Aneeshka

Hi. I am Aneeshka Nagpaul, a 5th year medical student at the University of Liverpool. I have intercalated in Primary Care at King’s College London. I hope to become a GP in the future, and pursue a specialist interest in teaching, whether it be teaching medical students or training future GPs.

I have gained a lot of teaching experience through my time at medical school.
1. I am a tutor for four 4th year medical students at the University of Liverpool. I hold online teaching sessions every two weeks, by preparing PowerPoints, with questions interspersed, to improve interaction. I receive feedback after each session, which have all been positive, as students have often retained the information that has been taught in the session.
2. I am a mentor to two 1st year medical students. I provide both academic and non-academic support. Going to medical school can be extremely daunting and unfamiliar. I became a friendly face and a person they could turn to for support. I listened to them, guided them and provided personalised support.
3. I have helped a student secure two places at medical schools, through reading and editing personal statements and providing a range of mock interviews. In these sessions, I noticed the student’s confidence improving and communication skills being developed. I prepare well in advance for these sessions so I can give students a real experience of what the interview may entail.
4. I have been a mock examiner for the OSCEs- clinical medical exams. I have provided constructive feedback, through following mark schemes and also my own clinical experience. I have seen these students grow throughout the year and their clinical skills and communication have significantly improved.
5. I have mentored a Year 12 student, providing advice and guidance regarding applying to medical school. I gauged her motivation for wanting to go to medical school, and understood her interests and strengths, and encouraged her to use them to her advantage, develop certain skills, such as teamwork, and consider its application as a doctor. I encourage students to write down a journal of any experience they have gained, both work experience or extra-curriculars, to reflect upon learning opportunities which could be useful for a career in medicine. Medical schools like to see you can talk about specific examples to show your awareness of qualities and capabilities.

Ultimately, teaching is a two-way process. I hope to build a strong rapport with my students, sparking students’ passion for learning. I appreciate students asking questions and making mistakes, as it is the best way to learn. I have been in their shoes, sitting GCSEs, A-levels and medical school applications. It is a tough process, and it would be a privilege to be the person to make this process a lot easier and enjoyable, and ultimately, achieve a positive outcome.