Dr Jolene Moore is a Consultant Anaesthetist at NHS Grampian and works extensively in the field of global anaesthesia. She is actively engaged in capacity building and training initiatives with organisations working to improve surgical and anaesthesia safety across the world, particularly in resource constrained environments.
Your Time at Aberdeen
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
I initially studied a BSc Physiology at the University and was keen to remain. Having been based at the medical school for the latter years of my degree, I was familiar with the excellent reputation of the medical school and attracted to the clinical skills training and early exposure to clinical practice in Aberdeen’s medical degree.
Why did you choose your particular course?
Exposure to biomedical sciences during my first degree inspired a greater interest in medicine. A BSc in Physiology gave me a good background in understanding the complexities of how the body works and I wanted to be able to apply this within medical practice.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen?
The medical school, clinical skills centre and hospital are all on one site which provided excellent opportunities for learning and Aberdeen is ideally situated to enjoy the surrounding countryside. I enjoyed it so much I stayed!
If talking to a group of prospective students, what advice would you give them to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to tutors that inspire you and enquire about opportunities in areas that interest you.
Your Time After Aberdeen
What was your first job after graduating from Aberdeen and what did it involve?
After graduating, I remained in Aberdeen for postgraduate medical training, beginning with 2 years of foundation training rotating through medical and surgical specialties. I then commenced anaesthesia training.
What is your current role?
Consultant Anaesthetist at NHS Grampian. I also work with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, and the Safer Anaesthesia from Education initiative, which has trained over 5000 anaesthesia providers across the world, and as an advisor for various international organisations and projects.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
During postgraduate anaesthesia training I completed a teaching fellowship at the University, and it was during this that I became involved in global health education and development of international partnerships for medical electives. I worked extensively supporting expansion of one of these partnerships, which continued post-fellowship, through the remainder of my postgraduate training and beyond. Through this I became increasingly engaged with safe surgery and capacity building programs and was able to link with organisations working in the field, subsequently enabling involvement in other global anaesthesia projects.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
Absolutely, I wouldn’t be an anaesthetist without it!
One Top Tip
Never underestimate the opportunities available close to home that can take you far and wide.
