MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship Student Spotlight: Feham Riaz

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc Digital Health & Entrepreneurship? 

Digital health and the use of technology-enabled solutions in all domains of health is an emerging factor globally, and especially in resource-constrained settings; it is a powerful solution for improving health outcomes locally and at the grass-root levels. I have always been fascinated by digital health and artificial intelligence (AI). Digital health interventions have revolutionized the management of nearly all kinds of diseases. As soon as I started my intern year training, I realized that there was a significant lack of digitization in dentistry in Pakistan. I enrolled myself in online courses to learn the basics of programming and to familiarize myself with AI.

My digital health journey began during undergrad when I came to know that many students could not afford reference books. To overcome academic inequity, I devised an e-library. Fascinated by digitization, I introduced digital patient portfolios in the clinics to improve patient education. Although these initiatives were on a small scale, they had a significant impact on student learning. Digital Health is one of the fastest-growing economic sectors. This career path will allow me to create a technological paradigm shift in healthcare and promote the generation of sustainable innovations through cross-organizational collaborations. I chose to pursue the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship at UCL because I want to be a part of this journey.

Is there a particular area of MSc Digital Health & Entrepreneurship that you are interested in? If so, why?

I am passionate about mental health optimisation and fondly enjoy learning about digital health solutions that support mental health. During my intern year training in dental school, I saw numerous young adults present with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), especially during the exam season. Stress and anxiety also contribute to TMD. I learned about wellness apps and their impact on behaviour. This sparked an interest in me, and I wanted to learn more about wellness apps for user well-being and medical devices that could be used in treatment. Within mental health, an area that I am particularly interested in is psychosis. Before starting my MSc, I extensively read Dr Gumley’s research on psychosis. I volunteered at different mental health wards in Pakistan and became aware of the stigma around mental health. It made me realise that individuals with psychosis are especially vulnerable in resource-constrained environments. Mental health is very subjective and if digital health solutions can make an impact here, it proves how powerful digital health solutions can be. It’s remarkable how we are advancing towards creating apps, digital platforms, and medical devices to support mental health.

What value do you feel this programme will add to your career moving forward?

UCL GBSH is the world’s first business school dedicated to health. The institute has a global representation in terms of faculty and students. We have guest speakers from around the globe and we get to learn about the digital health ecosystem in different parts of the world. UCL GBSH provides students with excellent opportunities to network with industry mentors and health-tech executives. I look forward to building long-term, meaningful, and professional relationships with industry experts. Additionally, the programme teaches the business side of healthcare as well, preparing me to plan and run a start-up one day! I strongly believe that the UCL GBSH will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to healthcare digitization in Pakistan and achieve universal health coverage. 

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about applying for the MSc Digital Health & Entrepreneurship? 

I would advise prospective students to read the module description in depth to learn about what they will be taught. The programme is very versatile. Since the programme has students from various academic backgrounds, it is devised to make it suitable for all. Personally, this was important to me. As a healthcare professional, I did not have expertise in computer science. Overall, I believe that this programme is a perfect blend of health and technology. If that is something you’re passionate about then this is for you! 

It is insightful to know that the programme does not follow conventional teaching methodology. Our classes are much more interactive, focused, and practical. The relationship I have built with my professors is something I really value. 

If anyone is interested in digital health and health technology, UCL GBSH is the place to be! The facilities and support that are provided, are exceptional.

Talk me through a typical day in the life as a GBSH student 

I have 4 modules this term and have classes on Mondays and Fridays. A Monday morning starts with a hot chocolate instead of coffee for me. It takes me about 40 minutes to reach UCL East from where I live. The seminar on Digital Health Start-Ups starts at 9 am and is quite interactive. We have a guest speaker who delivers a talk and after that, we get to discuss and pitch innovative ideas to the amazing Hassan and Masood! This is followed by 2 hours of Research Methods class which starts at 11 am. We again have a guest speaker from who we learn about the industry followed by a discussion on different research methodologies in digital health. This module is headed by Prof Sam and Prof Henry who are fantastic! There is a break from 1pm - 2pm where we go to the UCL east café and grab some lunch. From 2 pm - 4 pm, we have a virtual lecture on AI. From 4 pm - 6 pm I catch up with my friends and we explore UCL East or hang out on the campus. UCL East is right next to the Westfield shopping centre, and although I try not to, I always end up shopping on my way back home!

What have you enjoyed the most since starting at the UCL GBSH? 

There are 2 things I love most about studying at GBSH. The learning environment and the diversity. Every lecture and seminar is interactive. We get to pitch all kinds of ideas from micro-devices to applications in the metaverse. Sometimes I really don’t want the start-ups class to end! 

I love UCL GBSH’s exceptionally diverse atmosphere. I am so happy to have friends from all over the globe. I get to learn about the culture, language, and healthcare system in their home countries. GBSH is truly the epitome of diversity.

Can you tell us about your Chevening Scholarship and how you found the application process? 

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme. Established in 1983, these scholarships support study at UK universities - mostly one-year Masters’ degrees - for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers. Chevening works with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Each year 2% are selected from 60000 applicants from around the world. 

The application process can be a little intimidating at first, but it is very smooth and easy. The Chevening community is incredibly helpful and there are many resources available online for guidance. The applications open each year in August and are closed on November 2nd. The first step involves writing 4 essays, 500 words each on Leadership, Networking and Shared Learning, Studying in the UK, and Career plan. One of the requirements to apply for the Chevening scholarship is 2 years of work experience. This can be voluntary, part-time, full-time or internship. Candidates who are successful in the first-round progress to the second round in March which involves interviews.