Making memories as a medical student
Maira Rana is a second year medical student at the University of St Andrews and has recently been elected as the publicity representative for the Bute Medical Society. Maira is drawing on previous experience as a student caller as she embarks upon her second SaintsCall campaign for St Andrews.
I came to St Andrews from Manchester after hearing about the University at a sixth form information evening at my school. The mention of the strength and quality of the education and medical training at the University was enough to pique my interest straight away.
I visited St Andrews a year later when it came to applying to universities and I fell in love with the town – especially the pier and the beaches. What sealed the deal for me was the tour of the School of Medicine, which was led by a really informative and genuinely passionate member of staff. That shone through and now here I am, currently in my second year and living in David Russell Apartments.
As we count down to SaintsCall 2025, the weather is beautiful – summer is almost here! I particularly cherish the community in St Andrews, which is helping me to make unforgettable memories and is a constant source of comfort.
I really like the cafés in the town – especially the independent coffee shops with all their quirks. The beaches are perfect for swimming and it’s beautiful to go down to the sands to watch the sunrise.
Academic experiences
Academically, I really enjoy the placements we get to go on as part of my degree programme. There are opportunities to spend time in hospitals, GP practices and health teams across Fife, and to observe surgeries, consultations and treatments. It’s truly a privilege that I am grateful for.
When I’m not studying, I enjoy writing and recently joined N/A magazine as an editor, which has been a lot of fun. I have also done some freelance writing for The Financial Times, The Guardian, and Metro, and recently had the pleasure of contributing an article to the Bute Medical Society’s Lancelot journal, which was published as a special edition to celebrate their 110th anniversary and was even distributed in Waterstones!
I recently featured on an episode of the British Medical Journal’s (BMJ) Sharp Scratch podcast for medical students and new doctors. I’m looking forward to being publicity representative for the Bute Medical Society in the year ahead.
A second year with SaintsCall
I worked with Buffalo – who help the University to deliver SaintsCall – on a really successful campaign raising funds for girls’ education at an independent school in north-west England, so I had experienced first hand the difference these conversations can make. When I saw the opportunity to support the work of the University’s Development Office, I jumped at it, and it’s my second year with SaintsCall now.
Last year’s campaign was really successful, and the results are transformative for students – present and future. I also really enjoy speaking to alumni. It’s so interesting hearing all their stories, and it’s especially good when you find out the person you are speaking to has similar interests, or a similar career pathway. I really valued having that industry insight, and all the tips, tricks and advice.
My time at St Andrews so far has made me realise how lucky we are to have this experience. St Andrews is a university like no other – not just because of its aesthetic beauty, small size, or location, but because of the standard of teaching students receive here. It really is of such a high calibre.
Once I complete my degree, I will be moving on to my partner medical school, which is Manchester. I’ll finish my degree there and become a doctor. It’s exciting to look ahead and what’s still to come.