Chandni is a final year medical student at Barts and The London. She is one of the students to receive the Scholarship for Excellence this year funded by our generous Barts and The London alumni.
"I like the strong community feel at Barts and The London. Everyone on campus is very welcoming and friendly so I’m glad I chose to study here. East London, as a location to study, is also a bonus because there is a diverse population so you get to learn about the different patient experiences.
"What I enjoy most about my degree is the early patient contact we have in our placements. I like that the teaching is very hands-on and the curriculum is varied which allows me to explore different avenues of medicine.
"Covid has created uncertainty for many of us. I live with my grandma, who is a vulnerable individual, so I was concerned about doing my medical placements. Medical education had to adapt quickly so I had a virtual placement with the GP and worked remotely with medical staff. I wanted to help during this tough time so I volunteered with MedSupplyUK – a charity that supplies PPE to front-line NHS workers to tackle the Covid-19 crisis. I’ve also supported the Virtual GP Placements Advisory Board where I help medical students with securing GP placements.
"I was surprised to find out I’d been awarded an alumni-funded scholarship. I feel grateful to be recognised for my hard work and I was glad to hear some good news despite the ongoing pandemic.
"The award has been instrumental in helping me explore medical education further and my personal development. I’ve used the funds to attend online workshops and practical causes such as a membership for BMA (British Medical Association) and Royal Medical Society, online Suturing training and, Airway Management training.
"I want to develop my knowledge on medical education. I would like to teach medicine to Undergraduates in the future or do a teaching fellowship for a year. Specialising in the medical field is also another option for me, I’m interested in emergency medicine and general practice.
"Thank you so much for your generosity. This award has opened up many opportunities for me and I’m very grateful. You’ve enabled me to become a better student, develop my skills further and make the most of my university experience."