MedSoc is an ever-evolving CCA that has become an essential platform for supporting aspiring medics and dentists in our school over the past 9 years. The key aims are to provide an up-to-date insight into careers in medicine and healthcare, as well as ensure that our students are given additional opportunities to develop the foundational attributes to be successful in both the competitive application for medical courses and the demanding university courses thereafter. MedSoc runs weekly all year round. In the continuous learning periods, we focus on Year 13 in Term 1, but are open to other year groups beyond this.
Dr Michael Browning
Head of Sixth Form / Assistant Head of KS5
“At the start of the academic year, we are always fortunate to have GIS alumni keen to join our MedSoc sessions and update us on their journey and experience of medicine post-graduation. This year, we started with Simrat Chawla (Class of 2014) who is just starting her specialism training in Pediatrics in London, Nick Chung (Class of 2016), who recently graduated from Medicine at Newcastle University and is new in the initial weeks of his first foundation year as a doctor, and Jiang An Lim (Class of 2015), who is moving into his final year of Medicine at Cambridge. Next week, we will be joined by four more recent GIS graduates who will be outlining their experiences of the daunting interview process for medical courses.”
Simrat Chawla, Class, Class of 2014
MBBS from Queen’s University Belfast & starting Pediatrics Specialism training in London
“It was very nostalgic talking to Dr.Browning and the MEDSOC team as I remembered being in the exact same position seven years ago and how it helped me so much. It brought back so many fond GIS memories.”
Tawfique Rizwan, Class of 2020
Pursuing Medicine at University of Manchester
“It was great to get to meet the future medical students of GIS. I remember when I, as a GIS student, had the opportunity to meet the Alumni who were already in medical school. It was an amazing experience and one that provided me with valuable insight into life as a medical student, as well as the interview process. I know firsthand how useful it can be to meet Alumni and learn from their experiences. I was thrilled to be asked to take part in this event and provide information to future Alumni. Please let me know if any other opportunities arise to allow me to assist as an Alumnus.”
Charlotte Griffiths, Class of 2020
Pursuing Medicine MBCHB at Keele University
“I have been very fortunate to have been able to share some interview and university experience and advice with the next set of medicine applicants. Dr Browning has done a great job at giving the Medsoc experience despite the drawbacks of the pandemic.”
Venaya Vijay Binwani, Class of 2021
Pursuing Medicine at Queen Mary University of London
“ Having relied on my older peers to guide me through my medical school application, I thought it would be pertinent to join this Medsoc session to support our prospective applicants. It was great to hear from other alumni regarding their journey to Medical School, as well as share a few pieces of my own advice that I picked up along the way. I hope that the students found it to be an insightful session and have a better understanding of the challenging but rewarding year to come!”
Jiang An Lim, Class of 2015
Pursuing Medicine, Final Year at the Cambridge University, UK
Robyn Powell, Class of 2019
Pursuing Medicine at the Imperial College, UK
Nicholas Chung, Class of 2016
Recent Med Graduate from the New Castle University, UK
A huge ‘Thank You’ to these inspiring alumni who met, mentored and coached our students virtually, despite their busy daily schedules. If you are interested in sharing your journey post GIS, and offering pearls of wisdom to our current students at future events, then please get in touch with us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my.
We are always updating our page with news from the Alumni community across the continents, and would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please get in touch via Facebook, LinkedIn or simply send an email to alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. We can’t wait to hear from you!