A passion for science and a sincere care for people – these are the qualities that perfectly describe Erikas Tarvydas, an alumnus of the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University (VU). For several years now, he has successfully balanced physics, paramedic work, volunteering, and hobbies. This year he graduated with top honours in physics, and in September, he will begin his studies at the VU Faculty of Medicine.
Physics and medicine: from volunteering to career opportunities
‘I was initially interested in aviation, but I realised that commercial aviation, at least, wasn’t really my thing. Aerodynamics – and therefore physics – came close. Around the same time, volunteers from the Order of Malta Relief Organisation held a first aid course at school, which sparked my interest in medicine. Since I hadn’t taken the biology exam, I enrolled in physics, but in my first year I also applied to a vocational school – I decided to become a paramedic,’ explains E. Tarvydas.
While studying in the High-Tech Physics and Business programme at the Faculty of Physics, he also pursued paramedic training. After graduating with honours from the two-year paramedic course, Tarvydas was invited to become a lecturer, voluntarily teaching first aid to first-year students at the Faculty of Physics.
Volunteering is an important part of Tarvydas' life. During his studies, he was actively involved in student organisations: the Physicist's Day (FiDi), and was a member of the VU Students' Representative Office. Fascinated since childhood by solving problems and facing challenges, he volunteered with the Order of Malta Relief Service and actively participated in activities at the Vilnius Ambulance Station, where he was later offered employment.
‘I enjoyed solving problems and helping people. That’s how I got into volunteering, and I’ve been interested in medicine since school. As a pupil, I took part in first aid courses run by the Maltesers and later entered paramedic competitions. During my studies, I volunteered and eventually worked as a first aid training coordinator for the Order of Malta and as a paramedic with the Vilnius Ambulance Station. I continue to volunteer and often serve as a first responder at public events, teaching civilians how to save lives. I’m currently a member of the Lithuanian Emergency Medical Team, which means I can be sent on international aid missions to help those affected by disasters – such as floods, earthquakes, and others, if needed,’ he says.
Next destination: Medicine at Vilnius University
Although he will begin his studies at the VU Faculty of Medicine this September, E. Tarvydas has no intention of leaving his laboratory work or setting aside his physics background. ‘I’m glad I started at the Faculty of Physics – the community here is incredibly strong,’ says the alumnus. Through volunteering and professional experience, he realised that paramedic training alone wasn’t enough, which led him to enrol in medicine. ‘I want to do both – I’d like to combine physics and medicine, conducting research while continuing to work directly with patients,’ he explains.
When asked whether he regrets choosing physics over medicine initially, Tarvydas says that understanding the laws of physics gives him a unique perspective across various fields and helps him see how they interconnect. ‘That’s what makes studying physics special. When I speak with people from other disciplines, they don’t need to explain the mechanisms – I already understand them. It’s about logical thinking and recognising the link between cause and effect,’ he says. He organised his study schedule according to what was most relevant to his field of interest: ‘I chose interdisciplinary subjects, such as biochemistry, the application of lasers in medicine and diagnostics, the basics of materials processing, etc., which is what I preferred, and it allowed me to try out new things.’
Looking ahead, E. Tarvydas is considering returning to the Faculty of Physics to pursue a PhD, aiming to bridge the gap between medicine and physics through interdisciplinary research.