Name: Rob Davidson
Year: 3
Degree: Medicine
Hometown: Harrogate
Though his father is a doctor, Rob credits his gap year job as a caregiver in a stroke ward as his stimulus for going into medicine. “I originally wanted to be an engineer, I was always building things…I got a job in a stroke ward for nine months during my gap year and it showed me the harsher side of medicine. Just providing very basic cares: bed baths, feedings, and toileting people…it was pretty tough for the first few weeks. You become accustomed to it, but it’s still difficult. You get upset, really upset sometimes. But if I managed to do that job and enjoy it, maybe I could do more interesting things, so I applied.” He spent the remainder of his gap year exploring South America with a friend, paragliding, and sky diving, skiing, and hiking the Inca trail. “I had never been to any of the countries before, and I wanted to see them for myself…I’d recommend it to anyone.”
When asked why he chose to come to St Andrews, Rob smiled and answered simply, “Well, I got in”, before explaining that he was attracted by the opportunity to go somewhere different after third year (Rob is off to Manchester after graduation), and the anatomy portion of the program, “St Andrews is one of the few Uni’s that still does dissection, and it does make a difference. I always hear that St Andrews students have better grounding and basic knowledge. Things like clinical, taking blood, getting blood pressure—it sounds basic, but it’s nice to have a vague idea of what to do early on.” In addition, he cites the close relationship with one’s tutors as another drawing point to the program, and an aspect of university life that would be unattainable in a bigger institution, “they really seem to have your individual needs in mind; you don’t get lost in the system”.
St Andrews held it’s own allure, outside of the medical program. Close knit community, academic families, and house parties are all aspects of the small community that Rob has come to appreciate. “The academic family thing really helped me out in first year, it was a great way to meet other fresher’s.” Rob has chosen to adopt this year, as opposed to in his second year, so he could adopt with his four other housemates, all of who are non-medic third years, “we’ve already had family parties,” he says with a laugh. In addition to adopting together, the boys try and get together at least once a week to catch up over a meal, “there’s a bit of a bromance going on” he says jokingly.
In addition to being a Medic, Academic Father and Bromancer, Rob is currently the Captain of the Saints Rugby 1st team, which was recently promoted to Caledonia 1 level. “I always played at school, and the majority of my mates were on the team. I think it’s a really good way to meet people as well, you get to know people all over the country on various teams and at various levels…” Clearly devoted to the sport, and his team, Rob doesn’t make apologies when it comes to the club’s image, “The rugby club doesn’t get the best press occasionally, but people should know that when all the guys get together it creates a different atmosphere than if they were on their own—which is understandable—it’s a group of thirty rowdy guys, who sometimes sing some inappropriate songs… it’s amusing that we have a reputation, but you have to take it with a pinch of salt.” When asked about the club’s traditions, Rob laughs, “I couldn’t possibly explain; I’d get crucified”, and then continues to chat about the team.
I was a bit apprehensive about meeting Rob for this interview, him being the first Campus Cutie I anonymously solicited via Facebook, but thankfully my fears were unfounded. He was lovely to chat to: funny, clever, dedicated, and open, and we wish him best of luck with the rest of the season and his Uni Career and beyond!
Rapid fire round:
When you’re not studying, or playing rugby, what do you like to do?
I like to sail, go to live gigs, go out on the town, as most guys do.
What kind of music do you like?
I’m mostly into alternative—I really like Bombay Bicycle Club and the Killers. And dance music when we go out, but that’s a bit hard to listen to during the day.
Little known fact you:
I lived for a year in Ann Arbor, Michigan, when I was younger. My father got a job in the Intensive Care Unit at the University of Michigan.
What brings you back to the rugby pitch every day?
As a captain, I have to set an example—even if it’s raining, and everyone’s hung-over. If I’m not prepared to do it, I shouldn’t ask my players to do it. I play for the game—improving my own game, which in turn improves the team’s game. And it’s a good stress relief, after a long day of class I get to go out on the pitch with my mates.”
Best rugby memory?
Going on tour to New Zealand, having just left school with all my best friends. I don’t know how much you know about New Zealand culture, but they often perform a Haka, or war dance, before matches. So our school is on our line, and they’re on there’s— all screaming this M?ori stuff at us, and we just had to take it…they came, seriously, up to our faces.”
How would you describe your personal style?
Quite shabbily dressed, really. Jeans and a t-shirt type of guy; though I do like to get dressed up and go out. I just bought new tartan trousers actually.
Wild night out or quiet night in?
If you’ve been working really hard, I think you need a wild night out: let off some steam, and a few drinks, go for a dance, etc…I think there is time for a quiet night in, but for me personally, after a long week of classes and training, I want to go out.”
Favourite pub
The Vic, early on—it’s nice!
Favourite restaurant
The grill house, it’s so cheap, and I am so stingy…
Biggest fear
Failure
Favorite Time Wastesr:
Facebook, rugby highlights, playing stupid games with the flat, like indoor cricket or play station.
Relationship status
It’s complicated
Elaborated relationship status
“If you’re in the right relationship, I really like being in one. I don’t have a particular type, I just like having someone who has something to say for themselves, really. Don’t be a bimbo, I’m definitely into personality—I’m not just a looks guy….though to be honest, I don’t think I’m looking for anything right now, I’m just enjoying going out with the guys.”