A UNIVERSITY of Limerick School of Medicine graduate, whose family came to Limerick to make a new life, is celebrating after receiving five medals in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.
Kornelia Dembicka received five medals in recognition of her outstanding academic performance at UL’s summer conferring ceremonies.
The awards included first prize in the Discipline of Surgery, first prize in Professional Competencies, first prize in the Discipline of Paediatrics, first prize for Overall Performance in the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme, as well as the O’Higgins Medal – presented to the BMBS graduate with the highest mark in final.
Kornelia came to Ireland from Poland with her family at the age of six, where they settled in the West Limerick village of Croagh.
“My family quickly grew fond of Limerick, and we’ve never considered living anywhere else,” Kornelia says.
“I attended Coláiste na Trócaire Secondary School in Rathkeale, where I had a truly enjoyable experience. The friendships I formed and the support I received there played a big role in shaping who I am today.”
Kornelia’s family is well known in Limerick City as proprietors of Café Rose on Roche’s Street, run by her mother Katarzyna, her sister Magda, and brother-in-law Jacek.
Kornelia completed her undergraduate degree in biomedical science in Cork, but a placement in the pathology lab at University Hospital Limerick shifted her focus.
“While training as a medical scientist, I found myself increasingly curious about what was happening beyond the laboratory, and I realised that I was drawn to a career with more direct patient interaction. I decided to take the leap and sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and apply to the School of Medicine in UL,” she shared.
While her final assessments – 15 exams over nine days – were one of the most challenging periods of her studies, Kornelia credits preparation, resilience, and support from her community for helping her to succeed.
“My fiancé, parents, sisters, extended family, and friends consistently encouraged me over the four years and ensured I could focus all of my attention on studying. Thanks to their support, I’m now able to pursue a career in medicine, and I will always be thankful for that.”
