My UEA Story: Emily Clark
Norwich Medical School Alumni
Emily Clark, Volunteer GP (Graduated 2009)
Medicine at UEA gave me a much broader experience than many traditional courses.
What were your career aspirations when you joined UEA?
I wanted to be involved in Global health, in some way. I wasn't sure how this would fit with clinical medicine, or if medicine was the right path for me. But now I wouldn't do anything else.
How did you get to where you are now?
I am a newly qualified GP, currently working in Uganda on an exciting development project for 6 months, focused on primary care to improve Maternal and Newborn health.
The best thing about my job is…
As a GP, I enjoy the variety of patients, the chance to practise patient-centered medicine, at every stage of patients' lives and for the whole family.
The biggest challenge in my job is…
The ever changing landscape of the NHS and the current political and media pressures on GPs.
What does it take to do your job?
Organisation, compassion, dedication and a genuine interest in people.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Carrying the Olympic Torch in 2012 in Norfolk!
Where are you heading next?
I have just become the Royal College of General Practitioners Junior International committee Beyond Europe Lead. This is a really exciting role focused on helping junior and trainee GPs be more involved in international/global health.
How did UEA prepare you for your career/help you make decisions?
I met a lot of different people, who made me see that there is always more than one way to get where you want to.
Since leaving UEA, have you taken any further qualifications?
Diploma of Child Health, Membership of Royal College of General Practitioners.
What made you decide to study your particular course?
Medicine at UEA gave me a much broader experience than many traditional courses.
My best day at UEA was…
The first day we were let loose on patients - after about 4 weeks of the course.
What are your top tips for current students, or anyone considering studying at UEA?
The medical course suits people who are keen to get stuck in from the word go.