Born and brought up in Brunei, Zareena has a BSc in Crime Scene Science from Teesside and worked in Brunei as a newspaper journalist at The Brunei Times before deciding to study medicine. She started her medical studies in Brunei and transferred in her third year to Newcastle University. Zareena graduated last year and joined Northumbria Healthcare as a foundation doctor. She is now an F2 in cardiology at Wansbeck General Hospital.
What made you choose to train in the North East?
I studied in the North East for my first degree and then for my last three years of medical school and decided I was going to stay here to work and bought a house. I enjoyed the placements during university and felt working here would be the best choice for me.
What have you gained from your training here?
I have felt very supported working in the hospitals here. Northumbria trust deals with a lot of general medicine which I feel is important to get experience in as a new doctor.
What are the best things about living in this part of the world?
Everyone is very friendly. Life (a good one) is very affordable and it’s so easy to get around. I also found love in the North East having met my partner here when I came to study and we recently got married.
What would you say to anyone considering training in the region?
Do it. You won’t regret it.
What are your top three tips for getting the most out of your training in the region?
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Explore the north east
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Grab every opportunity
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Love your nurses