Cambridge Medicine MB/PhD Student | Experienced Oxford & Cambridge Medical Interview and Admissions Tutor

Find out more about Dr Anna-Katerina

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I've always been curious about how things work, which led me to study Engineering, then complete a PhD in Cancer Research at Cambridge, and finally pursue Medicine. Tutoring came naturally through helping classmates and younger students throughout my studies, and I quickly discovered how rewarding it is to help someone gain confidence in a subject.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach.

  I mainly teach Biology, Medicine, Mathematics, and related sciences. I enjoy helping students understand the "why" behind concepts rather than simply memorising information. My favourite topics are physiology, neuroscience, genetics, and problem-solving.

• 3) Did you have any role models or teachers who inspired you?

  Yes! I have been fortunate to learn from several excellent teachers throughout my academic journey. The ones who inspired me most were those who made difficult topics feel approachable and encouraged curiosity rather than rote learning.

• 4) What qualities are required to be a good tutor?

  Patience, adaptability, enthusiasm, and good communication. Every student learns differently, so a good tutor needs to tailor their approach and create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.

• 5) Provide an anecdote related to your subject or school days.

  One of the biggest lessons I learned was that struggling with a topic doesn't mean you're bad at it. During my engineering degree, I spent days stuck on a problem, only to realise I needed a different way of thinking about it. That experience still shapes how I teach today.

• 6) What challenges have you faced in your subject?

  Balancing multiple disciplines—engineering, research, and medicine—has been challenging but also very rewarding. It taught me how to learn efficiently and break down complex information into manageable pieces.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion?

  I am passionate about science, medicine, and education. I particularly enjoy exploring how research can improve healthcare and helping students achieve goals they previously thought were out of reach.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof?

  My diverse academic background allows me to explain concepts from different perspectives and adapt to each student's needs. I focus on building confidence, understanding, and independent thinking—not just helping students pass exams.