10 July 2003

Triple prizes

Photo opportunity 12 noon, Thursday 10 July, outside Caird Hall, City Square, Dundee.

Two medical students are sweeping the board at graduation this year, not only leaving the Caird Hall with their degrees but with a trio of prizes each.

Ogechi Achara (25), who decided five years ago to apply to the University of Dundee because her Nigerian father was a Dundee graduate, is picking up the Patrick Dolan Memorial Prize in Anaesthesia, the Dr George H Smith prize in haematology and the Lloyd Turton prize in surgery.

Elizabeth Wilkinson (28) from Birmingham will pick up the American Graduates' Prize in memory of Sir James Irvine in surgery, the Heller prize and The Practice of Medicine Medal.

Ogechi explains: "I chose these different areas to give myself as wide exposure as possible to all different areas of medicine rather than focussing on what I thought I wanted to do. I would like to specialise in anaesthesia and feel I am making an informed choice.

Graduating alone is prize enough it is a relief and a joy but receiving these three prizes from the University makes it extra special for my family. I'm happy that I have made them so proud."

Ogechi's family are coming from far and wide to celebrate her special day in Dundee. Her parents and sisters are travelling from Nigeria, her aunt from the Bahamas and her brother from Manchester to see her graduate in the Caird Hall.

Ogechi said: "I've had a fantastic time in Dundee. When I first came here to be interviewed for medical school I lost my way to Ninewells and asked passengers on the bus for help. Everyone was so friendly, showing me where to go and wishing me luck in my interview that my decision was sealed. More than anything my decision to study here was based on my first impressions of very friendly people and a very friendly city."

Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow is Ogechi's next destination to do her medicine rotation.

Elizabeth Wilkinson was a nurse before she went on to study medicine. She explains: "With my nursing experience I was keen to study at a University that had a modern and team focussed approach to medicine. Dundee fitted the bill.

I am delighted with the prizes - all the hard work has paid off. I have felt privileged to study medicine and feel excited every day about what I'm doing."

Elizabeth enjoyed the walking opportunities whilst in Dundee and managed to bag 162 Munros while studying for her medical degree.

Elizabeth's mum, brother and sister in law will join her in Dundee for her triple celebration.

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk