My UEA Story: Jessica Haynes
Norwich Medical School Alumni
Jessica Haynes, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Graduated 2010)
UEA helped develop my independent research techniques, communication skills and reflective learning.
How has your career developed since graduating?
I am currently completing my FY2 year at the JPUH and then in August I am moving to live in Australia. I have a job for one year as an SHO in emergency medicine at the Gold Coast Hospital outside of Brisbane.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your current role?
I am currently working in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and enjoy the mix between surgery and medicine. It is also amazing helping mothers deliver babies each day; the look on their faces when they see their child for the first time is very rewarding.
Beyond Foundation, what steps did you take in finding employment?
To secure my job in Australia I used a variety of sources - government websites, advice from friends already out there, as well as recruitment agency websites.
What are the key skills you learnt at UEA?
Independent research techniques, communication skills and reflective learning.
How have they made a difference in your career?
Reflective learning is very important for the portfolio which you must develop and maintain throughout your career. Learning and researching independently is very useful for doing presentations and audits which are expected during the foundation years.
What piece of advice do you wish you'd received before you graduated?
It's all worth it, you have good days and bad days as a doctor but at the end of the day I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.
Do you have any tips for current students or recent graduates?
For current students - make the most of your time at university and go somewhere exotic for your elective, you won't regret it! For recent graduates, don't feel pressurised to pick a career path early on, there are lots of different options out there.
What are your career intentions?
I'm still unsure at the moment which is why I'm taking a year out to work in Australia. I may want to stay there if I like it. My current interests are emergency medicine and paediatrics.