MSG supports next generation of doctors with annual medical bursary
- Aron Thomassen, a former Sixth Form student, has been awarded the MSG annual medical bursary.
- The bursary provides £2,000 annually for up to five years for aspiring medical students.
- Applicants are required to submit a 1,000-word essay and attend an interview with MSG doctors.
- Aron was inspired to pursue medicine after participating in the MSG’s Taste of Medicine course in 2024.
- He will begin his medical studies at King’s College London later this month.
The Medical Society of Guernsey has announced that Aron Thomassen is the recipient of its annual medical bursary for aspiring doctors.
This bursary offers £2,000 each year for up to five years, enabling students to focus more on their academic pursuits rather than financial burdens.
To qualify for the bursary, candidates must submit a 1,000-word essay detailing their future career aspirations and how they would utilise the funding. Successful applicants are then interviewed by a panel comprising MSG doctors and the chief executive.
Aron Thomassen, recently recognised for his academic potential, expressed his gratitude for being awarded the bursary.
He stated, “I am grateful to the MSG for this bursary. It enables me to start my studies with the time and resources required, so I can maintain a high standard in my studies, prepare properly for teaching, and engage with early clinical exposure when it is available.”
Aron's commitment to medicine was solidified through his involvement in the MSG’s Taste of Medicine course, which he attended in 2024.
Reflecting on his journey, he noted that his upbringing in Guernsey involved providing support for his sister, which cultivated significant skills he plans to carry into his medical career. He said, “Those years were demanding but they taught valuable habits that I will carry into medical school.”
The bursary aims to alleviate the financial pressures associated with the costs of medical education.
“The bursary addresses the practical costs that accumulate over the year, relieving the financial pressure of travelling to placements and conferences, core textbooks and essential equipment, allowing me to treat the course as the full-time commitment it is.”
Dr Kalaivani Ramalingam, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who participated in the selection panel, said: “We take great pleasure in providing this year’s bursary to Aron, who impressed us with his strong commitment to a career in medicine.”
The MSG remains committed to supporting the education of future healthcare professionals, with hopes of enhancing the quality of healthcare services available to islanders for years to come.
Dr Ramalingam encouraged other aspiring medical students to consider applying for the bursary.
“By investing in their future, we hope to strengthen the provision of high-quality healthcare to islanders for generations to come.”
Aron will commence his studies at King’s College London later this month.
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