We spoke to Parisa Zarringhalam, who studied both Dentistry and Medicine at Queen Mary and is now a Junior Doctor.
I studied Dentistry between 2007 and 2012, then worked as an independent practitioner until I decided to retrain as a doctor. I studied Medicine from 2015 to 2018, and I’m now a Junior Doctor in the NHS.
I enjoyed the vocational and practical aspects of both my degrees. The standard of teaching was high and the area brought a diverse range of patients, staff and students.
Student life in London offered me the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of hobbies, ranging from running to scuba diving and involvement with charities. At university, I was lucky enough to study alongside students from a wide range of backgrounds and from all over the globe!
Following Dentistry, I felt very prepared for my first year as an independent practitioner. I felt that I had the relevant experience to start my career and develop myself further. This was recognised on multiple occasions by my training supervisors, who worked with graduates of universities from all across the country.
Following Medicine, I have also felt prepared for my career as a Junior Doctor, both clinically and in non-clinical skills.
However, Queen Mary offered much more than just my basic training. I was exposed to additional opportunities and contacts, especially in line with my career pathway of oral and maxillofacial surgery, which I am still benefiting from to this day.
The student support system was fantastic and I felt like part of a family during my studies. This support has carried on beyond graduation.
Maximise your opportunities at this very special place but also have a lot of fun! Make friends, contacts and get to know the area, which is very unique in London as well as being full of history and diversity!