Meet our latest Worthian medic

After two degrees from two prestigious London Universities, King’s College London and Imperial College School of Medicine, Melissa Torkizadeh StC’17 is thrilled to have finally passed her final exams and tells us how her time at Worth played a pivotal role in her journey to become a doctor. 

“Whilst I was pretty certain I wanted to pursue Medicine at university, I had no insight into the NHS and how hospital medicine works. Dr Pring, Worth’s careers advisor at the time, utilised his many contacts and secured me some work experience in Orthopaedic Surgery. It was this experience and the contacts I made which affirmed my decision to apply for medical school”.

Melissa has also spoken about how life at Worth encouraged her to value the work-life balance. She said, “Time management is a core skill that I will take forward throughout the rest of my career to ensure I don’t get burnt out. I even continue to play Lacrosse, which I was introduced to at Worth.” But above all, it was the culture at Worth that she says encouraged the confidence, humility and kindness that she approaches all her patients with today. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this week, Melissa says, “Despite the NHS being in crisis and junior doctor morale being low, I am excited for the next chapter and being able to make a difference. I’m working towards becoming an advocate in the field of women in medicine, particularly surgery - sectors where women are under-represented and aim to break down barriers and show what’s possible”.

Melissa has also recently been awarded a Worth Society Global Action Award to help fund her medical elective which she has chosen to do overseas and is now volunteering in the A&E Department of the Western Regional Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal. She offers herself as a mentor to any Worthian interested in volunteering or a career in Medicine. Talking of her project in Nepal she says, “I know this whole experience will make me more grateful for what I have, evoke humility on my journey to inner peace and inspire me to want to continue giving back to communities as I progress in my career”. You’ll be able to read all about her project in the Society’s annual magazine, The Blue Paper, at the end of the year.

Many congratulations Melissa, we are sure you have a rewarding career ahead of you.