In Focus - Diva Kothari

What made you want to study medicine?

It all started with a fire inside, guiding me on a journey of experiences, collectively making me sure about my passion. It was never fear, but fascination; right from when I was intrigued by the ECG machine my father was hooked up to. Although it took me time to connect that feeling into the field of medicine, such interactions propelled me forth. I’m captivated by how complex our bodies are & hope to learn the art of assisting in maintaining that homeostasis, when our body’s natural defence mechanisms fall short. Thus, connecting what we go through our entire lives & how to take care of its most valuable parts. My dream is to combine aspects of my culture with my creativity & the understanding of medicine to provide a holistic approach of diagnosis, care & happiness, in a community setting. This fire within me has always been a source of motivation, like a ‘Diva’ (Earthen lamp) illuminating my path!

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

Firstly, I saw which ones I met the GCSE and A level grade and subject requirements for. Then I saw the location like I didn’t want to stay somewhere too cold up north cause I’m from a warm country, so I know I’d struggle in the cold. Then I saw how they taught the curriculum and what sounded appealing to me, I liked how BSMS for example did cadaveric dissections and small group learning. I also saw how soon they started clinical teaching as I knew I didn’t want to go to a traditional university that did clinical skills only in third year. I also saw the class sizes I liked how BSMS is a smaller more community-based college where you’d interact more with your peers and older years. I also just read up on the university websites (as I’m an international student and didn’t have the luxury of attending in person open days) and which ones sounded nice to me online.

How did you prepare for interview? Do you have any tips?

I had my family and friends question me on common medicine interview questions I found online and practiced coming up with answers on the spot confidently. I also bought a formal outfit I felt comfortable and confident in, I think that also helps get in the right mindset for the interview. 

Smile and be yourself the interviewers aren’t trying to trip you up; they want to accept you into the university! And just relax and focus on answering the questions don’t overthink it!

Any advice for managing the transition to university?

I think it’s easier when you’re going to university for a course you’re really passionate about as it makes leaving home seem more worthwhile and sort of justifies a lot of the struggles you face initially. I’d say definitely bring lots of photos/decor/soft toys/blankets from home that make your dorm room feel homey and cosy when you come back after a long day of lectures. (maybe even a stash of your favourite instant noodles and snacks from home). Make lots of friends and talk to new people, be adventurous and go out of your way. Join lots of societies, BSMS MedSoc has a great variety to choose from. I think this helps especially to keep yourself busy as it means you’d have less time to miss home and family!

What has been your BSMS highlight?

I also loved the people I met in my first year, there are so many people in all the years form so many different parts of the world at different stages of life all working towards the same degree and its so fascinating to hear their stories and take advice from them! Coming from a different county I was a bit nervous that I’d be able to make friends who’d resonate with me, but straight from freshers fair it was so simple and I found it easy to find likeminded friends.

If you could go back in time to give one tip to your younger self, what would it be? (Medicine related if possible)

Don’t compare yourself to your peers in first year, all you need to do is pass. This is something the Dean told me on our first meet and greet at BSMS that it’s more important that you do other activities and hobbies and just pass the entire year, because in the end all of us regardless of whether we get passes or distinctions all go on to be doctors. (That’s not to say you don’t try hard and aim for a distinction, though I assure you even just passing everything in year 1 is not as easy as it sounds!).

Describe your medical school experience in three words

Challenging! Fascinating! Eventful!