Member Article

Helen’s hopes for career in medicine boosted by science award

A Flintshire student doctor has won a science award for her impressive A-level results.

Helen Gerrard, 18, from Nercwys, is the winner of the annual Synthite science award for her outstanding efforts in science at Mold Alun school.

Helen is studying medicine in a five year degree at Cardiff University after achieving A* grades in biology and chemistry as well as an A in maths.

The award was presented to her at Mold Alun’s annual awards ceremony.

Helen said: “The science department at Alun school is excellent. The teachers were really supportive and you could always go to them for any help you needed.”

In her training to become a doctor, she has already studied anatomy, physiology and histology, which is the study of tissue structure.

Helen said: “The first few months have been great! I’m really enjoying the course, and am looking forward to starting clinical placement in January.”

“I’m interested in research and development, and how that fits in to healthcare and medicine.

“I chose to do a medical degree rather than a pure science degree as I want to put research into practice.

“Although no one in my family has a healthcare background, it is something that has always been of interest to me, and I enjoy being in a hospital environment.

“What really appeals to me is being able to talk to a patient, make a diagnosis and hopefully find an effective treatment to enhance their quality of life.”

Synthite commercial director Sana Niazi said; “Students like Helen are exactly why we started this award.

“It’s not easy to achieve A*s and doing so is a testament to her hard work in the subject.

Synthite has operated from Alyn Works, Denbigh Road, Mold, since the 1950s. It employs 120 people.

Its main product is formaldehyde, a basic building block of the chemical industry. Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of a vast array of everyday goods, ranging from cosmetics to furniture and floorboards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .