MONICA BUSACCA
Leatherhead,UK
Summary
Newly qualified doctor with prior experience as a Physician Associate in both primary and secondary care settings. Experienced in clinical assessment, decision-making, procedural skills, and patient communication. Able to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and to recognise and escalate acutely unwell patients in acute settings. Seeking to build on a strong clinical foundation within the NHS, with a developing interest in medical research.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Physician Associate
Medway Medical Centre, GP practice
Gillingham, Kent
2022.06 - 2022.12
- Conducted telemedicine consultations via phone.
- Identified and prioritised patients based on assessment of red flags.
- Leveraged technology such as AccuRx for secure visualisation of dermatological conditions.
- Cooperated with team members to delegate tasks effectively.
Physician Associate
Suvera
Online, UK
2021.06 - 2021.08
- Conducted remote consultations to gather patient histories and assess hypertension symptoms.
- Collaborated with GPs to develop management plans for patients.
- Utilised System One for efficient record-keeping and data management.
- Enhanced computer skills through use of programmes such as Excel, Zoom, Slack, and ClickUps.
- Educated patients on hypertension management and prevention strategies.
Physician Associate
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
Epsom, Surrey
2018.10 - 2021.08
- Carried out consultations including history-taking, and examining patient, discuss management plans with senior doctors and arranging further investigations.
- Performed a variety of procedures ranging from arterial/venous bloods and cannula, catheters, suturing and wound management to specialised procedures (fascia iliac blocks, FAST scan)
- Enhanced decision-making skills to ensure an efficient and accurate standard of care was delivered at all times, especially under pressure.
- Delivered medical support to paediatric and adult patients, allowing me to develop a breadth of flexible skills and knowledge to address varying healthcare needs.
- Learnt to utilise knowledge to escalate complex and acute cases to the appropriate specialist promptly and effectively.
Part-time University Lecturer
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, UK
2020.10 - 2021.07
- Delivered lectures online and face to face to physician associate students.
- Supported assessment of students in OSCEs.
- Adapted teaching methods to cover diverse topics and enhanced knowledge of up-to-date guidelines.
- Collaborated with lecturers to improve programme delivery and developed communication and teamwork skills.
Healthcare assistant
Nurse Plus
Plympton, Devon
2016.06 - 2016.07
- Assisted in providing care for patients, particularly those with dementia.
- Learned basic manual handling techniques and first aid measures.
- Recognised and managed instances of abuse while employing various caring methods to enhance patient comfort.
Befriender
Age UK
Plymouth, Devon
2015.11 - 2016.04
- Supported a woman with advanced dementia in a residential home from November 2015.
- Provided emotional care and companionship to enhance well-being.
- Organised activities, including puzzles, to help stimulate short-term memory.
Research Assistant
Plymouth University
Plymouth, Devon
2015.06 - 2015.07
- Assisted Professor Kim Tieu and his researchers team in a medical project on Parkinson's disease.
- Supported investigations into PD pathogenesis through examination of synuclein aggregates and mitochondrial impairment.
- Acquired skills in molecular techniques such as immunocytochemistry, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting.
- Leant how to disseminate scientific information to the public by presenting in poster presentations.
Volunteering
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth, UK
2014.11 - 2015.06
- Assisted medical staff in patient care within medical assessment unit ward.
- Observed doctors during patient interactions and learned about their job and the medical teamwork.
- Supported doctors when conducting physical tests and diagnostic procedures.
Student Ambassador
Plymouth University
Plymouth, UK
2014.10 - 2015.06
- Supported university initiatives as a student ambassador at Plymouth University.
- Facilitated engaging discussions, promoting idea-sharing among diverse groups of newcomers and their relatives.
- Developed communication skills to enhance visitors' first experiences.
First Aid Society Member
First Aid Society, Plymouth University
Plymouth, UK
2014.10 - 2015.03
- Assisted in learning first aid techniques through monitored practice.
- Acquired skills in CPR, recovery position, making slings, and managing trauma emergencies.
- Learnt how to manage dangerous and tense situations in clinical and non-clinical environments.
Research Assistant
Plymouth University
, UK
2014.06 - 2014.07
- Assisted in research project within genetic and proteomic laboratory led by Professor Neil Avent.
- Gained experience in contemporary genetic techniques such as qPCR, RT-PCR, and agarose gel.
- Leant how to work within a team and how to disseminate scientific information to public by presenting in poster presentations.
Volunteering
Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Society
, UK
2013.11 - 2014.03
- Supported bone marrow donation awareness initiatives at Anthony Nolan Association from November 2013.
- Engaged with diverse individuals to provide information regarding bone marrow donation benefits and implications.
- Facilitated informed decision-making for potential donors by presenting balanced viewpoints.
Education
MBBS - Medicine and Surgery
Queen Mary University of London
Malta 2021.09 - 2026.06
Postgraduate Diploma - Physician Associate studies
University of Reading
Reading 2016.09 - 2018.06
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
University of Plymouth
Malta 2013.09 - 2016.06
Italian Diploma di Esame di Stato - Languages
Liceo Linguistico "La Cultura"
Comiso (Ragusa), Italy 2008.09 - 2013.06
Skills
Clinical Practice
- Structured clinical assessment (history-taking and physical examination)
- Formulation of differential diagnoses and management plans
- Pattern recognition analysis, situational assessment and decision-making
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Critical thinking and scientific understanding
Clinical Procedures
- Venepuncture, cannulation, arterial blood gas sampling
- Suturing and wound management
- Urinary catheterisation
- Point-of-care ultrasound (FAST, AAA, gallbladder)
- Assisting in airway management and intubation (under supervision)
Communication & Teamwork
- Teamwork and leadership
- Empathetic patient communication and education
Languages
- English (native)
- Italian (native)
- Spanish (basic)
Certification
- ILS (2026) awarded by Malta Resus Council
- BLS instructor (2025) awarded by Malta Resus Council
- Pleural procedure course (2021) awarded by Epsom and St Helier Hospital: practical training on the insertion of chest drain.
- A&E Red Dot course (2020): on chest x-ray and limb x-ray review, including paeditric fractures.
- Orthopaedic and Trauma course for emergency medicine (2019) awarded by Orthopaedic research UK on the management of fractures and minor injuries.
- Level 1 USS course (2019) by Epsom and St Helier Hospital: Trained to perform ultrasound scan including FAST scans and scans for peripheral and central venous access.
- Trauma and Burns course (2019) by Queen's Hospital on the management of common minor injuries.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Italian
Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Beginner
Personal Information
Nationality: British and Italian
Accomplishments
- Awarded the Anthony J Williams Memorial Prize in Year 1 of medical school for the being the best student in Paper 1C and 1D.
- Awarded the Draper's Company Prize in Year 2 for being the 3rd best student overall in my cohort.
Timeline
Physician Associate
Medway Medical Centre, GP practice
2022.06 - 2022.12
MBBS - Medicine and Surgery
Queen Mary University of London
2021.09 - 2026.06
Physician Associate
Suvera
2021.06 - 2021.08
Part-time University Lecturer
University of Portsmouth
2020.10 - 2021.07
Physician Associate
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals
2018.10 - 2021.08
Postgraduate Diploma - Physician Associate studies
University of Reading
2016.09 - 2018.06
Healthcare assistant
Nurse Plus
2016.06 - 2016.07
Befriender
Age UK
2015.11 - 2016.04
Research Assistant
Plymouth University
2015.06 - 2015.07
Volunteering
Derriford Hospital
2014.11 - 2015.06
Student Ambassador
Plymouth University
2014.10 - 2015.06
First Aid Society Member
First Aid Society, Plymouth University
2014.10 - 2015.03
Research Assistant
Plymouth University
2014.06 - 2014.07
Volunteering
Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Society
2013.11 - 2014.03
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science
University of Plymouth
2013.09 - 2016.06
Italian Diploma di Esame di Stato - Languages
Liceo Linguistico "La Cultura"
2008.09 - 2013.06