Usually the rising star section is dedicated to those who are young and show potential in the arts, but in this edition, we show our appreciation to a young medical student, with an outstanding sense of humour, who one day will become a successful doctor and save lives. If that isn’t a rising star, then we don’t know what is
An interview with Ashley Chander
Why did you choose medicine to study?
When I was at college, I had a passion for science – but I didn’t want to go into something that was purely science based (I also did English at A Level too). I love talking and interacting with people – I like helping people, as cliché as that may sound (laughs). From this, medicine just seemed like a no-brainer to me. It couples my love of science and anatomy with being sociable. I love the fact that it’s dynamic and doesn’t restrict my options. Unlike a career that would send me down a direct path, medicine offers many branches I can explore – in a way I’m keeping my options open.
What do you think some of the challenges will be when you enter into the profession?
Well, first of all there’s getting there (laughs) I need to pass the next four years, which is proving to be a challenge, but nothing you want comes easy. Finding placements and finding your feet will be quite difficult – it must be challenging finding the confidence to work by yourself independently without being watched by your professors – all the responsibility has now passed to you.
What political party do you feel will benefit the NHS the most?
(Laughs) I don’t think I should answer that! I think I’ll leave the politics until after I graduate – what do you think about it?
I don’t think it should be UKIP.
Why is that?
We’ve swapped roles! (Laughs) Let’s get back on track.
Agreed (laughs).
What do you think will be the most rewarding part about being a doctor?
This is a tricky question. The typical answer would be to help save lives, but that’s far too generic for me. The most rewarding part about the job would be when the time comes in my medical career when I know confidently what I am doing without doubting myself.
There is a lot of stereotyping when it comes to Asians and medicine. As a young Asian male, do you feel as if you were pressured into the profession?
My parents didn’t want me study medicine, which is atypical amongst the Asian community. The reason for it is because they thought it would be a very difficult job and that I didn’t need the stress. I followed my own instinct and pursued it because I wanted to, and they supported me through all of my choices, but I definitely did not feel any pressure from them whatsoever.
Favourite car?
Nissan GTR
Favourite food?
Curry! I know that sounds very stereotypical. It’s either chicken curry or chicken and chips, although I have become a big fan of dessert of late. I’m a fan of the hot and cold combinations like apple pie and ice cream.
