Maame Benko

Six years after graduating from St George’s* with a Medical and Biomedical degree, I am now only two years away from becoming a qualified General Practitioner. As I walked through those halls many years ago, I could never have anticipated the journey life would take me on.

If you had told me then that I would choose General Practice as my specialty, I would have burst out laughing. But in all honesty, I now see that it is exactly where I needed to be.

In the past six years, I have won several awards, spoken on many stages, and hosted multiple health and wellness events, including an international retreat—all because of one simple desire: to teach others how to become healthier and happier versions of themselves.

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that the best way to treat a condition is to prevent it in the first place: to educate, empower and motivate individuals, communities, and systems. But in order to do that, I first had to start with myself.

I have not had the easiest of journeys, but I believe my life experiences have not just been for my own growth; they are also a testimony that, regardless of what you are going through, you can achieve what you want if you put your mind to it.

I am Ghanaian and migrated to the UK at the age of seven to join my father as he completed his accountancy qualifications. A week after celebrating his graduation, my father sadly suffered a massive stroke and passed away. This left my mother—who at the time was a hospital cleaner—to raise three children on her own, thousands of miles away from her family and friends.

Life seemed to spiral downwards after my father’s sudden passing. My mother took on a second cleaning job, which meant that, until recently, she was away for 15 hours a day, seven days a week. She was rarely home, and during that time I experienced abuse, depression, betrayal, and even homelessness when she could not pay the rent. My mother also developed high-grade breast cancer.

I spent much of my childhood fending for myself. Studying became my coping mechanism. Fortunately, it was a healthy one that yielded results and ensured that my mother’s sacrifice was not in vain. I achieved 5 A*s and 10 A*s in my GCSEs, and went on to complete my A Levels with grades of AAB.

Although I had to pay international fees for my first three years, I was able to commute into the Tooting campus from home. Through bank loans, several part-time jobs, and the support of my church, I funded my Biomedical Science degree, graduating with First Class Honours and two prizes.

I then transferred to Medicine but feared that my immigration status would shatter my dream of becoming a doctor. With the support of my local MP, my church, and Professor Jenny Higham, I appealed my immigration status and was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain. This meant three things: access to a student loan, an NHS bursary, and home student fees. It also meant that I could finally become a doctor.

I sat my finals while grieving the loss of my best friend to cancer and caring for my mother as she battled cancer too—she underwent surgery the day before my Situational Judgement Test. In between cooking for her and cleaning up after her, I would study, revise on PassMedicine, and prepare for my prescribing exam.

Despite the circumstances, I am proud to say that I achieved above 80% in my exams and graduated in the second decile.

The biggest reason I am here today is because of my mother. She worked harder than anyone I have ever known, sacrificing everything to ensure that I had opportunities she never did. Her resilience fuelled mine. Watching her wake up at 4 a.m. and return home at 11 p.m. every day for over a decade gave me the passion and motivation to succeed and to give her the best life possible.

Before my father died, he told me: “The only thing man cannot take away from you is your knowledge.” After losing nearly everything, including at times my sanity, those words carried me through.

My time at St George’s was a transformative experience. It shaped me into the woman I am today. I made lifelong friends and felt truly supported by staff and peers—especially my personal tutor, Dr Albert, and Margot Turner. Like every institution, there is room for improvement, but I believe St George’s is a supportive university that invests in its students and greatly enhances their personal development.

I am proud to have served as President of the Afro-Caribbean Society during my time at St George’s. It meant so much to support and mentor younger BAME students and to be the “big sister medic” I had once wished for.

Looking back, I wish I had been able to take part more in Students’ Union activities and contribute further to the fight for inclusivity and diversity. But I am proud that things are changing. St George’s will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful for its role in my journey.

When I reflect on my life, I am amazed at how far I have come—and I am excited, because I know it can only get better. Remember: you are the author of your story, and the only story that counts is the one you write for yourself.

*Now the School of Health & Medical Sciences