepted onto their four year sandwich course. I quickly became engrossed with this testing and exciting subject, that I abandoned my plan to go to medical school. In my sandwich year, I worked as a Research Assistant at the Royal London Hospital – a wise move in hindsight as I soon realised that I was not cut out to be a research scientist. All those days alone in the lab did not suit me at all. The year out was so helpful for that reason alone; when I returned I felt charged with vitality and took on my final year with purpose. I was determined to forge a career in the corporate world of pharmaceuticals.
After graduating, I got my dream job working as a medical sales representative for Innovex-MSD and then later I was head hunted to work for AstraZenica. However, in the last few years, I felt the pangs of my first love return. Deep down, I still yearned to be a doctor. In 2006, after much deliberation, I applied and was successful in gaining a place at medical school at University of Keele.
Despite graduating over 7 years ago I am still in touch with members of staff at the University of East London. I am pleased to say that I still call on my old lecturers for advice. Indeed, it was an ex-lecturer of mine who wrote my reference to get into medical school.
The consideration, continued support and friendships I have made at UEL have been with me for over a decade. Recalling my University experience now, I remember when I arrived in 1998, I was instantly struck with its vibrant cultural mix.
I left UEL with a deep sense of tolerance and integration borne of the University’s rich cultural tapestry and ethics. These are important qualities that a doctor should have, especially in a country as diverse and culturally rich as the UK.
