BSc Pharmacology
Why did you choose this Pathway of the MBBS?
I chose the Pharmacology BSc pathway because it offered a refreshing break from purely clinical medicine while still providing valuable insights that will benefit me throughout my career as a doctor. It allowed me to step back from the ward-focused perspective and explore the science that underpins the treatments we prescribe every day.
What particularly fascinated me was understanding how the different stages of drug development connect and contribute to one another. From the core biochemistry and pharmacokinetic, to the processes of drug testing, regulation, and eventual distribution and sales. I was also especially interested in the ethical and environmental implications of drug manufacturing. Exploring issues such as responsible testing, accessibility of medications, and the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production added another important dimension to my learning. These are factors that I believe are essential for doctors to understand, as they influence not just individual patient care but global health as well.
The pharmacology faculty are exceptional: highly supportive and approachable, while also encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones.
What was your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of the pharmacology BSc was working in a team, both for my lab project and the literature review. Laboratory skills are vital for research and something we as medical students are not frequently exposed to. The project was engaging and encouraged lateral thinking, whilst working as a team with new people helped me develop my communication and collaboration skills. It was particularly rewarding to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges together, and learn from different perspectives within the group. This experience not only made the work more enjoyable but also reflected the collaborative nature of both research and clinical practice.
What was the topic of your research project?
I had the opportunity to work on a collaborative project with the endocrinology department, where we evaluated the assessment and management of adrenal insufficiency following transsphenoidal surgery. Post-operative investigations such as cortisol measurements, dexamethasone suppression tests, and insulin tolerance tests are commonly used to diagnose adrenal insufficiency and guide decisions around cortisol replacement therapy.
My project focused on determining which testing modalities, and at which post-operative time points, most accurately predicted the need for long-term corticosteroid replacement. The aim of this work was to improve clinical decision-making, optimise patient management, and minimise the side effects and long-term complications associated with unnecessary or prolonged steroid use.
How do you feel the programme will impact the following years of your MBBS?
The pharmacology BSc has strengthened my ability to critically appraise evidence, which will be invaluable when interpreting guidelines, understanding new research, and applying evidence-based medicine in clinical settings. It has opened opportunities to explore research, pharmaceuticals, and NHS leadership roles, while improving my understanding of patient concerns around medications and drug stewardship.
Do you have any words of advice to students trying to decide which BSc pathway to join?
Choose a pathway you are genuinely interested in, not what you think will be “easier” or look better on a paper. Academic output such as publications can occur in all fields and take hard work and time to achieve so you need to make sure you are working on a project that you enjoy.
All BSc pathways are well supported, and the teaching staff are genuinely invested in helping you succeed. The more you engage and put into the course, the more support, encouragement, and opportunities you’ll receive in return. Try not to let other people’s opinions or comments overly influence your decision. What suits one person may not suit you, so it’s important to choose a pathway that aligns with your own interests and goals. You’ll get the most out of the year if you pick something you’re motivated to explore in depth.
Congratulations on winning the Sir Colin Dollery Clinical Pharmacology Training Award, how has this helped improve your experience during the BSc?
Winning the Sir Colin Dollery Clinical Pharmacology Training Award allowed me to engage more closely with the wider pharmacology community, including building connections through the British Pharmacological Society, which gave me insight into the field beyond the academic setting.
The grant also provided financial support for extracurricular development, including the opportunity to travel and present my project at conferences. This experience enabled me to share my work, receive feedback from experts, and publish my abstract.