Welsh rugby legend Jamie Roberts also revealed what’s in store for him next as he navigates this exciting new challenge
Jamie Roberts learned a major life lesson(Image: Pic by Rob Browne)
Jamie Roberts has learned a major life lesson after completing a challenging four months in the world of medicine. Roberts retired from rugby at the age of 35 in 2022 and has since been pursuing a multitude of post-career challenges.
As well as working in punditry for some of the biggest rugby games in the world, Roberts has offered his expertise as a non-executive board member at the Welsh Rugby Union. During his playing career he studied to be a doctor alongside his commitments as an elite level athlete, often turning up to the Vale Resort early to get important revision in before Wales training sessions.
He graduated in 2013 from Cardiff University’s school of medicine before completing postgraduate degrees at Cambridge University and Loughborough. Despite this, Roberts was still playing professional rugby so his new career in medicine had to wait.
Now, at the age of 39, Roberts is fully embracing a new career. In an exclusive interview with WalesOnline in May, Roberts revealed he would begin working as a junior doctor in the summer, taking the first steps to become a fully qualified doctor. He’s now provided fans with an update on his journey via social media.
“First block done at Cardiff and Vale UHB,” wrote the legendary centre.
“So… four months in geriatric medicine… spending plenty of time with frail and elderly patients certainly gives you a different lens through which to evaluate life, appreciate your health and instill a further desire to squeeze the most out of it.”An adundance of frailty, dementia, delerium, AKI’s, pneumonia, death, constipation, diabetes, hypokalaemia, hyperkalaemia, TTH’s, discharge advice letters, venflons, IV Fluids, crash calls, CPR’s, drug charts to name just a few….”A challenging yet enjoyable steep learning curve of a first few months!”
Jamie Roberts has returned to the world of medicine(Image: Pic by Rob Browne)
Writing on X, he added: “First rotation on geriatrics complete. Next up general surgery (colorectal).”
In an interview with MailOnline in August, Roberts described the experience of being a junior doctor as “crazy”.
He explained: “I’ve been involved in a resuscitation where unfortunately the patient didn’t make it, a collapsed lung and a patient who had a fitting condition. That’s come quite early.
“But it’s part of the job. I’ve probably used my mind more in the last two weeks than I have in the last two years and that’s given me great pleasure because it’s what I enjoy. I’m stretching myself. You can never know everything as a doctor. It’s not possible.
“I’m doing at 38 what the majority of medical graduates do at 23 or 24, so my working cohort are a lot younger than me. It’s actually been refreshing. I’ve enjoyed being around younger people. It keeps me young!”
Roberts is one of the most decorated players to ever pull on the Welsh jersey. He won 94 caps for his country and played three Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
Speaking shortly after hanging up his boots, he said: “Representing my country was always a childhood dream, I’m fortunate it became reality. It meant the world to me and forever will. I’ll also never forget the immense pride of captaining my country.
“Singing the anthem had the same impact whether at home in Cardiff, away at some of the most iconic stadiums in world rugby, or during two Rugby World Cups. I’ll remember fondly reaching the pinnacle of representative rugby and touring twice with the Lions.”