Aron Thomassen has been awarded the Medical Specialist Group’s annual medical bursary.

The grant provides £2,000 per year, for up to five years, to a student pursuing a medical degree. 

The MSG says the purpose of the bursary is to help aspiring doctors with their financial costs, allowing them to focus more on their studies rather than needing a part-time job. 

Mr Thomassen was chosen after an application process that involved writing a 1,000-word essay and being interviewed by a panel of doctors. 

He was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after a ‘Taste of Medicine’ course and was selected for the bursary following an application and interview process.

“I am grateful to the MSG for this bursary,” he said. “It enables me to start my studies with the time and resources required, so I can maintain a high standard in my studies, prepare properly for teaching, and engage with early clinical exposure when it is available.”

He continued: ​”I was raised in Guernsey and a significant part of my childhood involved supporting my sister’s complex care. Those years were demanding but they taught valuable habits that I will carry into medical school.”

Mr Thomassen says the funding will help make a tangible difference to his studies.

​”The bursary addresses the practical costs that accumulate over the year, relieving the financial pressure of travelling to placements and conferences, core textbooks and essential equipment, allowing me to treat the course as the full-time commitment it is. 

“I am so thankful to the MSG for their continued support throughout my journey, and I look forward to immersing myself in university life.”

​Dr Kalaivani Ramalingam, Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist added: ​”We take great pleasure in providing this year’s bursary to Aron, who impressed us with his strong commitment to a career in medicine during both his application and interview.

​”The MSG is dedicated to supporting students’ education and encouraging the development of future healthcare professionals in the Bailiwick. 

Dr Ramalingam continued: “By investing in their future, we hope to strengthen the provision of high-quality healthcare to islanders for generations to come. We would encourage any students looking to study medicine to apply for our bursary next year. ​”We wish Aron the very best for his future.”