Anthony Wang - iBSc Neuroscience and Mental Health
Why did you choose this Pathway of the MBBS?
The brain has always fascinated me, but lectures from pre-clinical years left me with more questions than answers! I wanted to spend a year learning about the brain in more detail and immerse myself in the research environment, especially as neurological and psychiatric conditions are now becoming better understood.
What was your favourite part of the course?
The breadth and depth that the course manages to cover. You start the year with lectures on cellular neurobiology, learning about research on individual cell types, before moving onto clinical neurology and psychiatry. Lecture content isn't tested the same way as it is on the MBBS, so you can really take the time and absorb the research you are hearing about.
What was the topic of your research project?
For my research project, I joined a clinical psychiatry team under Dr Martina Di Simplicio investigating a new mobile app for children and young adults called MindCraft. My dissertation focussed on how the app could be used to assess adolescent mental health and wellbeing. I have developed a wide range of skills, from interviewing participants to data analysis. I had such an amazing time that I'm staying on the project beyond the end of my degree to help with data collection, analysis and writing.
How do you feel the programme will impact the following years of your MBBS?
Personally, this programme has helped me develop my confidence and independence. In particular, when I joined the team for my research project, I was treated like an equal by the other, much more qualified, researchers. The skills I have developed from being expected to work independently and make important decisions intuitively will undoubtedly translate to the later years of my MBBS. I feel more confident in my professional manner around patients and ability to extract the most from clinical placements.
Do you have any words of advice to students trying to decide which BSc pathway to join?
Recognise that whilst the commitments for your BSc year are different to MBBS, that does not mean it is any easier. Pick a pathway that really interests you, because when the pressure increases around assessment deadlines, being fascinated by what you are learning is the best motivation.
Phei Yi Lim - iBSc Neuroscience and Mental Health
Why did you choose this Pathway of the MBBS?
This pathway perfectly aligned with my interests within neuroscience and mental health which I have developed throughout my time in medical school. The vast area of topics in the teaching components including neurodevelopment, neurological and mental disorders attracted me. The enigma of neuroscience is a double-edged sword – it is difficult to achieve a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of conditions, but it also piques my curiosity more than any other field.
What was your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of the course was my research project at the Interventional Systems Neuroscience lab of Dr Nir Grossman. It was my first experience with laboratory-based research, and although the initial learning curve was steep, it was ultimately rewarding. I gained hands-on experience with technical skills, including staining and operating the confocal microscope, all with the invaluable support of my supervisors.
What was the topic of your research project?
My research project was on the effects of temporal interference stimulation on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in APPNL-G-F mice, a model of Alzheimer’s Disease. I found it particularly interesting as it intertwined elements of neuroscience, physics, and bioengineering.
How do you feel the programme will impact the following years of your MBBS?
This program has significantly bolstered my confidence in conducting research. It has equipped me with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to engage in academic research alongside my MBBS studies. In fact, as I write this, I’m in the midst of planning an exciting national neurology research project!
Do you have any words of advice to students trying to decide which BSc pathway to join?
Follow your heart! By this stage in medical school, you likely have a rough idea of which topics you feel most passionate about, and so these interests should primarily guide your decision. Even if you do not end up pursuing a specialty directly related to the BSc, you’ll have had the opportunity to dive deeper into a field you’re interested in, which is an invaluable experience in itself.
How did it feel to win the Best Overall Student Performance in all Modules prize?
It felt like a great conclusion to my intercalated year at Imperial. It was a delightful surprise, as frankly speaking I wasn’t aware about this prize. I'm deeply grateful for the recognition, as it felt like a meaningful acknowledgement of my efforts throughout the year.
Li-An Lewis - iBSc Neuroscience and Mental Health
Why did you choose this Pathway of the MBBS?
I chose the Neuroscience and Mental Health pathway because I am interested in pursuing a career in Neurology. I wanted to gain a stronger foundation in the fundamental neuroscience of common neurological disorders to build my clinical knowledge upon.
What was your favourite part of the course?
The research project. It was a unique opportunity to be involved in a research group as a student. Not only with regards to my own project, but also having the chance to be involved in and learn about other work happening in the lab.
What was the topic of your research project?
It was a secondary analysis of data from the UK Biobank cohort looking to see whether vestibular dysfunction (in this case defined by diagnoses of common vestibular disorders) predicted the later onset of dementia.
How do you feel the programme will impact the following years of your MBBS?
I think that this year has encouraged me to look for future opportunities to integrate research into my studies and possibly later my elective. I now really appreciate and enjoy considering problems from multiple viewpoints. Additionally, I hope that the time spent working as part of a group throughout the programme has instilled useful skills for integrating within clinical teams on placements.
Do you have any words of advice to students trying to decide which BSc pathway to join?
In terms of content, I would choose the pathway that you see yourself enjoying the most. The same inherent research skills that will be useful in the future can be gained from any pathway. You will enjoy the year much more if your project is in an area you have a predisposed interest in exploring!
How did it feel to win the Malcolm Morris Memorial Prize
I was quite surprised but very grateful to receive this prize. It is really thanks to the teaching from the department, my project supervisor and the other students on the pathway for both challenging me and inspiring me to produce the best work I could.