BSMS > About BSMS > Information for schools, teachers and parents > In Focus - Maisha Syed

In Focus - Maisha Syed

Maisha Syed

Year of Study: Year 2

A photo of a girl with brown hair and white top, titled and looking to the right of the camera with pavement in the background

Second Year student Maisha Syed discusses how she decided to pursue a medicine degree, preparing for interviews online and in-person, and her involvement with societies at BSMS.

What made you want to study medicine?

My first time doing work experience in Year 11, I had an amazing opportunity to shadow doctors in theatres and consultations. I was in awe of how the team worked to help save lives and improve the quality of life of patients. This instilled a passion for medicine in me. As I came into medical school as a postgraduate student, I took more opportunities to explore my passion with more volunteering and work experience roles. I also saw a range of different health conditions amongst my family growing up, which got me interested in the science behind healthcare and medicine, with a passion to want to find ways to help people.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I loved the tight-knit sense of community and the campus. I also noted how the anatomy facilities were one of the most well-resourced in the UK and we had the opportunity to do dissections in first year. Similarly, I liked how there were clinical parts to the course from the beginning including GP placements.

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

I used the MSC medical interview website to prepare questions, made sure I had personal and reflective examples of transferable skills that are important for medicine and that were mentioned in my personal statement, and finally I did as many mock sessions as I could with current medical student friends. In terms of top tips – Try to practice online interviews with friends and get in the habit of making eye-contact with the camera. I found making a table of key transferable skills and examples of where I had seen them used on work experience, and examples of where I had used them myself. This table would actually end up being a summary sheet for things to remember for the interview if you're asked for examples.

Are you involved in any sports or societies?

I am involved with Friends of MSF this year and last year I was part of Students For Global Health. I completed a MSc in Global Health before medicine and so I had an interest in aid work and healthcare across the globe, so it was a great opportunity to keep up my interests whilst in medical school. We mainly arrange talks, events and fundraising for MSF.

If you could go back in time and give one tip to your younger self, what would it be?

Don't put pressure on yourself to be at a certain place at a certain time. If Medicine is your passion and dream, it's never too late to try and apply!

Any advice for managing the transition to university?

It can be hard, but make the most of being social since most of your peers are in the same boat, so you can support each other.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Finished with medical school, having enjoyed every second of it, and training as a doctor!

Describe your medical school experience in three words

Exciting. Rewarding. Fascinating.