Our Mission

Name: Dr Dibah Jiva

Position: CEO & Founder of theMSAG

Where are you from?: I am originally from Paris, France and currently I live in Barcelona Spain

Medical School: The University of Nottingham Medical School

Admissions Experience: I have personally helped over 500 individual families get into medicine on top of the group courses we run.

Awards or Accomplishments: Finalist Inspirational Woman of the Year 2018 - in Women in International Education Awards
What’s your day job? : Running theMSAG as well as going to school for my MBA

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am the multitasker! 

What do you do in your spare time?: Love travelling, having been to over 60 countries by the time I was 30 yrs old (& still counting). Cooking, eating and playing games as well as watching the ocean are some of my favourite things to do

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #SmileEveryday

Name: Dr Ashish Mandavia 

Position: Products & Services Director 

Year Joined: 2016 

Where are you from?: I am from London and currently living here.  

Medical School: University of Bristol 

Admissions experience: 2 years on the interview panel at Bristol 

Awards & Accomplishments: pulling off a nine-month plan to propose to the woman of my dreams without her finding out

What’s your day job? This is! But, I have been known to moonlight as an A&E doctor.

What’s your MSAG superpower? I’m the Problem Solver – if there’s an issue that needs fixing, they come to me! 

What do you do in your spare time? Wedding planning (for my own wedding).  I’m a massive Liverpool FC fan!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #justkeepswimming

Name: Aly Karim   

Position: Finance & Operations Director 

Year Joined:  2015
Where are you from?: I am originally from Toronto, Canada and currently living in Barcelona, Spain
Education: I have a degree in Biology and am currently getting my MBA at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Awards or Accomplishments:  Discrete Mathematics award, gold medals in taekwondo, dragon boating, ultimate frisbee and baseball.
What’s your day job? Helping to run theMSAG and a full-time student

What’s your MSAG superpower?  I am the Excel wizard

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy socializing with friends and family.

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #bethechangeyouwanttoseeintheworld

Name: Dr Fei Zhang

Position: Business Development Manager

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am from London and currently live here.

Medical School: Imperial College London
Admissions experience: Teaching at theMSAG interview courses and MMI circuits

Awards or Accomplishments: I was the co-author for a magazine article about the world's top 50 most valuable beauty brands and was interviewed as an expert opinion on live national TV
What’s your day job? Full time Business Development Manager at theMSAG

What’s your MSAG superpower? Managing the blog and getting involved with everything else!

What do you do in your spare time?  I enjoy going out, gyming and travelling
If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #Goforit

Name: Brianna Fritsch

Position: Website Design & Digital Strategy Manager

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: The United States of America but I currently live in Belgium

Education: I have a degree in Veterinary Technology, a Business degree with a concentration in Human Resources and a certification in website development.

Awards or Accomplishments: Graduated in the top 20% of my class
What’s your day job? I am proud to say this is it!

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am the website design and SEO guru! 

What do you do in your spare time? I love travelling, yoga, working out, water-skiing, hiking, scuba diving, bungee jumping and anything else that gets my adrenaline pumping! 
If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #adventureawaits

Name: Anshuman Bagri

Position: E-Learning Manager

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: I am originally from Calcutta, India but currently I live in Barcelona, Spain

Education: I have double majors in Marketing and Management from the University of Newcastle, Australia

Awards or Accomplishments: I’m a professional Dance choreographer 

What’s your day job? : This is, but I’m also a freelance football writer.

What’s your MSAG superpower?: I’m the MACHINE! The day ends when the work ends!

What do you do in your spare time?: I’m deeply interested in world cinema, online content creation on platforms, watching & playing Football

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #beastmodeon

Name: Dr Kate Drewek

Position: Interview Course Manager

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?:I am from Guildford, Surrey, currently living in South London

Medical School: The University of Nottingham 

Admissions Experience: 3 summers teaching UKCAT, trained in the art of MMI interviewing at St George’s University of London

Awards or Accomplishments: Winning ‘student-led project of the year’ award while president of Marrow society at university

What’s your day job?: Junior doctor - Paediatrics trainee

What’s your MSAG superpower?: Probably positivity, people say I am always smiling and very calm under pressure. Also organisation, I love a good spreadsheet!

What do you do in your spare time?: Arts and crafts- birthday cards are my speciality 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #signuptodonatebonemarrowpls

Name: Dr Rony Sanyal

Position: Online Interview Course Manager

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: Born and brought up in India, but moved to the UK at the age of 7, lived here ever since and currently living in Birmingham

Medical School: Leicester Medical School

Admissions Experience: 1 year on the interview panel at Nottingham University 

Awards or Accomplishments: Established and ran Situational Judgement Test courses in Birmingham and Nottingham, Intercalated Bsc in medical research
What’s your day job? : I’m into my second year of GP training 

What’s your MSAG superpower? I’m a motivator – I’ll guarantee you’ll leave me with a smile on your face. 

What do you do in your spare time?: I like to compose tunes on my guitar/piano - one day I’ll actually have some spare time to share them with you!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #workhardplayhard

Name: Gerens Curnow

Position: Guidebook Manager

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: I am from Cornwall, England and I currently live here.

Medical School: University of Exeter

Application Experience: I have given lectures to 70-100 A-level students on Medical School Applications

Awards or Accomplishments: Winner of two medical education grants from the Association for the Study of Medical Education
What’s your day job? : I am a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower?: Attention to detail! I make sure all information is accurate, well written and on time! 

What do you do in your spare time?: I enjoy eating out, and am involved with a few different clinical research groups as well. I also enjoy surfing and squash.

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #aimforthestars

Name: Jasen Soopramanien

Position: Personal Statement Co-manager& Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: I was born and raised in the UK and currently living here.

Medical School: : King’s College London

Admissions Experience: I have worked for theMSAG for 1.5 years now helping students with interviews and personal statements.

Awards or Accomplishments: I have completed 4 half marathons! 

What’s your day job? : I am currently a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? The Utility Man (James Milner, if you will) 

What do you do in your spare time?: Playing hockey for the university and the unwavering diehard support of the Arsenal (COYG)

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

Name: Manushri Jain

Position: Personal Statement Co-manager& Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: I am originally from India and currently living in the UK

Medical School: University of Birmingham

Admissions Experience: Interviewer for Birmingham MMIs in 2017 and for mock interviews for the widening program at Birmingham 

Awards or Accomplishments: I can communicate in 6 languages!
What’s your day job? : I’m currently a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am the Time Lord! 

What do you do in your spare time?: Explore the city, try out new restaurants and catch up on Netflix. 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #chocolatemakeseverythingbetter

Name: Marine Thizon

Position: Summer School Co-manager

Year Joined: 2015

Where are you from?: I am originally from France and currently living in Belgium

Education: Master in Political Science

Awards or Accomplishments: My most recent accomplishment is my beautiful baby girl! 
What’s your day job? : Policy Adviser on EU trade policy

What’s your MSAG superpower? Being synthetic, my motto is less is more!

What do you do in your spare time?: I enjoy singing, yogaing and sewing!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #teamworkisthedreamwork

Name: Dr Hrushikesh (Hrush) Vyas

Position: Summer School Co-manager & Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: I am from Skegness but I currently live in Birmingham

Medical School: University of Birmingham

Admissions Experience: Sat on University of Birmingham Medical School interview panel

Awards or Accomplishments: I have been awarded studentships from the Arthur Thompson Trust and British Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy for research projects

What’s your day job?: Academic Foundation Year 2 Doctor: Anaesthetics and Critical Care Theme 

What’s your MSAG superpower? The ability to make you interview well

What do you do in your spare time?: Cricket fan, food enthusiast and self-proclaimed FIFA champion

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #MSAGSwag

Name: Tamsin Dyer

Position: Customer Relations Officer

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I'm originally from Benfleet in Essex, but currently living in Clapham

Medical School: King's College London

Application Experience: I have graduate application experience (from the last 2 application cycles).

Awards or Accomplishments: PGDip in Clinical Oncology, and have 2 military medals from my time as a reservist in the RAF
What’s your day job? : I’m currently a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? Attention to detail! 

What do you do in your spare time?: If you can’t find me rowing, or pulling fat ergos at the gym, then you will find me brunching, baking or with a cocktail in hand

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #chocolatemakeseverythingbetter

Name: Lukas Kay

Position: Visual Content Producer &Social Media Officer

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I was born in Czech Republic, lived in Canada that I found too cold, for last 5 years I have lived in London

Education:  I am currently studying for my Master’s degree in Computational Art at Goldsmith’s University

Awards or Achievements: I exhibited a collaborative project ‘Usher Syndrome’ in Moorfield’s Eye Hospital to raise awareness for diseases not commonly known.

What’s your day job? : Apart from working for theMSAG, I am a freelance photographer

What’s your MSAG superpower? Making things pretty, neat and as ‘visually MSAG’ as possible

What do you do in your spare time?: Apart from studying, I love making food, travelling and going to art exhibitions

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #beyourbestself

Name: Jacob Bryant

Position: Team Videographer

Year Joined: 2018 

Where are you from?: I am from Bristol, England and currently living here

Education: I attended Screenology Film School

Awards or Accomplishments: Best videographer and best director on short film showcase (18) 2016

What’s your day job?: I am a videographer 

What’s your MSAG superpower? Making pictures come to life!

What do you do in your spare time?: I like hiking, bike rides, rock climbing and writing.

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #livelifetothefull

Name: Dr Hannah Pierce

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: I am from and currently living in the UK

Medical School: Keele Medical School

Awards or Accomplishments: Completing my masters in medical education

What’s your day job? :  O&G trainee 

What’s your MSAG superpower? Having the most outfit and lipstick changes when filming videos! 

What do you do in your spare time?: Ballroom and Latin dancing, boxing & reading 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #isittimeforfoodyet?

Name: Dr Paul Grant

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am from and currently living in East Sussex

Medical School: Guy’s & St.Thomas’ Hospitals Medical Schools

Admissions Experience: Medical school interview panels and MMI circuits

Awards or Accomplishments: Quality in Healthcare Travelling Fellowship, Publication of The Gestational Diabetes Survival Guide

What’s your day job? : Health Technology Consultant | Consultant endocrinologist

What’s your MSAG superpower? My role play skills!

What do you do in your spare time?: Samaritans volunteer

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #howcanIhelp?

Name: Dr Joe Westaby

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2009

Where are you from?: I am from London and I currently live here.

Medical School: Nottingham Medical School

Admissions Experience: Medical school Interviewer for St George’s University of London

Awards or Accomplishments: Leadership awards F1/F2, distinction award for presentation on Innervation at national academic trainee meeting

What’s your day job? : ACF/SpR in histopathology with a specialist interest in sudden cardiac death 

What’s your MSAG superpower? Having a different perspective 

What do you do in your spare time?: I like to cycle, travel, and enjoy good food!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #livefortoday

Name: Dr Sumaya Gurhan

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I was born in the Netherlands but I currently live in UK.

Medical School: Nottingham Medical School

Admissions Experience: Events coordinator for widening access to medical school society

Awards or Accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment is getting accepted into medical school

What’s your day job? : I am a Junior Doctor

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am good at understanding the worries of students and instilling confidence. 

What do you do in your spare time?: I enjoy socialising and travelling. There is so much of the world that I want to see!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #aimhigh

Name: Dr Chitra Meyyappan

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am a Canadian citizen currently residing in Birmingham.

Medical School:  The University of Birmingham

Admissions Experience: Sat on the MMI circuit panel at University of Birmingham.

Awards or Accomplishments: National biology scholar in the Canadian biology competition & St John Ambulance ‘ Grand Prior Badge’

What’s your day job?: I am a GP trainee

What’s your MSAG superpower? I bring my knowledge and put it into action!

What do you do in your spare time?: ? I am an avid traveller! I usually am either travelling or planning my next adventurous trip! 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #keepsmiling

Name:  Nikitha Yemula

Position:  Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I was born in India and moved to the UK when I was three years old. Currently doing an FY3 year involving a mixture of locuming and travelling!

Medical School: University of Leicester 

Admissions Experience: President of Leicester Insight (teaching society)

Awards or Accomplishments: My proudest achievements include a 52 mile charity bike race where over £250 was donated, and also winning 1st prize at a regional respiratory medicine conference with a tasty £600 award - kerching!

What’s your day job? : I am a FY3 in Birmingham currently

What’s your MSAG superpower? Spotting a comma masquerading as a full stop! 

What do you do in your spare time?: I enjoy cycling, hiking and watching Netflix

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #dontaskdontget

Name:  Samiyah Saghir

Position: Interview Coach

Year Joined:  2018

Where are you from?: I am from the UK and currently living in London

Medical School: King’s College London GKT School of Medical Education

Admissions Experience: Going through the application process myself has helped me gain relevant experience to help students going through the process now.

Awards or Accomplishments: . I have completed the silver Duke of Edinburgh award during my time at school.

What’s your day job?:  I am a medical student

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am always ready and eager to help

What do you do in your spare time?: I am a born-bookworm, you can often find me curled up with a novel in one hand and a cup of tea in the other

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #workworkworkworkwork

Name:  Amina Malik

Position: Interview Coach & Script Writer

Year Joined:  2017

Where are you from?: I am from Nuneaton and I currently live here.

Medical School: University of Glasgow

Admissions Experience: Working for theMSAG and going through the process myself 

What’s your day job?: FY2

What’s your MSAG superpower? I don’t need caffeine to function

What do you do in your spare time?:I run and play for a midland based Ultimate frisbee team, Hydra Ultimate

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #YOLO

Name: Rebekah (Becky) Morris

Position: Research Assistant & Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: I'm from Brighton in the UK, currently living in Exeter

Medical School: Exeter Medical School

Admissions Experience: My experience comes from my own process of going through medical school interviews and working with theMSAG at interview courses.

Awards or Accomplishments: Was part of the 2nd place team in the national student medical ethics debating competition.

What’s your day job?: I am a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? I love making students sweat playing an angry patient in role plays!

What do you do in your spare time?: I love doing DIY

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #treatyoself

Name: Alyssa Alidina

Position: Research Assistant 

Year Joined:  2017

Where are you from?: I am from and currently live in Toronto, Ontario

Education:I am currently studying Economics and Math at McMaster University

What’s your day job?:  I am currently a student

What do you do in your spare time?:  When I’m not studying for my actuarial exams, I love hanging out with my friends and family

What;s your MSAG superpower? I am the human calculator! 

Hashtag: #Everydayimcalculatin’

Name:  Rebecca Cervenak

Position: Content Writer

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I'm originally from the UK. I'm from Newcastle and currently based in London

Medical School: King's College London

Admissions Experience: Having gone through the experience myself I use my own personal experience to help students reach their goals! 

Awards or Accomplishments: I have received the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

What’s your day job?:  I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? Speedy keyboard typing 

What do you do in your spare time?:  Sports, I like running and hockey

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #justdoit

Name:  Roxanne

Position: Content Writer & Interview Coach

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: I’m from Belfast in Northern Ireland and living in London

Medical School: King's College London

Admissions Experience: Going into my 3rd Year at King’s, applied for Medicine as a Biomedical Science graduate after missing out on the grades at A level. 

Awards or Accomplishments: Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

What’s your day job?: I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? I am one of the Guidebook Guru’s and can find out every teeny tiny detail you need to know about applying to a university!

What do you do in your spare time?: Play hockey for my university team. I love travelling and trying different types of food and drink.

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #nevergiveup

Name: Dr Oonagh King

Position: Content Writer

Year Joined: 2013

Where are you from?: I am from and currently live in Belfast in Northern Ireland

Medical School: Queen’s University Belfast

Admissions Experience: I worked in volunteer recruitment in the charitable sector for a year and interviewed over forty volunteers who wanted to support people with mental health problems as part of a financial capability project.

Awards or Accomplishments: I set up a peer mentoring programme for people with mental health problems in South London

What’s your day job?: I am a trainee in Histopathology

What’s your MSAG superpower?  Being able to give constructive feedback in the nicest possible way

What do you do in your spare time?: I sail, read and plan holidays with my husband!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #happy

Name: Caroline Olabisi

Position: Content Writer

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: I am originally from London and currently living here! 

Medical School:  Bart’s and The London School of Medicine

Admissions Experience: As a recent applicant to medical school, I have recent experience taking the UKCAT and BMAT as well as tailoring personal statements to different medical schools and being successful at interview.

Awards or Accomplishments: Expedition Travelling Award for my research project in Singapore

What’s your day job?: I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower?  Helping to put together our wonderful guidebooks

What do you do in your spare time?:  Rowing and socializing with friends

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #beyourself

Name: Saif Akhter Ansari

Position: Content Writer

Year Joined: 2017

Where are you from?: I am originally from India, but I’ve lived my whole life outside. I’m currently residing in Blackburn, UK.

Medical School: University of Central Lancashire

Admissions Experience: Sat Interview panel at University of Liverpool and MMI at University of Central Lancashire

Awards or Accomplishments: Best singer in school award

What’s your day job?: I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower?  The power to use Slack

What do you do in your spare time?: I like to read, play snooker, go to the gym and enjoy the beach!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #FCBarcelona

Name:  Dr Ella Quintela

Position:  Content Writer & Personal Statement Coach

Year Joined: 2016

Where are you from?: The Philippines but currently I live in Leeds, England

Medical School: University of Nottingham

Admissions Experience:  Ambassador and e-mentor, member of widening access to medicine society (WAMS) committee, interviewing for the medical school and as a representative on the admissions panel.

Awards or Accomplishments: Getting in and (making it through) medical school

What’s your day job? : Junior Doctor in West Yorkshire 

What’s your MSAG superpower? All around good egg - I like to get involved in lots of different things 

What do you do in your spare time?: Planning my next trip, catching up with friends, known to dabble in karate every now and again 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #smashthosegoals

Name:  Shivani Sharma

Position: Content writer and script reviewer

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am from and currently living in London

Medical School: Imperial College London

Admissions Experience: I have been on the interview panel for Imperial and worked with many outreach programmes to help prospective students get into medical school

Awards or Accomplishments: I organised and taught a first aid training program in the moutains villages of Nepal. I also won the Peter Medawar Prize award by the Imperial NHS trust. 

What’s your day job?: I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower? Adaptability! - happy to help in anything 

What do you do in your spare time?: I love painting and reading books. I also love going to instagramable London cafes... who doesnt?

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #mischiefmanaged

Name: Christie Mellor

Position: UKCAT Tutor & Personal Statement Review Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am from Northwest England and I currently live in Newcastle

Medical School: Newcastle University Medical School and currently doing an intercalated masters in Medical Research

Admissions Experience: I have worked in many different roles as a tutor to help students prepare for medical school admissions.

Awards or Accomplishments: NHIVNA/Mediscript Clinical Practice Award

What’s your day job?: I'm a Medical Student

What’s your MSAG superpower?  Getting people to think outside the box

What do you do in your spare time?:  Running half-marathons, netball, and cycling. I also have a sweet tooth and love cooking vegetarian food! 

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #ifyourdontbelieveinyourselfnobodyelsewill

Name: Aqsa Ahmed

Position: UKCAT Tutor & Personal Statement Review Coach

Year Joined: 2018

Where are you from?: I am from and currently living in the UK

Dental School: King's College London

Admissions Experience: 5 years private tutor, 3 of which have been doing UKCAT tutoring and trained in personal statement tutoring

Awards or Accomplishments: Prosthetics Class Prize

What’s your day job?: I'm a Dental Student

What’s your MSAG superpower?  Team player, always willing to work together to get the job done and have a joke or two in the process!

What do you do in your spare time?: I enjoy socialising!

If I could use one hashtag for the rest of my life, it would be: #stepbystep