Alumni Spotlight: Dr Ifeoluwa Adeoti, MSc Paediatrics and Child Health

Why did you choose to study your programme?

Prior to studying for my MSc, I was working as a medical officer in a general hospital, but my interest was specifically in child health. Notwithstanding this, I was not ready to do a paediatric residency. During my practice in Nigeria, I observed that the main killers of children were common illnesses that could be prevented or easily treated, thus prompting a desire in me to understand more about global child health. 

I found out about the MSc in Paediatrics and Child Health (Global Child Health) during my search and quest to improve my career in child health. Through the Peter and Loek Wheeler scholarship, I got the opportunity to come to UCL to gain a world-class education. 

My experience during the course was 100% despite the pandemic interruption. I had a wide range of support, especially from my personal tutor, classmates, and project supervisor, which enabled me to successfully complete my studies.

Please tell us a bit about the work you are doing now.

Upon my return to Nigeria, I was immediately transferred to the Children Specialist hospital which is the only children-only hospital in my state, so it attracts children from every part of the town. On a daily basis, an average of 100 children present to the hospital with cases such as malaria, measles, malnutrition, bronchopneumonia and other diseases.

How did your UCL degree help you get to where you are now?

My major take-away from the MSc course was the ability to hone my research skills, which I developed through some courses we had and the mentorship of my supervisor. My goal is to do more research to help guide public health programmes to reach even more children, especially those in rural areas in Nigeria. 

Image: L-R: Dr Ifeoluwa Adeoti, Dr Luisa Moraes Teixeira, Dr Suet Yin Chow