A Letterkenny woman is among the first group of students to train as a junior doctor at Ulster University’s medical school in Derry.
Aoife O’Donnell, already a qualified optometrist, has wanted to be a doctor since her teenage years
She is among the first tranche of student doctors who will train at Ulster University’s medical school.
The Graduate Entry Medical School opened today for 70 students.
The post-graduate students will begin training as doctors, taking a four-year medical qualification.
Although born in Derry, Aoife grew up in Letterkenny.
Aoife revealed “My younger brother was diagnosed with diabetes when I was 16 and caring for him prompted my early interest in a career in medicine.
“I was unwell when I did my Leaving Cert and found myself just short of the points for medicine so I opted to study optometry.
“More recently I worked alongside a pediatric consultant ophthalmologist and this further clinical experience helped to solidify my passion for medicine.
“After contracting Covid-19, I have recently trained and started working as a Covid-19 vaccinator to play my part in the national effort in managing the pandemic.
“It is my dream to train and work in the North-west as a doctor. I hope to specialise in ophthalmology and aspire to provide the very best in eye care in this region.”
