International student Hasaan Aziz fell in love with Cumbria after studying at the University of Central Lancashire’s Whitehaven campus
A newly qualified doctor from Canada has decided to remain in Cumbria and begin his career at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle after falling in love with the county whilst completing his degree at the University of Central Lancashire’s Westlakes Campus in Whitehaven.
Hasaan Aziz graduated on Tuesday 9 July and is celebrating achieving his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.
Hasaan, who is 23 years old and was born and raised in Nottingham before emigrating to Ontario in Canada during his high school years, said: “I loved my time at Westlakes campus so much I decided I want to stay in Cumbria. I will be working as a foundation doctor in Carlisle from August. I had placements there in Year 4 so I’m already familiar with the hospital and I’m sure I will learn a lot there.”
"The staff at Westlakes are amazing and immensely supportive. I could not have done it without them. "
— Hasaan Aziz - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduate
The five years of constant studying and exams have been tough for Hasaan who has embraced the pressure because he’s fully aware that the lives of others will now be in his hands.
“I chose to study medicine at the University of Central Lancashire because I knew they introduce clinical skills and placements right from Year 1 and I believe having early patient contact provides valuable experience to build on,” added Hasaan.
“The staff at Westlakes are amazing and immensely supportive. I could not have done it without them. Not only did the smaller class sizes help me academically to learn more effectively it also allowed me to get closer to my peers and build incredible friendships that will last a lifetime.
“It feels surreal to be graduating and I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet that I am a doctor. I keep pinching myself to realise it is not a dream. The last five years have flown by so quick and I cannot wait to get my career started.”