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Alumni profile: Derick Adigbli

PhD student, UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences, London
Medicine MBBS BSc (2008)

Why did you choose UCL and your degree programme?

My decision to join UCL was made once I had visited the campus and completed my interview. Basically, once I had visited UCL there was no second choice. It was by far the most welcoming institution that I had visited for interview and the campus was quite inspiring. I also found there was a real buzz around UCL that encouraged independent thought and provided opportunities to work and mix with eminent academics and peers. I was very keen to study at a university that offered both the Arts/Humantiies as well as the sciences. 

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

The Medicine MBBS BSc, being 6 years long, gave me the opportunity to really take advantage of what UCL has to offer. The UCL Medical School is among the best in the world and I felt very fortunate to have the chance to learn and develop in some of the best clinical facilities in the world including UCLH, Great Ormand Street Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital and The Royal Free Hospital. The course is designed to be student focussed and feedback produced change. Furthermore, the wide range of student selected modules and intercalated BSc options helps medical students develop as young scientists and clinicians. UCL Medical School is a great example of a 21st century medical school that has the vision, expertise and facilities to train and inspire the doctors of tomorrow.

How has your UCL degree assisted you in your working life?

The UCL Medical School helped me prepare to meet the challenges of life as a junior doctor. The comprehensive curriculum gave me a solid yet versatile foundation to take in to my early years as a clinician. The work I undertook during my intercalated BSc has formed the basis of my PhD in Cancer Therapeutics, which I am undertaking within the same UCL laboratory. My UCL degree provided me with the tools required to succeed in a very competitive profession and helped me to work effectively with others whilst encouraging me to retain an element of innovation and independent thought.

What contacts did you make or networks did you access through UCL that have assisted your career?

I’ve made many contacts during my extended time at UCL. I also had the chance to form professional relationships with some of the eminent academics at UCL who have provided invaluable advice and direction in my career as a junior academic clinician, and also had the opportunity to form international collaborations.

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