Empowering Doctors - Career Guidance with Progress With Jess

ABOUT

Progress with Jess

Progress with Jess is an online platform founded by Dr Jessica O'Logbon (MBBS, MPhil), dedicated to helping current and future doctors fulfil their potential, whatever their career goals may be. Through this platform, medics of all stages can gain tips and advice for the application process, an insight into life as a medical student and how to thrive at medical school and beyond.

About: About

My Journey

2016

Rejection to redirection

In 2016, I was unsuccessful in all of my applications to medical school. As one of the only students in my Sixth Form (and the first in my family) attempting to study Medicine, I had to navigate the process by myself - a reality for many aspiring medics. I lacked the knowledge, preparation, and guidance for the medical school application process. So, after receiving all 4 rejections, I decided to take a gap year to reapply.

2017

Gap Year

During that year, I worked on making my new application the best it could be. I got a job as an NHS healthcare assistant then undertook a clinical placement abroad. I eventually received 3 unconditional offers from my chosen medical schools. By sharing my journey on social media platforms, I have tried to inspire other students who have also been unsuccessful to try again!

2017 AND BEYOND...

Paying it forward

Throughout my time at university, I have been a champion for widening participation and supporting young people to pursue their ambitions, regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, or gender. I continue to combine my love of medicine and outreach through my volunteering and mentoring positions within university and beyond, in order to positively influence the next generation. You can find out more about my achievements and other projects I have been involved in below.

Notable achievements

Academia

Awards

Leadership

Speaking engagements

Publications

2024

John Henry Wignell Legacy prize

Prize worth £250 for presentation on elective in neurodevelopmental paediatrics at Johns Hopkins.

2023

Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinical Trainee of the Year

Awarded to an individual undertaking their first qualification as a practitioner working with children in relation to mental health from any background and who demonstrates a clear commitment to evidence-based clinical practice.

Royal College of Psychiatry (RCPsych) Faculty of Addictions Poster Prize Winner

Best poster on 'The effectiveness of digital health technologies for reducing substance use among young people: a systematic review & meta-analysis'. £150 + publication on website.

2022

MPhil in Medical Science (Psychiatry) (Cantab.)

Jessica completed a Master's at the University of Cambridge in 2021-22 as part of her intercalated year. She was awarded 3 scholarships to complete her degree there.

2021

Edgcumbe Award & Nicola Claire Hood Memorial Prize Winner

Jessica was awarded the King's College London Edgcumbe award for achieving the highest mark in her Student Selected Component in her 2nd year of medical education. She was then shortlisted to present her research project: 'Ethnicity influences total serum vitamin B12 concentration – a study of Black, Asian and White patients in a primary care setting' in March 2021. She was one of the winners of the Nicola Claire Hood Memorial Prize of £500.

2020

Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) Medical Student Essay Prize Winner

Jessica was awarded 1st place for her essay entry on: What can surgery learn from other high-performance disciplines? Her prize included a publication of her essay in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery + £150

Young Persons Health Special Interest Group (YPHSIG) Medical Student Essay Prize Winner