17 June 2019

My UEA Story: Rykie Wade

Norwich Medical School Alumni

Rykie Wade, Core Surgical Trainee

"Pick the location for your University studies - most institutions will give you an excellent education, the degree you need and launch you into the world of work. However, some locations are better than others for the countryside, city life, proximity of friends and family, etc. All of these factors should be HIGH on your list when considering a University because remember - you will be there for many years and may even settle there when a job comes your way..."

Who is your current employer?

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

What is your current job title?

Core Surgical Trainee

What year did you start studying at UEA?

2005

What were your career aspirations when you joined UEA - did you know what you wanted to do?

Become a doctor! And acquire a friends, experiences and skills along the way...

How did you get to where you are now? Was there anything that particularly helped?

A thick skin alongside a lot of help from my wife, my family, my close friends and all my teachers. I couldn't have done it without such great support.

The best thing about my job is...

The challenging and varied nature of plastic and reconstructive surgery. As a junior trainee, it's a very exciting time to be within this diverse and progressive specialty.

What personal achievement are you most proud of?

I was recently appointed as the first and only Academic Clinical Fellow (ST3) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery within the UK. I feel hugely privileged to take on this position and have substantial aspirations for myself, my colleagues and future students.

How did UEA prepare you for your career/help you make decisions?

Norwich Medical School prepared me for being a junior doctor perfectly. I hit the wards on day one feeling comfortable (that is appropriately terrified but equally confident that I could do the work). The wide array of experiences offered, disciplines/specialities encountered helped me to hone my interests. The pace throughout the course was achievable and hence, I could enjoy my life beyond work too - which I think is especially important in a demanding profession such as health care.

Since leaving UEA, have you taken any further qualifications, if so what are they?

I will soon embark upon my PhD which will based on magnetic resonance imaging of brachial plexus injuries in adults, which will be based at at Leeds University Hospitals. I'm also undertaking my 2nd Masters in Health Research also at Leeds University. In 2013 I completed my surgical exams and was awarded Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS).

My best day at UEA was...

The day I met my wife.

What are your top tips for current students, or anyone considering studying at UEA?

Pick the location for your University studies - most institutions will give you an excellent education, the degree you need and launch you into the world of work. However, some locations are better than others for the countryside, city life, proximity of friends and family, etc. All of these factors should be HIGH on your list when considering a University because remember - you will be there for many years and may even settle there when a job comes your way...

As a new medical school, the staff were receptive to feedback and motivated to sculpt the course to best satisfy our learning needs. This was revolutionary for me (coming from the didactic school room) and a welcome, refreshing way in which to learn.

The most important thing I learnt at UEA was...

You are defined by your actions.

 

Norwich Medical School