In answer to Q4: How could the Activia Training Scholarship award help me?

Firstly let me introduce myself; my name is Isabelle Mayne, I am a Medical Genomics graduate from Exeter. I have been offered the chance to return to Exeter University this September to study Medicine. However, sadly I am not eligible to receive any government tuition funding for this degree and thus I am self-funding.

My ambition to study medicine was inspired by the bedside treatment I received suffering from a renal infection, experiencing first-hand the complex and altruistic world of medicine. This experience, coupled with my degree in Medical Sciences has nurtured my interest in human physiology and disease; altogether strengthening my resolve to pursue this dynamic, and highly challenging career. Throughout my studies at the University of Exeter (UofE) I have developed a fascination for the clinical diagnosis and management of Diabetes. In 2018 I was invited to work with the Monogenic Diabetes team at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, identifying novel mutations in the genes; HNF4A and HNF1A that are sensitive to the hypoglycaemic effects of sulphonylurea drugs. Collectively, these experiences have confirmed my ambition to work within this discipline as an Endocrinologist. Studying Medicine at UofE, alongside one of the largest diabetes research departments in the UK, is a credit to my enthusiasm.
Shadowing consultants and allied health professionals in obstetrics and urology demonstrated the importance of multidisciplinary teams in meeting the physiological and emotional needs of these different patient demographics. These skills were transferable to my role as an agency healthcare assistant, where I adapt my service-provision to a wide variety of care settings. Throughout this role I have demonstrated a strong ability to build working relationships amongst multi-professional teams and develop attentive rapports with patients of varying vulnerability and complexity. This work has greatly improved my ability to validate and support distressed individuals and resolve complex situations with empathy and professionalism. Together, these experiences have matured my expectations of medical training and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary communication in upholding a patient-centred process of care.

Furthermore, my directorial involvement in an entrepreneurial project in 2017 refined my leadership skills and improved my ability to make critical decisions with confidence. Combined with my passion for integrating research and medicine I have founded two new societies at UofE: Medical Ethics Society and the Endocrinology and Diabetes society. With these societal roles I also contributed to the organisation of the Undergraduate Exeter Medical School conference in 2019.

Alongside my academics I am an avid ornithologist and mountaineer. As a member of the UofE Climbing Club I competed with the University BUCS team in 2017-18. My voluntary commitments as a climbing coach and first aider for UofE remind me of qualities crucial in medicine, such as problem-solving, risk management and trust. This enabled the application of clinical anatomy to my mountaineering pursuits, producing preventative sports-injury workshops for climbers in Devon. It is my goal to continue climbing throughout my career and play an active role in strengthening the community.

I ask for the Activia Training Scholarship to help contribute to my university tuition fees (£9250 pa) while studying Medicine. This is my second undergraduate degree, so I shall not receive any funding from student finance. Out of necessity, I have had part-time jobs since I was 16. Our household income is £28,000 which unfortunately places me marginally past the threshold for Exeter University’s means-determined bursary. However, my family are in no position to support this new undertaking of mine financially. Despite my employment commitments throughout university, I have excelled in academic attainment, graduating with first-class honours and the Dean’s commendation for academic excellence. Two of my essays have achieved recognition and are to be published next year. This ongoing balance of commitments is tribute to my motivation to study and succeed in Medicine. This summer, I am working full-time in the urology department of Southmead Hospital as a Uro-Oncology Patient Pathway Assistant, developing an appreciation for this less visible side of patient care, whilst supplementing my tuition fees.

My conviction in undertaking such a financial commitment reflects the passion and drive I will utilise throughout my medical education. This unique grant offers the unparalleled opportunity to support my professional development, education and defend my future ambition to deliver high-quality healthcare. Particularly, Activia Training‘s assistance would invest in my future goal of becoming an Endocrinologist and focus my current research interests in Monogenic Diabetes. Whilst I intend to continue supporting myself working part-time, this grant would also underpin the freedom to embark on upcoming research opportunities, volunteering and the extracurricular activities I enjoy. With your support, I can realise my ambition to succeed as a medical student and implement my flair for research and tenacious work-ethic into my future practise.