My UEA Story: Babu Karavadra
Norwich Medical School Alumni
Babu Karavadra, Trainee in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (Graduated 2013)
A career in medicine is a privilege. Whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to go, I wish you the very best of luck.
What are the best things about studying Medicine at UEA?
I started my medical training in 2008. There have been many changes at Norwich Medical School since I was there! Whether this is your first university experience or second, you will undoubtedly have a wonderful time.
Starting university for the first time can often feel like a scary experience the thought of making new friends, adjusting to a new environment and maybe living away from loved ones for the first time. The campus at UEA is packed with many things to keep you occupied. Have you noticed the rabbits on campus yet?
What are the key skills you learnt at UEA?
Norwich Medical School will give you countless opportunities for personal and professional development. I promise you, the five years will certainly fly by! There are 15 modules that you will complete over the course and this will integrate lectures, seminars, clinical attachments and assessments. The more you put in, the more you will get out. University is very different from school/college; you will be more independent and more responsible for your own learning.
Five years is a long time to be in one place and you will develop friendships that will often last a lifetime. It is therefore important to look out for one another there may be ups as well as downs. I was lucky to have met a fantastic group of friends who were supportive and caring. In your clinical attachments you will meet real patients from the very beginning you will hear their stories or their struggles. Medicine is about team work; rarely will you succeed without working with other people. It is important to build upon working effectively with others in your Problem Based Learning groups.
Do you have any tips for current students or recent graduates?
During your medical school training and life as a doctor, you will learn a lot about yourself. My biggest tip would be to enjoy yourself throughout the course if you enjoy something, then you will get more out of it. Like any medical course, there may be times where it feels “a bit too much” and so it is important to seek help early from friends, the medical school or the Student Support Service.
Any other advice?
It is important to have a life outside medicine. UEA has many facilities to accommodate this the Sports Park, various clubs and societies as well as the Student Union bar! The LCR is often a popular place for music events and clubbing entertainment.