'I wanted a career where I could help others and make a difference'
Following A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths, young carer Febe Elsayghe left RGS in 2022 to study medicine, inspired by her sister who has severe learning difficulties. We caught up with her in her fourth year
Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?
A: My older sister, Monicka, who has severe learning difficulties, was my main inspiration throughout school, along with the healthcare professionals involved in her care. Growing up, I helped with her daily activities and witnessed first-hand the impact healthcare professionals had on both her life and our family. Their compassion, support and dedication inspired me to pursue medicine in the hope of making a similar difference to patients and their families.
Q: Tell us about your experience of university
A: I am currently in my fourth year of medical school at Newcastle University and thoroughly enjoying it. Since starting, I have completed a wide range of hospital and GP rotations across different specialties, gaining hands-on clinical experience. I am now preparing for my final year and hope to graduate next year as a doctor. I also work as a private tutor helping other students achieve their best in GCSE and A-levels.
Q: Can you outline a typical day?
A: A typical day usually involves being on placement in hospital. This often includes attending ward rounds, speaking to and examining patients, and scrubbing into surgeries. This year, I’ve also had the opportunity to run my own clinics during hospital rotations and in GP practice, which has been incredibly rewarding and valuable for developing my confidence and clinical skills.
Q: What have been the highlights of your career to date?
A: One of the highlights so far has been winning the Charing Cross Symposium Infographic Competition, which was open to students, doctors and surgeons to create a video infomercial for patients explaining two life-threatening medical conditions - pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. The submissions had to go through the board of Charing Cross which then selected a top five, which were then shown at the conference and everyone there voted for their favourite, which they then announced on the day. It was a real privilege to receive such a competitive award as a medical student, and seeing my infographic presented in front of so many healthcare professionals was incredibly inspiring. I was also featured in Vascular News, which made the experience even more memorable.
Q: What’s the best bit about your role?
A: The best part is being able to make a positive difference to patients’ lives. Even small interactions can have a big impact, and seeing patients improve or knowing you’ve helped support them and their families is incredibly rewarding.
Q: And the worst?
A: Medicine can be demanding, both emotionally and academically. There are long days and challenging situations, but these experiences also help build resilience and reinforce why the role is so meaningful.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the responsibilities of supporting my sister alongside the demands of medical school. Managing this has taught me valuable skills in organisation, resilience and prioritisation, which I know will continue to benefit me throughout my career.
Q: What was the most important thing you learnt at RGS?
A: The most important thing I learnt at RGS was the value of hard work and perseverance, alongside the importance of community. The supportive environment and encouragement from teachers and peers helped me build confidence and ambition, and I’m very grateful for the role RGS played in helping me reach where I am today.
Q: What extra-curricular activities were you involved in while at RGS, both in and out of school, and how valuable were they?
A: Outside school, I was involved in a dance club, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great way to stay active and unwind alongside my studies, and I particularly loved performing in the annual dance shows. These activities helped me maintain a good balance and develop teamwork.
Q: What do you wish you’d known back then?
A: I wish I’d known that it’s okay not to have everything figured out straight away. It’s important to explore different opportunities, ask questions and learn from experiences along the way!
Q: What did you want to do/was your dream when you were at school?
A: My dream was always to go into medicine. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could help others and make a meaningful difference.
Q: What is the one piece of advice you’d give students interested in following a similar career path?
A: My advice would be to reflect on what draws you to medicine and try to gain experience early, whether through volunteering, work experience or speaking to healthcare professionals. Medicine is incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients’ lives while working in a dynamic and supportive team environment.
Q: Who was your favourite teacher and why?
A: This is a difficult question, as all the teachers I had at RGS made a positive impact. However, I would say Mr White — I’ve never met a teacher more organised, and his support and structure really helped me during my studies.
Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?
A: My sister was my main inspiration throughout school, along with the healthcare professionals involved in her care. Seeing the impact they had on her life motivated me to pursue medicine.
Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: My immediate goal is to complete my degree and graduate as a doctor. I’m interested in so many different specialities in medicine but currently particularly interested in paediatrics and surgery, and I’m looking forward to exploring these further as my career progresses.
Q: What do you miss most about Ripon?
A: I miss the strong sense of community in Ripon. It has such a welcoming, homely feel, and it’s always nice returning to a place where everyone knows each other.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
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