Life After Lancing: Shirin Mirazayasheva

As part of our Where Are They Now? series, we’re shining a spotlight on Old Lancians who have followed their passion for medicine and the sciences into university and beyond. In this edition, we hear from an OL currently studying Medicine at Keele University. She reflects on the roots of her ambition, the impact of Lancing’s Medics’ Society, and the realities of life as a medical student.

Your Journey Into Medicine

What inspired you to study Medicine?
I’ve always wanted to study medicine—I genuinely can’t remember ever being interested in anything else. That ambition was often challenged by people who reminded me of how long the training is, or how demanding the career can be. Over time, I learned to turn their discouragement into motivation. The thought of pursuing anything other than medicine fills me with dread, so I’ve chosen to follow the path that makes me happiest, even if others don’t see the appeal.

How did your time at Lancing help you prepare for applying?
I joined Lancing’s Sixth Form Medics’ Society in Fourth Form… and “keen” might be an understatement. The UCAT preparation, interview practice, and honest insight into the realities of the career gave me the confidence I needed to put forward a strong application. The resources provided by the Medics’ Society prepared me more than I can express. Alongside that, the academic and pastoral support I received across my five years at Lancing gave me a genuine love of learning that I hope to carry for life.

What experiences at school helped confirm your ambition to become a doctor?
Looking back, visiting the research presentation evenings at Brighton & Sussex Medical School with the Medics’ Society was pivotal. Although much of the content was beyond my understanding at the time, I was awestruck by the medical students and the research they had produced. Those evenings were when I knew, without hesitation, that this was the career for me.

At University

Which university did you choose, and how has it been so far?
I chose to study Medicine at Keele University, and it has been an incredible experience—I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Keele’s pre-clinical years were filled with lectures, seminars, and weekly cadaver dissections that supported our anatomy learning. Now, in the clinical years, we have placements with excellent bedside teaching and a spiral curriculum that reinforces our earlier studies.

What has been the most surprising or enjoyable part of university life?
Honestly, discovering how much fun it could be! I never wanted medicine to define my entire life, so I made sure to get involved in other things. I joined the hockey club, tried new sports like volleyball, and explored nearby cities with friends. Having a life outside my degree has kept me sane, to put it mildly.

How did you find the transition from Lancing to university?
Fortunately, it was seamless. Decorating my dorm room felt like I was back at Lancing. The independence I gained at school meant I was already used to being away from home, and university didn’t feel very different.

Looking Back and Ahead

Which teachers or mentors at Lancing supported you the most?
There are so many academic and pastoral staff who believed in me and helped me get into medical school. I’m deeply grateful for their encouragement; it gave me the confidence to believe that I really could achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.

What advice would you give to pupils considering Medicine?
Make yourself stand out—and I know that’s easier said than done. Admissions panels have heard every variation of “I want to help people” and “I love science”. What makes you different? Why should you be chosen over the next ten applicants with similar grades? Shadowing a doctor won’t set you apart anymore. Instead, volunteer in the community, find experiences that are memorable, and share stories that show your character and drive.

Which area of Medicine are you most interested in exploring?
Right now, I’m very interested in cardiology. This may well change tomorrow, but at the moment I love the idea of combining interventional procedures with medical responsibility on the wards. That mix exists in several specialties, but cardiology has captured my attention—perhaps partly thanks to the 7kg lead aprons we wore in the catheterisation lab!