Baba
MBBS Medicine
I chose Medicine because I was inspired to serve my community and make a contribution to society. I think it's amazing being able to see certain conditions in real life, and what the process of recovery looks like from ‘behind the scenes’ when you’re involved in creating that plan.
From discovering a passion for science in secondary school to gaining work experience in a hospital, studying Medicine at Imperial was the natural next step for Baba. Hear how building meaningful connections and immersing himself in student life have shaped his journey so far.
Why did you want to study medicine?
I applied to Imperial, because I knew that I wanted to live in London. As someone who didn’t live in a ‘busy’ city, I wanted to experience what the famous London social life had to offer, whilst receiving education at one of the best institutions in the world.
When applying to Medicine, I understood that it was important to know how teaching differed at different universities. Although we graduate with the same degree, the way in which content is delivered, and the structure in which we go through certain topics/modules varies. When I saw that Imperial offered early clinical contact, a spiral curriculum (this means we build upon content from our early years, getting more complex as we go), and problem-based learning in the form of cases, I knew this was the best place to complement my style of learning.
Another reason I chose Imperial was I attended one of the June Open Days at Imperial, and although I was pretty certain on applying beforehand, the experience that I had just reassured me that this was the place I could envision myself growing in the next 6 years stuyding Medicine here.
Going into my third year, I have full assurance that this was the right choice for me.
About the MBBS course
The MBBS course is a six-year Medicine degree that combines scientific research with early clinical experience. Students begin learning biomedical sciences alongside patient interaction from Year 1 through GP and hospital placements.
The course is divided into three phases: the first focuses on medical sciences and clinical foundations, the fourth year includes a research-based BSc specialism and the final years concentrate on clinical rotations across major medical specialties.
Imperial’s teaching style includes lectures, team-based learning, simulations and hands-on placements, preparing students for the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) and future NHS practice while developing strong research and innovation skills.
Being able to apply our learning and knowledge from lectures and tutorials first-hand in our placements has been the highlight for me.
In Years 1 and 2, we are assigned to a GP and Hospital for a period of time, and I think it's amazing being able to see certain conditions in real life, and what the process of recovery looks like from ‘behind the scenes’ when you’re involved in creating that plan.
What's the Imperial community like?
The community here is amazing. One thing I love about Imperial is how easy it is to make friends within societies. Imperial has over 350 student-led societies, and I’ve met some of my closest friends while attending them. In 2025–26 I was the Vice-President of Events for Imperial’s African Caribbean Society, and the Secretary for Imperial College Gospel Choir.
Within both, I’ve been able to meet people from similar backgrounds to my own, and bond together on shared interests and hobbies. That experience I had in my first year led me to join the committee of those respective societies, so I could replicate how they made me feel – welcome and at home. Before coming to Imperial, I never expected to continue pursuing music at such a high level alongside my studies. I am very grateful for the opportunity and being part of the choir has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my time at Imperial.
Behind the Scenes with ACS
What opportunities have you made the most of?
I’m part of a few societies at Imperial, and something I’d like to highlight within one of them is our student-led show called the Campus N Culture podcast. This was a platform I designed to build a relaxed and authentic space where Black students, professors and industry professionals could come together to engage in meaningful conversations. I aimed to create an opportunity to foster thoughtful debates amongst young people, encouraging them to be proactive in learning about education, culture and navigating professional environments, whilst celebrating their Black excellence. In our first year, we’ve released 4 episodes across YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and we’ve received overwhelming praise. If you’re a student of Black African-Caribbean Heritage, and you’re thinking about applying to Imperial, to see what it’s like, I’d implore you to give a few episodes a watch or listen.
Baba's top tips for studying at Imperial
I would definitely say my time at Imperial so far has changed me, but for the better. I think it’s made me more resilient, for one, as I’ve been able to experience real lows but bounce back to incredible highs. I think it's also made me understand what makes me happy, and how I now don’t necessarily seek validation in academic success, but in whether I’m able to enjoy the journey throughout the academic year, alongside working hard to pass. It’s incredibly easy to judge people here and think everything comes ‘easy’ to most, but you eventually learn even the most intelligent of students have a hard time. But through our community, our support systems, and for me, my faith, we find a way to overcome our obstacles and see the beauty in the hard times.
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