MBBS graduate Saif Ansari is following his childhood dream and working as a Junior Doctor in the NHS after studying Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire.
From a young age, Saif Ansari wanted to study medicine after being inspired by his grandfather and father who made a difference to people’s lives through their work.
International graduate, Saif, chose to study the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Central Lancashire due to the teaching methods used on the course. Talking about his degree choice, Saif said: “UCLan offered a mix of small group and peer-teaching based education. I really enjoyed learning this way. Additionally, the mix of international and UK students was important to me as it helped me settle in quite easily. Preston being a cultural hub and close to all the major cities in the UK, made daily living and commutes extremely easy."
After graduation, Saif secured a place on the Foundation Programme at Whiston Hospital, part of the St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Currently, Saif is in his second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2) at Whiston Hospital. Saif has applied for Core Surgical Training and hopes to train in Trauma and Orthopaedics.
"I always tell people at my work that UCLan has shaped the clinician inside of me. Some of the skills I have learnt through my years at UCLan are vital to my day-to-day practice."
— Saif Ansari, MBBS graduate
As a Junior Doctor, Saif is responsible for daily ward jobs and ensuring patient safety. As an F2, he is responsible for on-call patient admissions and helping junior colleagues. Alongside this, Saif has been developing his portfolio for surgical training.
Talking about how his degree experience has had a positive impact on his career, Saif said: “I always tell people at my work that UCLan has shaped the clinician inside of me. Some of the skills I have learnt through my years at UCLan are vital to my day-to-day practice. Making clinical decisions and holistically treating patients is a critical aspect of medicine which I have learnt from UCLan.”
Saif has also had four papers published. He worked with consultants at Royal Blackburn hospital, a UCLan teaching hospital, for these papers.
Reflecting on his lasting memories at UCLan, Saif said: “Meeting my best friends at University and pulling all-nighters with them, pre-exams, are some of my lasting memories.”
When asked about what advice he would give to those wanting to do something similar, Saif said: “I would say that hard work and determination do pay off. Just keep going and work towards your goal and you will achieve it.”
