Christina Giavasi - MSc Clinical Neurology

Job title: Neurology Consultant
Employer: Nottingham University Hospitals

Why did you choose to study your programme and what made you choose UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences/Institute?

In our job as Cilnical Neurologists we need to combine patient’s history and clinical examination findings in order to localise and characterise the nature of the disease and treat our patients. Precision medicine requires building clinical skills on a good background knowledge of Neuroscience.

I chose to do the MSc in Clinical Neurology as the curriculum was unique in that it combined teaching of basic Neurosciences by world class UCL academics with bedside Neurology teaching in the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), one of the most historical sites and world leading centres for Clinical Neurology.

What did you enjoy most about your programme?

I enjoyed most clinical Neurology theatre and bedside teaching and being tutored by national and internationally recognised experts in their fields.

Please give details of any study abroad experience and/or industry/work placements you undertook as part of your studies.

During the last 6 months of my Master’s course I completed my thesis and did a clinical attachment in the Epilepsy Society in Chalfont Saint Peter and the Jules Thorn epilepsy videotelemetry unit at NHNN. This was the first time I saw how an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is organised. I had the opportunity to attend the Ward Rounds led by renowned Epileptologists, sit in their clinics, join the registrar teaching sessions and attend the Epilepsy-Neurophysiology meetings. This experience inspired me to choose Epilepsy as my subspecialty. I returned in the end of my Neurology training to do an epilepsy fellowship in the Department, during which I gained a more hands on experience in clinical epilepsy and confidence in the management of patients with complex epilepsy. This helped me greatly in my next job role as an Epilepsy Fellow in the Epilepsy Surgery Program in Southmead Hospital, Bristol and in my current position as a Consultant Neurologist with specialist interest in Epilepsy. 

Did you experience any benefits from studying in London?

The programme brings together people from different backgrounds but a common passion for Neurology and Neurosciences. I made a lot of very close friends during my year of studying in London. London is an amazing multicultural and vibrant city with great opportunities.

Do you have any tips or helpful advice for incoming students?

Find what makes you feel passionate and enjoy the experience!

Is there anything else you would like to say about your time at UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences?

The Education Team provided excellent support and made the course a greatly enjoyable experience.