Interview with María Giner, Old Caxtonian and Medical Graduate

After graduating in Medicine from the University of Valencia, María, from our 19th graduating cohort, has been honoured by the Cátedra Cruz Roja at the University of Santiago de Compostela with the award for the best undergraduate dissertation. We spoke with her to look back on her educational journey and learn the details of this well-deserved recognition.

Looking back, did you always know you wanted to study medicine? What is it about the field that you are most passionate about?

I have always been quite certain that I wanted to study Medicine. I believe it’s not always about having a perfectly rational answer for what you want to do, but rather about identifying what makes you feel comfortable, motivated, and happy, and starting from there. In my case, a passion for Medicine was passed down to me at home. I grew up feeling that I could directly help other people, understand them, and contribute to improving their quality of life. That sense of being useful and the connection with patients is what continues to motivate me most today. Also, it’s a constantly evolving field that challenges you to keep learning and allows you to combine clinical practice with research.

What did you gain from completing your undergraduate dissertation (TFG) with a research focus?

My undergraduate dissertation focused on the physiology of ageing and wound healing, an area that is becoming increasingly relevant due to an ageing population. I was drawn to the possibility of stepping away from the purely clinical side to experience research from the inside by working in a laboratory with cells. It was a demanding project with a lot of hard work behind it. Receiving the Santiago de Compostela Red Cross TFG Award for the project with the greatest impact on quality of life for the elderly at a national level—not just within the Medicine degree, but across all participating disciplines—was a source of enormous satisfaction. It confirmed the value of committing to projects that have a real impact.

You have studied and worked outside of Spain. What did this international experience give you?

Going abroad was a great personal and professional challenge. Thanks to the Erasmus programme, I studied Medicine in Germany for two years, first in Freiburg and then in Munich. Whilst there, a research position related to Long COVID became available. I began this in Freiburg and continued in Munich with a higher level of responsibility, contributing to a national project and collaborating with major hospitals such as the Charité in Berlin. Combining work and study in Germany forced me to adapt to a new language, a different system, and to step out of my comfort zone. However, it also gave me a lot of self-assurance and confidence. I learned that when you have a good foundation from a young age and a willingness to work hard, opportunities appear. This experience taught me to be more independent and resourceful, and to value continuous learning even more.

How are you approaching your MIR (residency entrance exam) preparation now? Do you know which speciality you would like to pursue?

Yes, I am currently in Oviedo preparing for the MIR exam (Spanish equivalent of the MSRA in the UK). It is an intense stage, but I am trying to face it with energy and perspective. I won't lie; it is a demanding time, but I think it is important to enjoy the journey and give your best every day. Regarding a speciality, I prefer to keep an open mind. I am particularly drawn to those with a strong clinical component and direct patient contact, but I think I will make that decision more clearly once the exam is over.

What role do you think Caxton College played in this journey?

Caxton College was key to my education. The British curriculum and each of the teachers not only helped me academically but also taught me to think critically, to express myself better, and to approach problems with a different mindset. These are key values that the school provides. The projects, teamwork, international environment, and language learning encouraged me from a very young age to look further afield and take advantage of opportunities abroad. Over time, you realise that a good foundation, built from the beginning, makes a huge difference and is fundamental for any academic or professional challenge.

How do you see your future and what are your goals?

In terms of my professional future, I would like to do my residency in Spain because the hospitals here offer excellent training. However, in the long term, I would like to continue with my ambitions, perhaps by undertaking a medical sub-specialisation or a fellowship outside of Spain. For now, I am concentrating on taking things step by-step and giving my best. The important thing is to keep working with dedication and not to close any doors.

What would you recommend to current students at the school to prepare for their future?

I would tell them to believe in themselves. They will see the results of all the effort they are putting in now in the future, and they should remain open to new experiences. They should take advantage of the opportunities the school offers, both academic and extracurricular, because there is less time later during the university stage. Also, they should listen to the experiences of former students who can inspire them and always follow their passions. Motivation and perseverance are key. Lastly, they shouldn’t be afraid to step out of their comfort zone: this will help them grow much faster.