Rey – Access to Medicine

Name: Rey Gregson

Course: Access to Medicine

Progression: BMBS Medicine at Exeter University

Whilst the journey to Higher Education hasn’t been the easiest for Rey, after previously having to drop out of A Levels for health reasons, her determination and perseverance have now paid off with offers to study Medicine at university.

Rey said: “I thought [not completing my A Levels] was the end of my aspirations to become a physician, something I’d always wanted to do. Then I found out about Access courses, and I love being back in education. I definitely think I try a lot harder now I’m an adult. Being an adult, having that life experience, coming back into education is so much more rewarding to me. I feel like I’m going to do a lot better than I would have done even if things had gone perfectly during my A-Levels.”

Prior to enrolling on the Access course, Rey worked 48 hours a week as a Healthcare Support Worker. She also helps to care for her disabled parents.

“I help care for my disabled parents, so it’s a lot of hard work managing everything but my tutors on the Access course have been very understanding about it and have supported me,” Rey explained.

“I think I’m a lot better at dealing with academic stress now and because I can handle the Access course, I can take on anything.

“I know studying Medicine is going to be difficult, but [I] feel more confident than I think I would have felt coming straight out of A-Levels. I think an Access course prepares you for the level of independence you’re going to have to have; planning your own time, not being checked up on hugely, and getting the same level of academic feedback as you would at university.

“The Access course has helped me prepare for university by teaching me study skills, Harvard referencing, time management, and balancing education and employment.”

Rey is now planning to progress to the University of Exeter to study BMBS Medicine, with an end goal to become a doctor or surgeon.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most about completing the course is feeling optimistic and excited for my future”’ Rey said. “My advice for future Access students is to budget your time as the course is short and there’s a lot of content to study.”