Student profile - Kiran Chima

BMedSc Medical Science, 2014

Now managing a successful business on the BSEEN programme, volunteering in healthcare and travelling

Why did you originally apply to study this course at the University of Birmingham?

Medical Science covers a wide range of topics, which includes lab experience and anatomy teaching in the prosectorium. There is greater contact time with researchers to reinforce your learning and flexibility for independent study. 

What do you think were the best parts of the programme?

The best part was the research project for my dissertation. I worked on virus directed gene therapy for prostate cancer. This enabled me to work with other researchers, improve my lab skills and design future experiments. Working on unknown novel treatments that can alleviate suffering is both exciting and rewarding. 

What advice would you give to current students/applicants of the course?

At times the learning may be tough and there will be many deadlines, you will work hard and persevere. This course prepares you for your future career and develops the skills you need for overcoming the obstacles you may face.

How did you grow as a person during your time at university?

Studying at the university has made me more organised, enhanced my problem solving skills and working under pressure to deadlines. It has given me the confidence to make new friends, search out new experiences and take on new challenges.

Why did you decide to pursue your chosen path post-graduation?

I feel that this is the right time to develop new skills and invent products for my business. I have support from BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) and have the time to find the contacts I need to make my ideas into a reality.

In what way do you think the course prepared you for this?

For Medical Science, you need to be innovative as you are designing experiments. As a scientist you face many setbacks when experiments fail so you have to find a solution and think laterally to move forward. You have to present your findings to others and explain them in simple terms to allow non-scientists to understand.

Did you attend any sessions during your course designed to prepare you for your future career?

I attended events led by the Careers Network team for postgraduate study, graduate entry medicine and post-BMedSc careers. They were tailored to us individually and helped me to explore my options through work experience, networking and speaking to representatives from different companies. They helped me choose my future career. The College of Medical and Dental Sciences also advertise many seminars from scientists and representatives from other universities and organisations. This year I attended the Centre for Human Virology Launch Conference at the University, where many guest speakers presented their research. You could ask questions afterwards and this reinforced that I would enjoy undertaking a PhD at the virology centre in the future.