From Clearing to NHS Doctor: Abbie's story

Since Abbie read a teenage neuroscience book when she was 13, her love for neuroscience grew. Abbie wanted to find out more about what makes our brains work and how things can go wrong. From a young age, she knew that one day she wanted to treat those with brain injuries.

Abbie gained a place on the School of Psychology course through the Clearing process. "I was a beaten down 18 year old coming from failed A levels. UCLan saw the potential in me." Abbie said. Furthermore, she was particularly fond of UCLan because she liked the idea of the University being a mix of campus and city centre living. Abbie was also keen to use the brain imaging facility at the University.

Looking back, Abbie made the most of her time at University, actively taking part in campus life and activities. She was a Student Ambassador as well as a member of the drama society. She also helped out with science outreach, working in the Young Scientist Centre and at the Lancashire Science Festival. Abbie is still close to her friends who she met at UCLan and during lockdown they held a pub quiz in honour of their favourite Preston pub.

Speaking about her course, Abbie said: “One memorable experience was getting to shadow a neurosurgeon for two weeks in the second year of my degree in which I saw a human brain for the very first time. That moment has stayed with me throughout as I hope to pursue this career. I only managed to secure this as I was studying Neuroscience so I was incredibly grateful to be studying at UCLan at that point.”

Following graduation, Abbie was delighted to get a place at a prestigious medical school to study a four-year course in graduate entry Medicine.

Since completing her studies, Abbie has worked as a Junior Doctor for the past two years in Leicester. She's done gastro, AMU, psychiatry, renal transplant, emergency medicine, care of the elderly, and cardiothoracic surgery. She applied to become an emergency medicine doctor but was left disheartened when she didn't get the position. However, when one door closes, another one opens, as Abbie then received an offer on a training position in Brighton. "I am incredibly excited and grateful for this chance, especially excited as Brighton has a major trauma centre so I’ll be able to get involved in the management of brain injuries, which was one of my early passions. I'm also hoping to dual specialise in paediatric A&E!" Abbie said.

When asked if she has any advice for students going through the Clearing process, Abbie said: “Clearing is just a different path but it’s the one you were meant to follow. I’ll always believe that things always have a way of working out if you’re determined enough and have enough opportunities, which UCLan has an abundance of! 

"Take every opportunity that comes your way and if none come your way, go and find them. Try and seek out opportunities that will help you with what you want to do in life.”