2017_04_03_CIE_alicia_calvo

Alicia Calvo (Biochemistry 98, PhD 04), could have continued her degree program in the field of food industry and management projects. However, she decided to pursue her dream of pursuing a career in Biology in the hospital setting, for which she prepared for the Resident Biologist Intern exam. His decision has brought him the extra satisfaction of obtaining 6th place in the test 2016-17.

- After graduating from Biochemistry in the 97-98 academic year, how has your career path been until the 2017 biochemistry residency program ?
I graduated in Biochemistry in 1998 and then I did the thesis in the department of Internal Medicine at the University of Navarra between the years 1999 and 2004. After finishing the thesis , I studied a second licentiate degree in Oenology and for many years I have worked as an oenologist, managing the laboratory of a winery. During that time I took a postgraduate course as a university specialist for quality in laboratories, as well as other courses related to quality issues in the agri-food industry and management of technological and innovation projects.

Although I have been working for several years with a career guidance more focused on the agri-food industry, what I have always liked is the healtharea . Therefore, when my personal circumstances have allowed me to dedicate time to it, I have decided to prepare the biochemistry residency program with all the enthusiasm in the world.

- With the position you have obtained, you will surely be able to choose specialization program. Which one will you choose?
Each specialization program has its appeal, but the one that interests me the most is Clinical Analysis.

- Do you consider that the preparation for the exam is especially hard?
The truth is yes, even more so if we take into account that the skill has been increasing in recent years, there are few vacancies and people are increasingly prepared. In the biochemistry residency program we are required a result well above the average of the other exams for resident interns, so it is essential a good preparation. In my case I went to the BIRFIRplus academy in Pamplona for guidance and to set an appropriate study pace.

The psychological support from teachers and colleagues at the academy is also essential. In my case, I added the need to recycle myself, since I finished the degree program many years ago and many things had changed or even I had forgotten. One point in favor is the syllabus itself, which is beautiful. When I studied it, I thought that I had not made a mistake when I decided to prepare the biochemistry residency program, despite the difficulties...

- With the perspective of your work experience, do you consider that the scientific training received at the University prepares you to face a labor market that has changed so much in recent years?
Yes, of course. A good training is essential and I believe that the University of Navarra has provided me with it. Thanks to the training I have received, I have been able to adapt to the changes that have arisen in my working life. On the one hand, I have worked for many years using the knowledge I learned, both at licentiate degree and at thesis .

Also, I am absolutely certain that, without the solid foundation of licentiate degree, I would not have been able to take up this subject so many years after finishing. Now that I have place, I am looking forward to residency program with great enthusiasm.