Student Stories - Sadia Bibi

Medical student Sadia Bibi got her first taste of Aston through the Pathways to Healthcare?Programme, which helps A?Level students?with ambitions to study medicine or healthcare?gain insight into university?life. Here she?shares her excitement at being offered a place at Aston Medical School, and how she has made the most of her studies so far.?

I began studying at Aston University in 2018. My parents didn’t go to university, so when I was accepted to study medicine they were overjoyed – they’re my biggest supporters! Words could not describe how relieved and excited I was upon to learning I was offered a place to at Aston Medical School.?

Prior to joining university, I was part of the Pathways to Healthcare Programme, where I visited campus a?number of times throughout my A?Levels to learn more about different healthcare careers, and had even stayed on campus in the university’s accommodation during the Programme’s residential summer school. Joining Aston as a student, having already visited campus during the programme, meant I was familiar with the University which was beneficial when choosing where to study. Being a local student, Aston was also appealing as it meant I could continue to live at home whilst studying.?

I’ve recently completed my third year of medical school where I attended my placement at different healthcare settings, such as GP practices and hospitals. It has been challenging to adapt to a newer way of learning, as opposed to being taught in a lecture theatre, but it has been a great experience speaking to patients and learning more whilst being in a clinical environment. I’ve enjoyed the valuable learning opportunities my placement has given me this year, and I look forward to further opportunities in the future.?

I aspire to become a doctor, but I am currently unsure about which specialty I would like to pursue. I am looking forward to future clinical placements and having the opportunity to explore different specialties.?

Receiving a scholarship has been very helpful for my course – I have been able to buy?different?resources such as textbooks, a laptop and my stethoscope which I have been using during my clinical placements. I am incredibly grateful for my scholarship and would like to thank the donors for their generosity.?

'Student Stories' features the stories of scholarship recipients. You can read more about the difference scholarships make to?the?lives?of students on our website here.?