A FERMANAGH doctor has said she “never gave up on my dream” after she recently graduated and is preparing to begin her career in medicine in the NHS.
Ciara McCaffrey, a former pupil at St Aidan’s High School and Mount Lourdes Grammar School, graduated as a doctor from Queen’s University after five years.
She’s now set to take on a junior doctor role at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
“While I am naturally a bit apprehensive, I am excited about this new role,” she said.
“I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. Even in primary school, I loved biology and asked Santa for a skeleton—though he told me he didn’t deliver those.”
The well-known community member recently traveled to Zambia for a medical elective to work with the charity i4Life.
“People often tried to discourage me, mentioning the long hours and hard work involved,” said Dr McCaffrey.
“My passion for science, curiosity, and love for caring for others made medicine the perfect career for me. I never gave up on my dream.
“Working at Tilery and Millcroft Nursing Homes from a young age solidified my desire to look after people, and my curiosity about medical conditions confirmed that medicine was my calling.”
Aside from her work in Belfast, the Fermanagh doctor also plans to return to Zambia to help the most needy in society.
She’s encouraging all young people to go beyond their comfort zones and help as many people as they can.
“While I faced difficulties, especially with mental health, my passion for medicine and helping others never wavered,” she said.
“I am proud of my journey and encourage anyone with a dream, whether in health and social care, construction, engineering, food and catering, or any other field, to seek experience and follow their passion,” added Dr McCaffrey.
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