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Daniel Strother has had more mountains to climb than most to get into medicine. It is a testament to his determination and strength of character that on the 18 September 2002 he will at last begin at medical school.
He always wanted to be a doctor but narrowly missed being accepted for medical school the first time around. So he studied physics at Leeds University instead. His dream to become a doctor, however, was not dampened during this time. After gaining his degree, he was accepted onto the graduate entry programme at St George's Hospital Medical School, London after passing the required Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT). 1
What's so unusual about that? Over 100 such graduates have had a similar experience at St George's over the past two years. 1 Well, two weeks after passing the exam, Dan (as he prefers to be known) fell while winter ice climbing on Ben Nevis when the lower part of a rock broke off around the gear which was holding him. His girlfriend Emily could only watch in horror from the other end of the rope as he plummeted down the mountain. Fortunately, she had her mobile phone with her and, even more fortunately, got a signal so she could call for help.
Within half an hour Dan was being airlifted by the Lochabar Mountain Rescue Team to the emergency department in Fort William. The department there has much experience with such events and has its own specialist in spinal injuries.
Initially Dan was not told anything and Emily (then a fourth year medical student) knew the diagnosis before he did when she saw the results of the x ray. Fractured T12 and L1: Daniel was paraplegic.
The next day Dan was airlifted to...