Andre Samir Ramkaran

I chose to study medicine because it reflects my firm belief in radical optimism: refusing to see illness as only decline, but rather as a moment to embrace the possibility of renewal. Through my lens, it is not just the repair of the body, but the restoration of hope that tomorrow can hold more light than today. I believe that every diagnosis is not the end of the page, but the beginning of a story where science, compassion, and courage converge to create something new. We often forget how lucky we are to be able to learn new things every day. Studying medicine is an act of faith in human resilience, and a commitment to stand at the fragile intersections of life where science alone is not enough, and where humility, empathy, and humanity must carry the rest. This is why I will never reverse the steps I have trodden on this path.

Unequivocally, my favourite subject thus far has been anatomy. There is something extraordinary about studying the very framework that allows us to move, think, and live. In the anatomy room, I’ve had moments that felt almost otherworldly, like the first time I held a heart still marked by the quiet weight of a life once lived, or cradled a brain and realised that within its folds once held memories, dreams, and love. To be so close to the essence of what makes us human makes me appreciate the beauty of life every day. Most importantly, it reminds me that every act of care begins with honouring the remarkable design we are entrusted to protect.

My best memory so far was definitely walking out of my final exam for Year 1, Semester 1 in December 2024. I still remember wearing a blue crewneck embroidered with my student number and stepping into the cold Dublin air, feeling the weight of the semester dissolve in that single breath. It was the triumph of knowing I had survived my very first semester of medical school! The late nights, the sleep deprivation, and the anxiety that seemed endless had all culminated in this moment of relief. I walked past the RCSI buildings with a heart full of hope, realising that the struggles had not defeated me but had moulded me into someone stronger. The people who know me best know that I often quote Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken, and in that instant, his words carried a new truth. Leaving my country, my friends, and my family behind as an only child were sacrifices I made, but I embraced them and knew that this was the journey I was ready to continue, with no turning back. And as Frost said: that had made all the difference.

When I first arrived at RCSI, I carried the same mixture of excitement and uncertainty that most students feel when stepping into a new chapter. I wondered whether I would adapt quickly enough, whether I could keep up with the academic pace, and whether I would find a sense of belonging so far from home. Looking back now, I realise that what seemed like daunting questions have become opportunities for growth, and that is the message I want to share with future applicants. This journey is challenging, but it is also profoundly rewarding if you allow yourself to learn, adapt, and connect.

My first piece of advice is to approach academics with consistency rather than intensity. The curriculum is demanding, but it is also structured to support you if you build steady habits from the beginning. Make use of the resources available: question banks, peer teaching sessions, and the wealth of support from lecturers and colleagues. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, focus on building understanding layer by layer. I always proclaim that medicine is a marathon, not a sprint.

Equally important is to invest in the community and the countless opportunities that RCSI opens for you. From research projects to clinical shadowing, from societies to ambassadorial roles, you will find that every door you step through does in fact cause one thing to lead to another. Get involved in as much as you can: attend talks that spark your curiosity, sign up for roles that challenge you, and do not hesitate to put yourself forward for initiatives that may feel outside your comfort zone. These experiences are where friendships are formed, professional skills are sharpened, and career paths begin to take shape.

Finally, remember to breathe. There will be moments of homesickness, times when a concept feels out of reach, or weeks when fatigue sets in. In those moments, step back, remind yourself of how far you have already come, and give yourself permission to rest. Growth in medicine is not only measured by exams passed but also by the resilience, perspective, and balance you learn along the way.

To those considering RCSI: come prepared to work hard, but also to discover parts of yourself you may not yet know. You will find knowledge, yes, but also friendships, resilience, and a sense of purpose that will stay with you far beyond the walls of the college. And as you traverse this path, you may find, as Frost once wrote, that taking the road less travelled by will make all the difference.