RCSI offered such a unique medical experience in more ways than I could have imagined. Early clinical exposure in combination with a thorough didactic Graduate Entry Medicine curriculum provided me with a well-rounded medical education and a solid foundation in clinical skills that will undoubtedly serve me well as a future practitioner.
As a medical student at RCSI, you have the opportunity to study and work alongside a culturally diverse group of physicians all across the country. From my classmates to the patient population and physicians at all training levels, RCSI is truly a cultural melting pot. In addition to the fantastic opportunity to explore every corner of the country, this allowed me to develop a unique set of interpersonal skills essential for patient-centred healthcare internationally.
RCSI provided excellent support for their international students, particularly for students writing their American and Canadian board examination in the form of excellent peer support throughout the process. During my final medical year, I was able to complete two of my four week rotations at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. This helped bridge my transition in training and provided a significant advantage in terms of developing connections with North American colleagues that is unparalleled. After completing one year of my residency training at the University of Ottawa in Emergency Medicine, I felt these opportunities really helped to bolster my clinical acumen in a setting where I ultimately aimed to practice.
While I learned a lot about medicine and am confident and well prepared for the journey ahead as a physician, I have come to love Ireland and all of the fantastic people I have had the pleasure of getting to know along the way. I am proud to call myself a graduate from RCSI and I look forward to returning to Dublin, my home away from home.