First-year MBChB (ScotCOM) student Poppy Fairbairn shares how community, hands-on learning, and student life have shaped her first year studying medicine at St Andrews.
Poppy in her traditional red gown after participating in the Pier Walk
I’m Poppy Fairbairn and I started studying on the MBChB (ScotCOM) programme at St Andrews in 2025.
What makes St Andrews so special is the community, and that was the main reason I chose to study medicine here. The Medical School has a unique size which allows for a huge range of opportunities while still being small enough that staff get to know you personally and support your development. The town-and-gown relationship means you meet both local people and students from across the world, creating opportunities to learn from a wide range of interests, experiences and perspectives. Despite coming from Kirkcaldy, only forty minutes away, it almost feels like studying abroad, apart from the weather. There is always something happening, and it is the kind of place where you make memories that last a lifetime.
Before applying, I took part in the Experience Medicine programme, which gave me a valuable insight into both medicine and studying at St Andrews. It helped me understand what to expect and confirmed that medicine was the right path for me. One thing I quickly realised after starting was that the workload is more manageable than I had imagined. In S6, I took on too much and would encourage anyone considering medicine to enjoy their final year of school and focus on the subjects that really matter rather than trying to do more than is necessary. That experience taught me the importance of protecting my study time and avoiding unnecessary distractions.
A routine that worked well for me in first year was treating medicine like a full-time job, working in the Medical School from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. The Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) was particularly helpful, showing me that there are no shortcuts, only more efficient ways of studying. The mock exams also made assessments feel far less daunting.
The course itself has been engaging and varied, combining lectures, practicals, and clinical skills sessions. What I enjoy most about medicine is its diversity. No two days are the same, there is always something new to learn, and I love developing practical skills while applying what I have learned in lectures and from real-life experiences.
Some of the most interesting topics I have studied so far have been medicine regulation and pharmacodynamics, closely followed by dissection room practicals, where it is a privilege to learn anatomy in such a hands-on environment. I have also found public health particularly engaging.
Outside academics, student life at St Andrews has been one of the highlights of my experience. There is always something happening, whether that is sport, volunteering, social events or university traditions. Every society has its own “bubble”, making it easy to find your people. Some of my favourite memories have been the Pier Walk, meeting my academic family, Raisin Weekend, the Bute Society Ball, Hecklings and Hippocrates, the DRA Ball, Gaudie and the May Dip.
I have also enjoyed being involved in Teddy Bear Hospital, the Triathlon Club and even the Matcha Society, which started as a joke but turned out to be a fantastic way to study and meet people I might not otherwise have spoken to. Alongside my studies, I worked as a swimming teacher and a University ambassador. Swim teaching is something I still hold very close to my heart, and it helped me develop communication skills that transfer directly into medicine.
A typical day usually starts with breakfast and catching up with friends before heading to the Medical School for 9am. After checking Galen for timetable updates and learning materials, I spend the day attending lectures, tutorials and classes before filling my evenings with sport, volunteering, music or time with friends.
Even in first year, I had opportunities to experience real healthcare settings. During placement we spoke with patients, practised taking histories and observed multidisciplinary team meetings where healthcare professionals worked together to provide patient care. Working with patient partners was particularly valuable, as they shared their lived experiences and helped shape our learning in a safe and supportive environment.
One moment that has stayed with me was volunteering to take a patient history in front of twelve classmates. I initially found it daunting, but my peers were incredibly supportive and helped with thoughtful questions when I got stuck. It reminded me just how encouraging and collaborative the medical community at St Andrews is.
As for my future career, the answer may well change from year to year. St Andrews encourages you to keep an open mind and explore different possibilities. At the moment, I am particularly interested in paediatrics and public health. This has been shaped by my experiences advocating for mental health and physical activity, as well as my involvement with the Youth Advocates Network on Health and Wellbeing in Europe alongside UNICEF Europe and Central Asia. The University has been pivotal in helping me pursue these interests while maintaining a healthy balance alongside my studies.
For anyone interested in studying medicine, my biggest advice is to be excited by the challenge. The greatest challenges often bring the greatest rewards. Medicine is demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding and full of opportunities for personal growth.
I would absolutely recommend studying medicine at St Andrews. For me, it offers the perfect balance of scientific learning, practical skills and human interaction. What truly sets it apart is the combination of opportunity and community. The support network is exceptional, from tutors and personal advisors to MedSupport, medical demonstrators, peer groups and fellow students. The facilities are outstanding, whether that is self-study in the Clinical Skills Suite, learning in the Dissection Room or using innovative technology such as ultrasound.
Most importantly, everyone genuinely wants you to succeed. The support, teaching and sense of belonging are unlike anything I have experienced before. People listen, encourage and help you grow, all while making you feel part of what I genuinely believe is the best bubble in the world.
