"The relationship with patients and their families is essential in medicine"
ANDREA HERNÁNDEZ (Medicine) Andrea is the student with the highest mark in the field of medical sciences entering the UAB this year. She will be enrolling in Medicine with a score of 13.38 over 14. She graduated from the secondary school centre IES Santa Brígida in Gran Canaria. During the academic year she will be living in a hall of residence in Sabadell.
-Why did you choose Medicine? Was it a vocational choice?
No, it wasn't a vocational choice. I didn't dream of being a doctor when I was little. In fact, I have always wanted to be a physiotherapist. But in secondary school I thought about becoming a doctor, especially so I could be with patients and their families, helping them and treating them. I think a doctor needs to be there not only for the patient, but also for the people who accompany them.
-What did you think about enrolling in such a demanding degree and so far from home? Were you a bit scared?
Not at all, I was excited actually. This is more of a challenge than a problem for me. If you like something, there is no need to doubt, you simply enjoy all the knowledge you get to absorb. I wanted a change of scenery and survive on my on, away from my family and the "island" environment where everyone knows each other, to get away and do something I like. I think it will help me grow as a person, I'll be more independent and it'll help me discover and overcome my limits. I'm looking forward to really enjoying this experience.
-And what about speaking Catalan?
-I hope to learn it and speak it very soon! I like languages and in the hall of residence where I'll be living I've already told everyone not to speak to me in Spanish, so I'll learn it very quickly.
-Why did you choose the UAB?
I looked for information, I spoke with doctors and I have two friends who study Medicine and Genetics here and they all recommended the university. It is also one of the only universities which allows you to do gain work experience in the first year of Medicine. I find that absolutely necessary, to be able to be in a health centre and come in contact with patients. I also think the fact that you are studying on a campus helps you to stay concentrated.
-Would you like to study some type of medical specialisation?
I'm sure about that, yet. At first I wanted to be a forensic doctor. But then I realised that what I like is to be with patients and that wouldn't be so easy in the forensic field. Apart from that I'm open to all options. I hope to make my decision while I am studying. What I am sure of is that I would rather work in a big hospital than in a health centre or an outpatients clinic. I like the movement you can see in a hospital, with the emergency room, surgical theatres, etc. A doctor can do many more things in a hospital than in a small health centre.
-What is your secret for scoring such good marks?
The key, for me, is persistence. You have to organise your time and work, be constant. There's nothing else to it.
-Where will you live during academic year?
I'll be living in a small hall of residence in Sabadell, with students from other places. Another friend from the Canary Islands will be living there, an other students from different parts of Catalonia and Spain. I think it'll go very well.