Nisal Karunaratne: Junior Doctor

'Not only does the school teach us to build perseverance and resilience after setbacks, but also to become the best version of ourselves. This played the huge part with the challenges I faced during my medical training, especially the difficulties I had with my severe/profound hearing loss.'

Current job title and Employer: 

Junior Doctor, NHS

OB years:

2008 - 2015.

Brief description of your path after Brentwood:

I wasn't really quite sure what career path I wanted to embark on after doing my A levels, so I was still exploring my options. It was definitely something medical or science based (after all I did Biology, Chemistry and Maths for my A levels). I then decided to do a degree in Biomedical Sciences due to its combination of research/lab and medical based learning, all which sounded very interesting to me! I got my choice at the University of Brighton where I would begin my 3 years of undergrad study. Brighton is a wonderful city with great people, lovely countryside and great vibes. However, during my second year, I realised research and lab work wasn't really for me and I needed something more hands on and dynamic.

Many of my lecturers noticed that I showed great medical interest and potential in my core modules (Biochemistry, Haematology, Immunology, Histopathology, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine). They encourage me to apply to do Medicine at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), provided that I get an upper 2:1 or 1st class in my Biomedical Sciences degree and do the BMAT aptitude test for the BSMS application. So, I spent the summer of 2017 studying for the BMAT and applied via UCAS (my parents didn't even know what I was up to) and the rest was history. I started Medicine at BSMS in 2018.
 

Did you develop any particular skills or attributes at Brentwood that have helped your career?

Brentwood School's motto 'Virtue, Learning and Manners' forms an integral part of a student's identity. The inspirational, safe and lively environment provided by the school helps students to direct and navigate their own learning to develop a mindset and persona suited to overcome the challenges faced in the ever evolving and modernising world. Not only does the school teach us to build perseverance and resilience after setbacks, but also the become the best version of ourselves.

This played the huge part with the challenges I faced during my medical training, especially the difficulties I had with my severe/profound hearing loss. 

Favourite Brentwood memory?

I attained the rank of Corporal in RAF Air-cadets. The first time flew an aeroplane was an amazing experience. I also had the chance do aerobatics in the Viking and Vigilant Gliders which was a terrifying and exhilarating experience at the same time!

I was awarded Marksman in a competition on the 0.22 bolt action rifles at the school's indoor rifle range.

I was awarded Bronze in the British Biology Olympiad (Biology was my strongest subject) and I got to meet my idol Professor Alice Roberts in person!

During my time at Brentwood school I played cricket for U12, U13, U14 and U15 A teams. My best season was when I became one of the highest wicket takers with three 5 wicket hauls and two hat-tricks! 

Any words of advice for those graduating this year?

Never give up. Life, as we know, it isn't meant to be easy, it is meant to be lived and cherished. You will have times when you are happy and content and other times when its rough and painful. Every up and down you learn and experiences are lessons that make you stronger. Leave the past in the past, let it go, but learn from your mistakes, use it to grow and develop into a better person and I wish you all the success in your future endeavours. 'You Reap what you Sow'.