Andrea Gardiner

A self-avowed 'country girl', Dr Andrea Gardiner tells us about her time since graduation including her fascinating life in Ecuador, both as a doctor and in helping to provide a world class education for children.

Your time at the University

I chose Edinburgh University because I love Scotland and it has an excellent reputation for teaching medicine. I had a wonderful few years in the city. It is such a unique, ancient city with many quaint haunts.

Being a country girl I enjoyed the fact it is not too big, and the friendliness of the people I met there.

I volunteered with the North Leith Parish church Girls´ Brigade, which enabled me to mix with and get to know some Edinburgh natives (not just students). I remain firmly in touch with my flatmates from student days, who have become life-long friends.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

After leaving University I completed GP training in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Two years in Shetland were a particular highlight. I loved the people and the life there.

I love helping children to go to school so that they can access some of the wonderful opportunities my world class education has brought me.

In 2005 I set off for Ecuador, where I have been working for charity ever since. We set up the charity based in Scotland, Project Ecuador to support the work. I work in a village health centre, run a child sponsorship scheme and a craft project.

My Ecuadorean husband builds houses for the poor. I love helping children to go to school so that they can access some of the wonderful opportunities my world class education has brought me.

I have written my story in a memoir entitled 'Guinea Pig For Breakfast'.

Maybe one day one of our graduates will have the chance to visit the marvellous city of Edinburgh!

Alumni wisdom

Think outside the box. Make the most of every opportunity you are given… life is short and to be lived to the full