Jumana Ihsan

I was drawn to the diagnostic side of medicine – the challenge of piecing together symptoms, history, and evidence to find answers in order to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, while constantly learning and evolving.

I’ve always been drawn to medicine, and my interest deepened the more shadowing I did as I realised how vital physicians are to the health and wellbeing of a community; that sense of purpose and responsibility solidified my decision to pursue medicine.

My favourite subject has been Anatomy. I loved exploring the intricacies of the body and seeing how each organ system fits together. Learning physiology alongside anatomy feels like piecing together a puzzle of the human body, and it’s very rewarding when everything starts to click.

The highlight of my time so far at RCSI was when my flat hosted a Thanksgiving potluck. It was so fun spending the day cooking and sharing a (very delicious) meal together. Being far from home, it created a sense of community – and the best part was that we got to do it all again for American Thanksgiving!

Moving to Dublin for graduate entry medicine is a big adjustment – not just academically, but in terms of settling into a new city. Dublin has its quirks, its charms, and its challenges, and knowing a bit about day-to-day life can make the transition much smoother. My experience moving to Dublin was smooth, from finding accommodation to setting up a bank account to applying for my Irish Residence Permit. Ikea is a quick bus ride away and you’ll find that Dunnes has almost everything you’ll need to set up your accommodation.

My advice for prospective graduate entry medicine students is that starting a new degree can feel very daunting and overwhelming at times, especially at the start, so take a deep breath and take it one day at a time. Find the study techniques that work for you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, lean on your peers. They understand exactly what you’re going through and are going to become like your new family during your time at RCSI.