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In Focus - Anudi Deluxe Dharmarathna

Anudi Deluxe Dharmarathna

Year of Study: Intercalating

Anudi, president of BSMS CardioSoc, talks to us about how her role came about, the lessons she’s learnt from her time on the committee and her plans for the future.

What is CardioSoc at BSMS?

BSMS CardioSoc is a longstanding academic society at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Its main aim is to provide students with deeper academic insight into cardiology, both supporting official teaching and growing beyond it to offer opportunities for portfolio development and personal growth. The society runs a range of events throughout the year, including our popular ECG teaching series and mock OSCEs. We also host informal socials and sports meets to promote cardiac health and foster a sense of community among students interested in cardiology.

What is your role in CardioSoc and how did it come about?

I currently serve as President of CardioSoc. My journey began in first year when I joined as first-year rep, having been interested in Cardiology before attending med school. I attended the Cardiology and Cardiothoracic conference 2021 and took part in a BHF poster competition during my A-levels, which really solidified my passion for the field. I really enjoyed my time on the society committee and stayed on as secretary during my second and third years. This year, I ran for President and was fortunate to be elected into the role.

What has been your CardioSoc highlight so far?

One particular moment that stands out to me was in my second year, where I was in charge of the mock OSCE for the year group. Being trusted to lead such a big event was both challenging and rewarding, and it would not have been possible without the dedicated committee members who worked on the event with me. It was amazing to see so many students come together to learn and support each other. The teamwork and shared passion for cardiology really make CardioSoc special.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from being in the CardioSoc committee?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from working with the CardioSoc committee is how important understanding everyone’s strengths is. Every member of the committee has different skills and perspectives, and learning to coordinate and support one another has been incredible rewarding. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes of each event – from location scouting to managing communication - and it’s incredibly rewarding when it all falls together.

If you could introduce one new tradition or event for CardioSoc, what would it be?

If I could introduce a new tradition for CardioSoc, I’d love to host an annual Cardiology Careers Evening. Students could hear directly from doctors working across different areas of cardiology – from interventional and imaging to heart failure and academic medicine. It would be a great opportunity to gain exposure to the various subspecialties that exist within cardiology. Hopefully we can try bring this idea to life this year!

What are you most looking forward to in your new role with CardioSoc this year?

This year, we are planning on expanding our non-academic events, with a stronger focus on student and public awareness of cardiac health. We want to encourage everyone – not just future cardiologists – to engage with heart health and prevention. I’m really excited to collaborate with other societies and local organisations to make these events as inclusive and impactful as possible.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

What advice would you give to students thinking about joining a society or taking on a committee role?

Go for it! Most societies release committee application spaces towards the beginning of the year, and I would highly recommend applying if you’re interested in the society! Being part of the committee is a great way to meet students across different year groups, and also improve your own teamwork and leadership skills. If you have a bit of exposure to the society, great, but even if not, there’s a first time for everything!