An Armagh man is graduating today with a Master’s degree in Clinical Anatomy from Queen’s University Belfast after overcoming life-changing injuries he sustained as a pedestrian following a serious road traffic collision.
Just before starting the fourth year of his undergraduate medical degree at the University of Liverpool, Aidan Hegarty’s life took an unexpected turn when he was left in a wheelchair, aged just 22, following a serious road traffic collision in August 2024.
Aidan recalls: “I was involved in a road traffic collision as a pedestrian, where I sustained life changing injuries to my right leg. 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 make the tough decision to suspend his medical degree indefinitely.
Remembering a difficult time, he reflects: “Suddenly my life as I knew it changed in an instant. 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. It was also difficult to know I would be falling behind my peers who were progressing on as expected.”
Despite these challenges, Aidan decided to focus on his treatment and getting better, adopting a positive attitude and finding purpose in his situation.
He describes: “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. Luckily the team at Queen’s were very accommodating and allowed me to join 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. I was impressed by what I saw online of the facilities, course content and staff and applied immediately. The staff and students were very accommodating of my needs and supported me throughout my recovery.”
He outlines how Queen’s played a vital role in his journey: “I was surprised at how much Queen’s had to offer its students, from the Students’ Union to amazing innovation programmes, I was really blown away. 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 Hegarty
Aidan enjoyed his time studying at Queen’s and his dissertation even looked at the specific injury that he faced, to help future outcomes of patients who find themselves in similar situations. He hopes to continue developing these business and research projects moving forward.
Today, as he graduates from Queen’s, Aidan carries the lessons he has learned with him: “This experience changed my perspective in many ways, I found it very important to turn negative experiences into positive outcomes, and to do anything possible to move forwards, regardless of what life throws at you.”
“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.”
Following his graduation today, 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.
