Meera Joshi

Meera Joshi

Completed BA in 2009, Medicine

When applying to medical school, I knew that I really wanted to study at Oxford. The structure of the course means that you get a degree in Medical Sciences (BA) and the clinical qualification – BmBch. For me this meant that I could be a (relatively!) normal undergraduate for my first 3 years before I trained in a hospital, and I could concentrate on the science I really enjoyed. I still remember coming to the open day at University College and feeling a strong affinity for it. It seemed to be a very relaxed college – everyone (including the porters) was friendly and welcoming. I ended up applying to Univ, and now that I’m here I can confirm that it is a very friendly college! Although the atmosphere is relaxed, there is still an emphasis on work and doing your personal best.

The teaching in the medical course is quite intensive, with department teaching being supplemented by college teaching. The first two years consist of four main subjects being taught each year. For these we have tutors in college who specialise in each of these fields. At Univ we have a great mix of clinically practising tutors and academic tutors so we can delve into the science, as well as have a good understanding of the clinical relevance of our work. We normally prepare for tutorials beforehand by writing an essay on the topic we will discuss. These essays are a great springboard for discussion in the tutorials and we can use them help us find our way through topics. Often we find that our ideas can completely change in one tutorial, and we don’t agree with what we wrote in the essay!

Departmental teaching consists of lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals. In the first two years we can have anything up to 10 lectures, 2 laboratory practicals and a seminar in a week. Although this seems like a lot, most medics (and other scientists) find that it helps them structure their time. Medics are very good at fitting extra-curricular activities and social time into their schedules! In the third year there is less departmental teaching and more emphasis on self-directed study.

I’ve gotten involved with lots of different student activities in my time at Oxford. I’ve been part of the HinduSoc committee, edited a student journal and volunteered with the university. For the musically and dramatically inclined, there are lots of clubs and societies. I’ve joined in with salsa dancing, street dance and Middle Eastern dancing. One of the advantages of having a college is that we can get involved with college-level sports and activities if we don’t want to join a university club.

Studying medicine at Univ has been a brilliant experience. Being around undergrads doing other subjects helps keep your perspective and when you’ve had a day of lectures and practicals, it’s really nice to come back to a relaxed atmosphere in college.