Georgia Hope

Current Employer/Organisation Name

NHS

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Currently at the end of my first year of my masters program, studying to become a Physician Associate (PA) in the NHS.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I spent a long time comparing PA to being a doctor before I made the decision to pursue the PA course. The key benefit of the career for me is the flexibility – I can work in any medical speciality without needing to retrain as I am being trained as a generalised medical professional. My job is Monday to Friday, I can decided to work more than this but this is not expected, meaning I have a good work/life balance. I am being trained to treat patients independently, perform clinical skills, read diagnostic scans / investigations, and create management plans. PAs are a key member of the MDT and I love the freedom of the role, where I can take it in any direction, within my clinical scope and abilities.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

Medical Sciences Society and LGBTQ+ Society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved my medical sciences course. In particular, the opportunity to participate in qualitative research during my professional training year was a key experience for me. This was the first time I had worked with humans, rather than in a lab with cells, and it showed me that I enjoyed the experience of working with the pubic much more than in a lab. This was the point that I began to research the idea of a more clinical role.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

In hindsight, the scope of the course was incredibly beneficial to my current training. I have developed my understanding of the fundamentals of physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry etc, alongside academic writing and presentation skills. Each of these have been important in my masters studies towards my current role.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d currently like to work in obstetrics and gynaecology as this has become a key interest as I’ve been on hospital placement in the past year. I’d also like to gain additional qualifications in sexual health, expanding my clinical skills in this area. I may return to medical research in a few years, once I have qualified and been working in clinical practice. I’d like to explore other medical specialities, particularly paediatrics and general practice.