If I Had To Start Again, I Would Definitely Choose Cardiology

I am Rawan Khuwaileh, a Cardiology Registrar sub-specialising in Devices and Electrophysiology. I am also a single mum for a lovely 6-year-old boy. I first came to the UK in 2012 with big ambitions to become a cardiologist.

I started my journey with a PhD at the University of Leicester. I conducted a basic science project about Electrical Restitution and Action potential repolarisation studies in acutely isolated cardiac left ventricular myocytes. During my PhD, I was honored to receive 'The Avicenna Prize' for health care professionals, in the presence of the former Prime Minister, Mr David
Cameron. 

Starting my cardiology training journey was not straight forward as I had to go back to my home country, Jordan, due to visa restrictions. This was a difficult time but with the support of family and people who believe in the abilities of women, I survived my year there and made my way back to UK. I am forever thankful to my family and my local MP, whose unwavering support and belief that women deserve to dream was instrumental in my return to the UK.

I am currently in the second half of ST6, sub-specialising in Devices and Electrophysiology. I love my job and I have a strong determination to continue learning everything new in this exciting era of cardiac devices. As the rest of all my family members are back in Jordan, I always endeavor to strike a proper balance between work and home life. This has helped me and my son enjoy my cardiology training.

It is against this background that I have remained full time throughout my training. If I had to start again, I would definitely choose cardiology; it can be challenging but it is totally worth it