Charles Adler
"Through graduating from Surrey, I have been given the opportunity to effect real and meaningful change in my profession, where evidenced-based practice is rapidly replacing protocol-driven healthcare."
Course
Paramedic ScienceGraduation year
2014Charles Adler is a paramedic with South East Coast Ambulance Service.
What attracted you to choose the University of Surrey and to study your course here?
I was looking for a new challenge after leaving the Armed Forces. The decision was easy when I discovered that my local university not only offered the degree programme that I wanted, but also has an excellent reputation for producing compassionate and competent clinicians.
What were the best things about your course?
My fellow students on the course have become friends for life and I look back fondly at our time together. Many of them have chosen to work in this area and it is fantastic to work amongst friends.
How did you change as a person during your time as a Surrey student?
More than ten years after leaving school, I rediscovered the fun of learning about a topic I was passionate about. Learning never stops in healthcare and Surrey's focus on research means that paramedics are now actively involved in shaping the care that their profession provides.
What do you do now and what do you find most enjoyable about your line of work?
I work as a paramedic for South East Coast Ambulance Service, providing emergency and urgent care to my patients. Many people perhaps don't realise that nearly half the patients we attend are not taken to hospital, and instead are treated at home or referred to other care in the community. Between providing life-saving acute treatment (and yes, some trauma) to the management of chronic conditions and social care needs, the working day has a variety not found anywhere else.
How did your time at Surrey influence your career?
Through graduating from Surrey, I have been given the opportunity to effect real and meaningful change in my profession, where evidenced-based practice is rapidly replacing protocol-driven healthcare. Recently elected into the role of Staff Governor, I also represent the operational workforce to the Board.
How can students hoping to work in your profession make the most of their time at Surrey?
Work hard, question everything and remember that above all: being kind and decent to people is the cornerstone of all good healthcare. Oh, and forget what you see on television!
What aspects of being connected with the alumni network are most important to you/of most interest to you?
Postgraduate opportunities to further develop myself as a clinician are on the horizon. I'm already back at Surrey completing my mentorship module in order to give something back to the next generation of students.
What is your happiest memory of your time at Surrey?
The feeling of pride at graduating with my friends and new colleagues.
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