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Brighton & Sussex Medical School

alumni in focus

BSMS > About BSMS > Alumni > Alumni in focus Dr John Shenouda

Alumni in Focus - Dr John Shenouda

DR John Shenouda (BM BS 2016)

Dr John Shenouda, BSMS alumnus, smiles at the camera in a mid-close up portrait photo

John intercalated to gain an MSc in Global Health in 2014 and graduated with his BM BS in 2016. He is currently an ST5 Anaesthetic Registrar in Central London.

Where are you now? 

I’m currently an ST5 anaesthetic registrar in central London, having taken a year out of training to do a simulation fellowship at the Royal Marsden Hospital.

 

Where would you like your career to take you next?

My career is at a bit of a crossroad. I’m in the process of applying to my Specialist Interest Areas (SIAs), which will determine the focus of my clinical practice going forward into consultant life. I’m also hoping to pursue anaesthesia in resource-poor settings in the near future. Outside clinical medicine, I’m excited to see what doors will open in the fields of Medical Education, Global Health and Medical Ethics.

 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Make sure you have margins in life. It’s in the margins that the best things in life occur.

 

What do you feel passionate about in your role? And what are your hopes for the doctors of tomorrow?

This changes quite frequently! At present, it’s hard not to be passionate about working conditions in the NHS, and I hope that the ongoing industrial action comes to an end with a positive outcome for the doctors of tomorrow.

More recently I’ve taken steps towards engaging with medical ethics, having been appointed to the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ Ethics Committee. I’ve learnt the importance of open-minded debate and hope that the doctors of tomorrow (and today!) learn to respectfully engage in discourse on sensitive issues.

Who or what has inspired you most in life?

The older I get, the more I come to appreciate the enormous sacrifices my parents made for our family. They’ve rarely had an easy ride and yet their selflessness continues to amaze me. They’ve truly made this world a better place and I hope I can follow in their footsteps.

 

What's your favourite memory from your time at BSMS?

I’ll never forget that charity chest wax in second year… never again!

 

What was the best thing about studying at BSMS?

BSMS is such a tight knit community. Everyone knows everyone and it’s from BSMS that I’ve made lifelong friends. I’ve maintained contact with my BSMS tutors for professional advice and opportunities within the spheres of education and Global Health. I guess it’s true that you never really leave BSMS!

 

Describe BSMS in three words

Fun, opportune, community.