Kristine
I am from
India
I study Medicine at RCSI University of Medicine, Dublin· Ireland
Medicine in Ireland
Doctor
Hi! My name is Kristine. I am currently a first year medical student at RCSI, Dublin. I completed my medical foundation programme at IFG on the Abu Dhabi campus. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Ask me about
Kristine is a former student and verified International Foundation Group ambassador
Why Kristine chose this path
“Growing up in the India, I saw the impact that dedicated doctors had on communities with limited access to healthcare. I wanted to be one of those doctors - someone who shows up and makes a real difference.”
What attracted me
RCSI has an extraordinary reputation and its graduates practise all over the world. For a Filipino student aiming for an international medical career, it was the perfect destination.
My background before
After completing school in the India, I enrolled in IFG's Medical Foundation Programme on the Abu Dhabi campus - a big step, but the right one.
How I got in
I completed the IFG Medical Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The programme was rigorous but the community was wonderful - all international students working toward the same goal. I worked incredibly hard and received an offer from RCSI Dublin.
Top tips for getting accepted
Consistency above all else. Medicine rewards students who study a little every day rather than cramming. The volume of material is too large for last-minute revision - build the habit early.
Common mistakes to avoid
Neglecting your wellbeing in pursuit of grades. Sleep, nutrition, and exercise aren't luxuries - they're essential for learning. Many medical students burn out because they ignore this.
My recommendation to you
I cried happy tears when I received my RCSI offer. The Foundation Year is hard, but every difficult moment is preparation for an extraordinary career.
What Kristine wishes they knew
Things I wish I knew before starting
How important it is to use all available resources. Tutors, peers, online resources, study groups - don't be too proud to ask for help. Medicine is collaborative by nature.
What surprised me most
How strong the Filipino community in Dublin is. I expected to feel isolated, but there's a warm and welcoming Filipino network in the city.
The hardest part
The volume of first-year material at RCSI. Anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and clinical skills all at once. Structure and consistency are the only answer.
The best decision I made
Volunteering at a local health clinic on Saturdays. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why I chose medicine - especially during the heavy study weeks.
Biggest misconception people have
That RCSI is primarily for Irish students. The majority of students are actually international - it's one of the most globally diverse medical schools in the world.
What helped me most
Study groups. Learning alongside motivated, international peers who challenge you and fill your gaps is far more effective than studying alone.
What it's actually like
A typical day
8am lectures - anatomy dissections on Tuesdays and Fridays. Afternoons for problem-based learning and clinical skills at RCSI's brilliant simulation facilities. Evenings for study groups and Saturdays for volunteering at a health clinic.
The reality vs. the expectation
Very demanding but deeply purposeful. Every week brings new material that connects directly to clinical practice - you never feel like you're studying abstract theory.
My favourite part
Anatomy dissection. It's intense, even confronting at first, but nothing grounds your medical knowledge like direct anatomical study. It's a privilege.
Most challenging part
The consistency required. Medical school doesn't allow rest - every week there's a new wave of material. Building a sustainable daily routine is the most important skill.
Where it's taken me
Skills I've gained
Clinical reasoning, anatomical knowledge, patient communication, problem-based learning, and the ability to work effectively under high-pressure conditions.
How it's helped my career
I'm a first-year medical student at RCSI and I'm proud to be here every single day. The IFG Abu Dhabi pathway made this possible.
Opportunities it has opened
RCSI's global alumni network, paediatric research opportunities in Dublin, and connections to Filipino healthcare communities in both Ireland and the Philippines.
Topics Kristine can help with
Questions students ask Kristine
Is RCSI a good choice for international students?
What is it like being Indian student in Dublin?
Ready to ask Kristine a question?
