Bupa, as the official healthcare partner for ParalympicsGB, is committed to fostering inclusive environments and breaking down societal barriers, ensuring more people have access to equal opportunities for personal and professional growth. Among those embracing this mission is Grace Harvey, a Paralympian swimmer known for her relentless drive in the pool. Now, Grace is preparing to dive into a new challenge as she pursues her dream of becoming a dentist.
Balancing a Dual Career
Grace Harvey is no stranger to pushing limits. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, where she won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke, she has since continued to excel, becoming a world champion and earning silver at the Commonwealth Games. Earlier this year, she added European champion to her list of accomplishments. As she gears up for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Grace is also focused on a very different goal—becoming a dentist.
Alongside her swimming career, Grace has pursued academic excellence, earning an undergraduate degree in immunology and currently completing a master’s in public dental health. Her long-term ambition is clear: she wants to make her mark in the world of dentistry.
Navigating a Busy Life
Grace’s daily schedule is intense, with early morning and late evening training sessions, leaving the daytime for academic pursuits. She thrives in this high-paced environment, attributing her success to effective time management. Traveling between her university and the National Performance Centre in Manchester for training, Grace admits that the demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, she finds balance by alternating her focus between swimming and studying, allowing her to stay grounded.
Setting Up for Success
For Grace, prioritizing tasks and knowing when to seek help are essential habits. She also emphasizes the importance of stepping back from challenges to maintain joy and balance in life.
A New Passion for Dentistry
Initially, Grace thought her future lay in vaccination research, but she soon realized she craved the social interaction that comes with patient care. The pandemic highlighted a gap in oral health focus, inspiring her to shift her career path toward dentistry. A research project on macrophages during tooth eruption solidified her decision to support patients through their health journeys.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Balancing a career as an elite athlete with the demands of dentistry is no easy feat. Grace acknowledges that the combination of learning something new while performing at a high level in sport will be tough. Yet, she remains confident that with careful planning, she can successfully manage both passions.
The Skills of a Future Dentist
Grace believes that being sociable and adaptable are key qualities in dentistry. Understanding people and having strong communication skills will be crucial in her future career.
Advocating for Accessibility
As a Paralympic athlete, Grace plans to use her platform to promote disability awareness and encourage greater accessibility within the field of dentistry. She hopes to inspire more individuals with disabilities to consider careers in healthcare.
Looking Ahead in Dentistry
Grace’s ultimate goal is to specialize in special care dentistry, driven by a desire to continue learning and providing exceptional care. She hopes to attend dental school in Aberdeen, eager to explore new opportunities in a different city.
The Importance of Oral Health
Grace emphasizes that dental health is foundational to overall wellbeing. For athletes, maintaining oral health is essential, as it directly impacts performance and confidence. Neglecting it, she warns, can have serious consequences.
Gaining Practical Experience
Grace recently shadowed Adam Franks, a dental surgeon at Bupa’s Malt House Specialist Dental Centre. This experience gave her valuable insight into the practical side of dentistry. Adam advises aspiring dentists to spend time in a dental practice to understand the environment better and think carefully about what they want to achieve in the profession, as there are numerous specializations to explore.
Grace Harvey’s journey from Paralympic glory to a budding career in dentistry is a testament to her determination and passion for making a difference—both in and out of the water.
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