Wow, where do I even begin with my time at the University of Aberdeen? It’s been a rollercoaster, to say the least! Picture this: landing in a city where the weather can’t decide between “sunny with a chance of freezing” or “windy enough to blow you to another dimension.” Classic Aberdeen, right? From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was in for something special. The library—oh my God, let’s talk about the library for a second. It’s basically Hogwarts with Wi-Fi, minus the magic (well, unless you count the miracle of getting work done there). I’ve spent so many hours in that place, I’m surprised they haven’t given me a bed in the corner by now. The MSc Physician Associate Studies? Yeah, it’s as intense as it sounds. Endless lectures, clinical sessions, and more anatomy than I thought humanly possible. And let’s not even get started on the exams—I’ve seen less drama in Netflix thrillers! But honestly, it’s kind of amazing how much I’ve learned. Some days, I feel like I might actually be able to help people soon. Other days? I feel like a potato in a lab coat, just rolling through life. The people here though, they’re the real highlight. Friends from all over the world, each with their own quirks. One day, you’re talking about medical ethics over coffee; the next, you’re in the middle of a pub quiz, desperately trying to remember what year the Battle of Bannockburn was (spoiler: I still don’t know). Aberdeen’s social scene is surprisingly lively for a place that sometimes feels like it’s at the edge of the world! And of course, there’s the food. Let’s just say, I’ve eaten more haggis than I ever thought I would in my lifetime. I’m basically on first-name terms with the local fish and chip shop. I swear it’s comfort food at this point—fuel for the soul (or, at the very least, my stressed-out brain). In short, it’s been a wild, crazy, fun, and sometimes exhausting adventure, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here’s to the rest of the ride!

Best Aspects: 1. Hands-on Clinical Experience: Honestly, the amount of real-world clinical exposure we get is amazing. We’re not just stuck in lecture halls or staring at anatomy diagrams for hours on end (though, there’s plenty of that too). We get to actually *do* things. From shadowing doctors to practicing procedures, it feels like we’re being prepped for the battlefield of healthcare. There’s nothing quite like getting that adrenaline rush when you’re in the hospital, and things get real. 2. Knowledge Overload (in a Good Way): I swear, I feel like I’ve crammed more medical knowledge into my brain in a few months than I ever thought possible. It’s like being in a constant state of "Oh, I didn't know that could happen to a body." I’ve learned to think critically, diagnose like a mini Sherlock, and even when I’m overwhelmed, it feels rewarding because I can see myself growing into this role. 3. Supportive Environment: Whether it's the lecturers, mentors, or fellow students, there’s a real sense of community. Everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed, and that makes all the difference. There’s no cutthroat competition, just a bunch of future PAs helping each other survive the madness. Plus, the lecturers? Absolute legends. They somehow manage to make pharmacology sound *slightly* less terrifying. 4. Diverse Opportunities: We’re not just learning to be Physician Associates in one narrow field. One day we’re talking pediatrics, the next we’re diving into surgery. You get a taste of everything, which is perfect for someone like me who changes their mind every 30 seconds about which specialty I want to work in. Worst Aspects: 1.The Stress is Real: If you’ve ever had dreams about anatomical terms or woken up in a cold sweat because you forgot the symptoms of a random disease, you’ll know what I mean. The workload can be insane at times. Sometimes it feels like you're cramming for an exam that never really ends. Balancing lectures, clinical placements, and study sessions is basically like juggling flaming swords. Not for the faint-hearted. 2. Constant Pressure to Know Everything: This course has a sneaky way of making you feel both incredibly smart and ridiculously clueless within the same hour. One minute, you're nailing a diagnosis in a mock scenario, and the next, you can't remember what the liver even does. The expectation to absorb and retain everything can be overwhelming. 3. Exams, Exams, and More Exams: Did I mention exams? Because they’re a thing. A big thing. It feels like every time you breathe, there’s a new assessment lurking around the corner. The worst part? It’s not just theory. You’re tested on practical skills too, and messing up on those can be so nerve-wracking. It’s a mix of "I know this" and "Wait, did I just forget how to hold a stethoscope?" 4. Time Management – What’s That?: Between clinical placements, assignments, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, you start questioning what "free time" even is. Sleep becomes a luxury, and my weekends are now just a blur of textbooks and coffee. In a nutshell: The course is a whirlwind of learning, adrenaline, and yes, occasional panic. But even with the stress, the long hours, and the never-ending exam prep, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey. It pushes you hard, but you come out of it feeling like you’re actually becoming the kind of medical professional you always dreamed of being.

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