Meet the Biomedical Sciences graduate: Alejandra Brotons Martín

What was your experience of studying at Queen Mary?

During my time at the university, I pursued a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, allowing me to study a diverse range of topics, ranging from drug development to human anatomy.

My experience in this program was great, inspiring me to further my education at QMUL with an MSc in Genomic Medicine. This program seamlessly integrated genomic calculations with elements of law and ethics. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriched my knowledge but also broadened my perspective on the intersection of science and society.

Although I ultimately didn't pursue an academic path, my experience at SBBS has proved invaluable in my current role as a competitive intelligence consultant. Here, I analyze molecular differences between healthcare assets and provide clients with insights into their market positioning. With the breadth of knowledge from both my degrees, I'm adept at quickly understanding and drawing implications from diseases I have never researched before.

My time at SBBS has molded me into a quick learner, adept at translating knowledge into practical applications in my daily work. I have no doubt that attending QMUL will provide many other students with valuable knowledge and experiences that will benefit them in their academic and professional journeys.

Why did you choose to study Biomedical Sciences?

I studied Biomedical Sciences because I have always been deeply interested in the clinical aspects of science, and the course was a perfect combination of my interests – a mixture of Biology and Medicine. My favourite subjects were Human Anatomy in first year, where we learned everything structural about the human body, and Clinical Pharmacology in third year, which combines many important aspects of the medical profession.

Through my time in high school, I always knew I wanted to study something science-related, but I kept changing my mind – Medicine? Biomedical Engineering? Biology? Studying Biomedical Sciences was the perfect fit for me at the time, since it gave me the chance to deepen my knowledge of Human Biology and at the same time I found many chances to volunteer and gain work experience in hospitals. It has been an exciting time, where I was able to put my knowledge into practice and mature both personally and professionally.

What topic did you choose for your dissertation?

During my final year, I was honoured to be chosen for one of the few research projects offered by the Immunology group. I started in the lab, working on whether the treatment outcome of patients affected by Hepatitis C would be affected by certain genetic modifications in the virus. It has been an incredible experience. I worked with professionals and I experienced the importance of combining all aspects of science and medicine when helping patients.

Working on my dissertation topic was rewarding, as well as challenging. The people I worked with taught me the most common techniques to extract the virus from blood samples and analyse it. The experience also taught me a lot about perseverance (many times the experiments showed unexpected or unclear results!), as well as time management and organisation skills to keep track of my readings and results. All the hard work paid off, as I was awarded a First! But more importantly, I learned that Medicine and Science are not necessarily separate subjects - many doctors work in research, and many scientists work in medical research, which is exactly I was looking for.

What are you up to now?

I am so proud to have been accepted at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Studying medicine has always been my dream since I was a little girl. However, my motivation weakened during high school, and I kept wondering whether I’d be a good doctor. As I mentioned, Biomedical Science has been an incredible opportunity to learn more about the topic I love, which is Human Biology, as well as giving me the time and chance to volunteer and do work experience in hospitals. During the three years studying Biomedical Sciences I really matured as a person and as a student, and my motivation and desire to pursue medicine strengthened.

The most important reason for this has been the work experience I gained in cardiothoracic surgery at Barts Hospital, which fired my passion for surgery, and in general surgery at GOSH, where I rediscovered my interest in paediatrics. I am not sure yet which specialisation I would like to go into. I am very passionate about paediatrics as I consider it an incredible way to help children. However, I am starting this new chapter of my life with an open mind and heart, knowing that medicine really is my vocation and I will work as hard as possible to make the most of this opportunity.

Any advice to other students?

If I were to give an advice to other students, I would definitely say to keep an open mind at university, and to always push yourself to get out of your comfort zone. University is the first step of your adult life, so you should focus on your studies full time, of course. However, it is also the time to experiment, so take advantage of everything QMUL offers! From societies, to work experience and volunteering opportunities, do not be afraid to explore your interests!

• Learn more about studying Biomedical Sciences at SBBS
• Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Visit the Students' Union's website