DAWN JACKSON

CLASS OF 2002

GP Partner / Associate Clinical Professor, University of Birmingham

I left Belfast High in 2002. When I look back on my time there, most of my memories involve some sort of extra-curricular activity or opportunity, and I think that sums up my BHS experience. It was a place that encouraged me to try new things and develop interests over and above academic studies. Getting involved in clubs or projects was made accessible, and you didn’t have to be the best at everything to get stuck in (which was good news for me)!

I think I’ve carried this love of variety into my career as an academic GP. I went to the University of Manchester to study medicine, and then moved to Birmingham after graduation to take up a post on an “Academic Foundation Programme”. This meant that part of my medical training was spent caring for patients on the wards, and part spent developing research skills. My time at BHS definitely instilled a love of learning, and also the skills needed to balance work, rest and fun.

Looking back, I probably expected that my career as a doctor would be a fairly linear and predictable journey, but this hasn’t been the case at all. At various points, I’ve slowed down or stepped off the “traditional” training path. Although this was a bit scary at times, doing things differently has opened up doors for me to train as a GP, and also to gain a PhD in Medical Education research. I think support and role-modelling from the fantastic staff at BHS paved the way for this, building my confidence and encouraging a taste for adventure.

A career as an academic GP means that every day is different. Some days in the week I’m seeing patients in clinic, or working with the other GP partners in our business to improve the health of our community. Other days I can be involved with teaching, research or assessments at the University of Birmingham Medical School. I still like to keep up with some of my school-day hobbies of running and walking, though I do miss the views of running along the shore with the BHS cross country club.

I’ve learned that it can be incredibly enriching to step off the beaten path, be curious and try new things. I think my time at BHS was the perfect foundation for me to understand my strengths and interests, and develop the confidence and work ethic needed for a varied career.