Alumni spotlight: Aamna Athwal on balancing motherhood with orthopaedic surgery studies in Dundee

For anyone, it’s a journey demanding grit and perseverance. However, following the completion of my MBBS in 2014, I decided to pursue my ambition. 

In 2022, I relocated to the United Kingdom, accepting a place at the prestigious MCh Orthopaedic Surgery program at the University of Dundee. This experience was crucial in expanding my academic and clinical horizons, as I gained exposure to advanced surgical techniques and international medical standards.

Pursuing the MCh Orthopaedic Surgery course at the University of Dundee School of Medicine was an exceptional experience. The academic and clinical training is rigorous, while the faculty support is unparalleled. 

The course lead, Prof. Arpit Jariwala was instrumental in guiding me through the complexities of the journey. I was balancing the course demands while caring for my young child. Prof. Jariwala’s mentorship and the dedicated efforts of his team, gave me the academic and personal support I needed during a challenging time. Their encouragement and flexibility made it possible for me to excel, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

Concurrently, I pursued the MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) certification, clearing Part A in 2023 and Part B in 2024. These milestones have been essential in demonstrating my commitment to Orthopaedics and progressing towards becoming a fully certified orthopaedic surgeon in the UK. With both MRCS parts successfully completed, I am now focusing on securing my GMC (General Medical Council) registration to be able to apply for registrar roles in hospitals across the UK.

The journey of balancing motherhood with a demanding medical and orthopaedic career has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Time management and prioritisation have been crucial in ensuring I can thrive both as a parent and as a professional.

This journey, though difficult, has strengthened my resolve to succeed and serve as a role model for other women in medicine. I am committed to continuing my professional growth and making meaningful contributions to orthopaedic surgery.

Professor Arpit Jariwala said, “I am so pleased to be a part of the success story of Aamna. I do remember her initial struggle of juggling to look after a young child and the demands of a busy clinical MCh Orth Dundee course. 

“At one point, some of us felt she may need to defer her studies, but Aamna proved us wrong and not only successfully completed the course but also cleared her MRCS examination in a short spell which is a huge achievement. We are very proud of her.

 “I am so glad that Aamna was able to come to Dundee to share her experiences as a recent MCh Alumni and her tips and tricks of passing MRCS with our current MCh Orth Dundee batch. The lecture was very well received. All of us in the University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (UDOTS) wish all the best for her career in the United Kingdom.”