We were delighted to welcome Old Hymerian, Dr Catherine Dominic (OH 2010–2017), MBBS, MSc (Dist), PgCert (ClinEdLead), FHEA, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, ACFST1 Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, IMT1 Doctor at NNUHFT and Honorary Clinical Lecturer at UEA, back to Hymers to speak with our next generation of aspiring medics.

Catherine shared her journey from completing her A Levels at Hymers to studying at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). She then went on to complete a Master of Science in the Control of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.

Now a Doctor working in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Catherine spoke about where her passion for medicine began. She described how her interest grew from her love of the sciences, languages, and international development, and how early volunteering and reading about global health sparked her fascination with communicable diseases, prevention, and mass drug administration. She shared how she quickly realised she had both a curious mind and a desire to help others, an ideal combination for a future clinician and researcher.

Catherine also reflected on the highlights of her clinical research career and her role as a clinical academic today, explaining to students how clinical research combines patient care, teaching, and scientific investigation. She offered valuable advice about the opportunities, challenges, and rewards within medical training and academic pathways.

Her parting words to students were: stay curious, ask why and how, and don’t underestimate yourself, everyone starts somewhere.

Thank you, Catherine. We are extremely grateful for your time and the inspiration you shared with our students.