Medical student left in wheelchair driven by new perspective, while Indian graduate hails Belfast ‘embrace’ after losing dad
But after being left in a wheelchair at 22 following an accident in August 2024, he used his life-changing injuries as inspiration to complete his Master’s in Clinical Anatomy at Queen’s University.
“I was involved in a road traffic collision as a pedestrian, where I sustained life-changing injuries to my right leg,” Aidan explained.
“I had multiple fractures, dislocated my knee and damaged a nerve and an artery. I had emergency surgery the next day, where they were thankfully able to save the limb, and I spent three weeks in the Major Trauma Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.”
Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Aidan had to suspend his medical degree indefinitely.
“Suddenly my life as I knew it changed in an instant,” he said. “Everything went on pause, the small things you worry about day to day now seemed insignificant as there was a new priority: healing.
“It was a time of complete uncertainty, what was planned to be a busy year was now an empty calendar, and without a sense of purpose or direction, I felt lost.
“It was difficult to go from being a fully independent and proactive person to now being completely dependent on others.”
He added: “It was also difficult to know I would be falling behind my peers who were progressing on as expected.”
Despite the challenges, Aidan decided to focus on his treatment and finding purpose in his situation.
“While in hospital, I started looking to see if there were any courses that could take me in at late notice at Queen’s, so as not to waste a year and have nothing to show for it.”
He joined the Clinical Anatomy Master’s course.
“I was always keen to pursue a surgical career, and this seemed like a fitting course to help me build skills for the future,” he said.
“I had been working on a business idea with one of my medical student peers and we heard there was innovation funding and applied to the Dragon’s Den pitch competition.
“We then went on to get selected for the start-up acceleration QUEST programme and had the opportunity to learn from local entrepreneurs, get specific coaching, and help advance our business idea.”
Aidan’s dissertation looked at the specific injury that he faced, and aimed to help future outcomes for patients who find themselves in similar situations.
He hopes to continue developing these business and research projects moving forward.
Swapnali De
“It was great news to wake up with two legs after the surgery! I spent all year with the physios doing intensive rehab to help me walk again. This is a work in progress.
“From starting the course in a wheelchair and then progressing to crutches, I was glad to be on my feet by the time I finished the course. I am very proud of all I have achieved over this past year.”
Aidan Hegarty
News Catch Up – Wednesday 10 December
Following his graduation, Aidan will be returning to complete his medicine course at the University of Liverpool and will continue focusing on his business development ideas, as well as continuing with his physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Also graduating is Swapnali De, from India, who has completed a Master’s in Experimental Medicine. For the Queen’s student, Belfast has become a place of healing following her father’s passing.
In 2021, Swapnali lost her father, who she calls her “guiding light and unwavering supporter” to COVID-19.
She described how “Belfast just wrapped me in this warm, comforting embrace from the moment I arrived, like I was always meant to be here”.
“This city held me when I needed grounding the most, and without even realising it, it slowly started feeling like home,” she added.
Swapnali will continue to combine her love of science with holistic wellness and has recently started a new post as a Clinic Technician with ACCA Longevity Clinic in Belfast.