Alumni

I joined the UNIC Medical School doctoral programme in 2020 with a fully funded scholarship in partnership with Medicover Genetics. Working in the company’s laboratories and alongside UNIC faculty, I mapped the molecular profiles of prostate, lung, breast and colorectal cancers, and cutaneous melanoma. The project aimed to improve diagnosis, refine prognosis and guide targeted therapy by characterising under-reported genomic variants. Our findings identified several potential therapeutic targets and earned the “Most Innovative Research Award” at the 2022 UNIC Student Research Conference. Beyond the bench, I served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, delivered tutorials in molecular biology and contributed to course planning and quality-assurance activities. These roles sharpened my communication and leadership skills and underlined the value of translating research insights into classroom learning. The UNIC environment-marked by open-door supervision, access to advanced facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration-was key to my development as a scientist and educator. I am now preparing for a postdoctoral fellowship in New York City, where I will continue to pursue translational oncology projects that bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical care. To those considering a research career: choose questions that motivate you, seek mentors who challenge and support you, and remember that every experiment, successful or not, contributes to the larger goal of improving patient outcomes. ” Close

My six-year journey at the University of Nicosia Medical School has significantly shaped me into the doctor and woman I am today. It has been a journey marked by comprehensive training, unwavering support, and a range of experiences that have collectively laid the groundwork for a successful medical career. Despite the mounting challenges of each academic year, I thrived due to exceptional education and early exposure to clinical practice. From mastering clinical skills in my second year to full immersion in clinical settings by my fourth year, my education extended beyond textbooks, encouraging me to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios. I count myself incredibly fortunate to have been taught by some of the country’s most esteemed healthcare professionals, both as campus lecturers and clinical tutors during placements. This exposure to high-calibre professionals has been a key advantage of studying at UNIC and has given me a significant edge in my medical journey. An integral part of my UNIC experience was the opportunity to grow alongside a diverse cohort of international students. These connections not only forged lifelong friendships but also established a network of future colleagues who will support my career for years to come. Securing a position in the competitive F2 standalone programme marks a milestone in my journey-highlighting the quality education and support I received at UNIC. From my first day as a 17-year-old high school graduate, I’ve been moulded into a confident and competent medical professional, ready to tackle the challenges of starting my career as a junior doctor in the NHS. I am deeply grateful for my experience here, and I wholeheartedly recommend UNIC to any aspiring medical student!

Studying in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme at the University of Nicosia Medical School prepared me well for my future career in the UK. I received early hands-on training, including clinical and communication skills, as well as clinical exposure starting in Year 2. The theoretical knowledge I acquired in the first four years ensured that I was thoroughly prepared for my clinical placements in the final two years of my studies and for becoming a competitive applicant in securing a spot in the F2 stand-alone programme. This enabled me to begin training in my first-choice programme in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Graduating from the University of Nicosia Medical School was a meaningful and pivotal moment in my life. The training I received played an important part in securing my residency spot in the United States. I am beyond grateful for the support I have received from the faculty and staff. We were constantly inspired and encouraged to go beyond our capabilities which helped us grow as individuals. I could not be more thankful for the strong academic foundation and rich clinical opportunities presented to us, as these prepared me suitably for starting my career as a resident family medicine physician in the United States. The memories I have made in those six years will stay with me for a lifetime, and I will always be proud and honoured to share the great experience I have had at this institute.

Graduating from the MD Programme at the University of Nicosia Medical School was a momentous occasion in my career. I could not have been happier to have completed my medical degree from this university. One of the key factors of success is having a strong support system and the university has offered this and more. The overall programme, faculty, administrative and career’s offices have been outstanding in supporting me in every step of the way. Due to the rich balance between theoretical knowledge and clinical experience offered in my programme, I was adequately prepared to start my career as a junior doctor in one of the most prestigious and leading teaching and research hospitals in the UK.

My experience at the University of Nicosia Medical school played a pivotal role in securing my Core Training Post at John Radcliffe Hospital, part of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This academic milestone marked the convergence of my aspirations and the University’s exceptional support. The rigorous academic curriculum and clinical exposure provided me with a strong foundation in medical sciences and patient care. The Careers Office was an unwavering pillar of support throughout my journey at UNIC. I am extremely grateful for the University’s role in my success and will continue to apply my acquired knowledge and skills throughout my career at Oxford.

I am very grateful for the experience that I had during my 4-year journey at the University of Nicosia Medical School and for the exceptional education and support I received during my time as a student. The medical programme not only provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system in the UK, but it also gave me ample opportunities to gain hands-on experience while working in the hospitals and clinics in Cyprus. The guidance and support I received from my clinical and educational supervisors throughout my years of study truly made a significant difference in discovering my passion for radiology. My time at UNIC Medical School was not only about acquiring knowledge. It was a time of significant challenges that helped me develop my resilience and ambition, and I am grateful to the leaders, staff, and clinicians who helped me push through the obstacles that arose. Despite not having studied in the UK, I am confident that the programme prepared me well for a successful and fulfilling career within the NHS or in any other healthcare system. I have found that my current colleagues and supervisors value the unique perspective and skills that I bring to the table. What I appreciated most about the St George’s MBBS programme at the UNIC Medical School, is the sense of inclusivity that I experienced throughout my time as a student. The fond memories that I have of my time at the medical school will stay with me for a lifetime.

During my studies at UNIC Medical School the learning opportunities were limitless, and I was able to acquire hands-on clinical experience from the first week. We were supported by excellent doctors and professors, many of whom I still look up to during my journey as a specialty trainee. The UNIC Medical School has offered me many opportunities throughout my medical training; from volunteering with the Mobile Clinic for community outreach to peer-tutoring junior colleagues, to presenting at international conferences, and for research publications, all of which helped me secure my first preferences for both foundation and specialty training programmes in the UK. Throughout it all, I was constantly supported by the Career’s Office that ensured my post-doctoral applications were eligible and successful worldwide, including my sponsorship and UK visa applications during the challenging period of uncertainty following Brexit. I am glad I chose for my medical studies the University of Nicosia Medical School. The clinical and non-clinical experiences that I built in Cyprus are irreplaceable!

Carefully choosing the school, where you will graduate from, is of vital importance for the rest of your medical life. You do not only need to seek for the best medical school available to you, but you also have to look for its International recognition. As such, the MD offered by the University of Nicosia Medical School is an accredited European Medical Degree that is also enlisted in the World Directory of Medical Schools, achieving strong reputation globally. Exactly six months after my Graduation the MD gave me the opportunity to secure my Full Registration in two EU Member States, Cyprus, and Greece, in one country Member of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and, lastly, the easiest of all, in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the value of the MD of the University of Nicosia was tested once more, when I applied to a very competitive, World Top Tier 3, Medical School for Postgraduate Studies, where I got accepted of course. During my study years the University of Nicosia Medical School helped me become a very dedicated and committed doctor by providing me with all the necessary academic knowledge, by developing in me all those essential skills doctors should have, while at the same time ensuring that all students have enough clinical exposure to prepare us for our postgraduate roles as clinicians. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the support we have all been given by the Career’s Office, throughout our degree time as well as after our Graduation. Without them many procedures might have taken a lot longer to be completed.

Choosing where to go for medical school can greatly impact your career aspirations and path in medicine. I’m glad that I chose the St George’s, University of London MBBS programme delivered by the University of Nicosia (UNIC) Medical School, which opened the door to unlimited career opportunities throughout the UK and US. I had the chance to volunteer with the Mobile Clinic for community outreach, learn about the latest Ultrasound technologies through workshops delivered by the Medical School, participate in the European Public Health Week, train in the US, and so much more! The academic and personal support I received was limitless. Whenever I showed enthusiasm, the administration worked to facilitate achieving my aspirations. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Career’s Office of the University of Nicosia Medical School worked hand-in-hand with me towards getting my ECFMG certification, allowing me to sit my OET exam at the University, and successfully matching in the US in Internal Medicine. While at the same time, securing an F1 position in the UK! At last, the resources and support at UNIC Medical School are limitless, but it all depends on you- How do YOU want to utilize them?

As medical doctors, we are not only experts in our field, but we are also effective communicators, active listeners, educators, and most importantly patient advocates. The University of Nicosia Medical School helped me achieve my goals to flourish and evolve into the doctor I always wanted to be. The learning environment, encouragement, and support at the University of Nicosia Medical School further strengthened my dedication and commitment to medicine and serving patients. The MBBS programme provides hands-on clinical experience from year 1 that enriched my education and practical skills. The faculty are humble and professional, and never hesitate to put the students first. Finally, being surrounded by colleagues from diverse backgrounds and learning about their different cultures will help me serve any community I join moving forward in my career.

I can honestly say that I could not have been more prepared in starting my career as a doctor in the United Kingdom. Clinical exposure as early as in the first weeks of my first year of Medical School set a strong foundation for my journey to become a Doctor. At the St George’s programme in Cyprus, I had the privilege to directly work, be taught and guided on daily basis by consultants of different specialties across all clinical training sites. During the last two years of medical school we were given responsibilities equal to the ones given as a Foundation Doctor in the UK. This was definitely an excellent introduction and preparation for the Foundation programme. Self-directed learning provided me with the opportunity to strengthen the areas in which I felt weaker, but also allowed sufficient time to maximize my clinical and academic skills. I could not be more proud and thankful for the opportunity I was given to go through four amazing years at the University of Nicosia Medical School

From the first week, our exposure to patients helped us develop our communication skills and also sharpen our approach to patients with empathy and genuine kindness. Furthermore, the wide variety of nationalities in the cohort helped in understanding different cultures, ways of thinking, and beliefs, which I found to be quite useful. In the UK, we are exposed to multiple distinct nationalities and cultures. Additionally, the island provided many amazing options for taking a break from medicine and studying, including wonderful beaches and mountains that offer skiing opportunities during the winter.

The array of post-graduate jobs we can pursue is wide. Given that we receive a British medical degree we are eligible to apply for a Foundation Year 1 position UK. Also, given that our medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, we are also eligible to apply for a medical residency position in the US. All of this is done with the support of our Career’s Office who work hard to ensure their students are eligible applicants worldwide and have a smooth transition from medical school to their post-graduate jobs. They also organize talks with alumni and current students for them to share their experience in the work field and how the application process was for them. As a student body we were lucky and had opportunities to pursue experiences (rotations, teaching opportunities, etc.) that enhanced our application for post-doctoral jobs.

The University of Nicosia Medical School enabled me to pursue my medical studies in my home country, Cyprus. At the same time, I was exposed to a multicultural community and a wide range of learning opportunities. Every member of the university team had a common goal: to provide the appropriate level of training and produce competent physicians. Through the MD curriculum, I acquired both clinical experience and essential skills that facilitated my future career in the United Kingdom.