For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Rachelle Thevathas, Regional Head at In2MedSchool and Project Manager at Diversity in Medical Academia (DIMA).
Rachelle joined Bromley High School in 2007 and left in 2013. She studied A level Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Rachelle has an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and is currently studying a graduate medical degree at University of Warwick.
Please can you briefly describe your current role?
I am a Biomedical Sciences graduate who is currently studying graduate-entry medicine at the University of Warwick. I have previously worked in the NHS for around six years, in Medical Coding & Ophthalmology Research. I recently worked as a Site Engagement Manager for a Clinical Research Organisation, where we collaborated with pharmaceutical companies to execute non-interventional, real-world evidence projects. My work consisted of working with a number of NHS Trusts across the country, introducing them to the project and protocol, and ensuring project delivery. I have worked across a number of specialties including Oncology, Cardiovascular, & Neurology. My work has further increased my passion for medicine, and I look forward to a future that incorporates not only clinical medicine but also academia and research.
“The teachers at Bromley High have always created a supportive and friendly environment which made learning a joyous experience.”
How did Bromley High School help shape your future career?
Bromley High was the first place where I was exposed to the world of medicine, through my work experience at Darent Valley Hospital in Year 11. The experience was my introduction to the NHS and medicine. I was fortunate enough to experience a number of specialties and was allowed to observe the maternity ward, where I scrubbed in to witness a labour, my very first clinical experience! The memory has stayed with me, and I’m sure it will always stay with me; it was this experience that sparked my passion for Pediatrics.
What aspects of Bromley High School did you most enjoy, and find most rewarding?
The number of opportunities given to us, from Duke of Edinburgh, to the hockey club, to after-school Maths club, was endless; there was something for everyone. I really enjoyed the extracurricular activities, with Speech & Drama and Duke of Edinburgh being the most rewarding. We were also invited to participate in the Music Festivals at Farringtons, and I remember that being one of the events that really helped grow my confidence and interest outside of academia.
What is your favourite memory of being at Bromley High School?
The teachers, especially the Maths and Geography teachers. I have always enjoyed Maths, and the teachers at Bromley High School were always so involved in our learning, creating new ways to teach us new concepts. I enjoyed the lessons so much that when I tore the collateral ligament in my knee in Year 9 and had to miss a few weeks of school, I was so upset that I couldn’t attend my Maths lessons and would email my teacher requesting work that I could complete at home. The teachers at Bromley High have always created a supportive and friendly environment which made learning a joyous experience.
How have you benefited from being part of the wider GDST community?
It is inspiring and uplifting to be part of a community of like-minded and ambitious women. You are always exposed to success stories and stories of women who have gone on to achieve their dreams. It has been motivating to hear about the wider GDST community and encouraging to know that there are people out there who could offer you advice, support, or maybe even experience in a particular field!