Student Spotlight: Loujain, MSc Paediatrics and Child Health

Why did you choose to study your programme?
I am interested in children's health in general, as well as policy and decision-making processes related to creating a better world for children. This course focuses on pretty much every aspect of child health including the unique issues and needs of every stage of a child's life, the specific qualities of different socioeconomic conditions in which children are born and raised, while also touching on the legal, ethical, and policy-related aspects.

Coming from a war-torn low-income country, I chose this programme because I was looking for a chance to learn more about what can be done to improve child-centred care and save future generations from the many negative impacts of being born and raised in war conditions. As well as providing a high-quality teaching environment, this course has a variety of brilliant inspiring speakers from whom I have gained invaluable insights into my field of passion, and what I can do as an individual.

What have you enjoyed most about the programme so far?
The amount of support I got from my course-mates, my teachers and UCL's student support system has exceeded my expectations and is still making me more and more impressed and grateful. I also like the variety of assessments that provide a chance to learn something new every step of the way. I am enjoying the interactive nature of lectures, the various backgrounds of speakers and the eye-opening informal discussions with peers and teachers during and in between classes.

Are you interested in any specific careers after your studies? If so, what are your future career goals?
I come from a purely clinical background, but through this course, I am hoping to be more involved in advocacy and organisational work in the future. I still want to have the clinical aspect of my career as a paediatrician, but I also want to integrate the policymaking and leadership side of working towards better inclusive healthcare for children around the world.

What advice would you give to incoming students?
I would say try to get to know yourself very well and come to your course with an open, curious mind, as it's going to be a journey of continuous learning and unlearning on all levels of your human experience!

There are many skills that you will have the chance to learn, but you should keep an eye on all the opportunities you may have as a UCL student in general, such as various social interactions and events within your department and beyond. There is an activity that will suit your personal interests whatever that may be, and you would be surprised by the inclusiveness of UCL's curricular and extracurricular activities and events. Make sure to engage in those, but also keep in mind that the academic experience can be a bit overwhelming during some periods of the year. Don't worry as you will get ALL the support and guidance you may need, but just be aware that your time during this Master's is going to be everything but routine, so buckle up and keep a smile on your face as it's going to be fun!