Ashlyn Scott-Williams

Read Ashlyn's story

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School? 

Prior to beginning my studies at Imperial College Business School, I worked in healthcare as a physician. In 2018, I opened a general practice medical clinic which I currently still manage and work at as a physician. During this time, I also worked part-time as an intensive care unit physician in a private hospital. 

Why did you decide to study an MSc International Health Management at Imperial College Business School? 

After opening my own business, I realised there were some key elements of management that I needed to get a better grasp of, and which an education in medicine did not arm me with. In addition, I found that I loved the administrative/management arm of my business and I wanted to gain more information on how I could better execute their functions. After much research and student Q&A sessions put on by the Business School, I realised that Imperial was offering me everything I wanted in a programme and more. 

"I was awarded an Imperial Business scholarship prior to commencing my studies. When I saw the email, I was initially shocked and pleasantly surprised as this had a significant impact on my ability to meet my financial obligations to the university."

Did you receive a scholarship? 

I was awarded an Imperial Business scholarship prior to commencing my studies. When I saw the email, I was initially shocked and pleasantly surprised as this had a significant impact on my ability to meet my financial obligations to the university. I am a fortunate to be a student about to commence my second term at the Business School. My advice to future scholarship applicants is to apply to the programme as early as possible and especially prior to the scholarship deadlines - put your best foot forward and be your authentic self! 

Which has been your favourite module so far and why? 

My favourite module has been Organisational Behaviour by Dr Maria Farkas. To be honest, all our modules are great, and our lecturers even better, but I found the core topics in the Organisational Behaviour module particularly applicable. I was able to implement information learnt in class into my office as well as with staff at the Hospital. The best part about Organisational Behaviour is that the classes with Dr Farkas were interactive and the assignments were creative. 

"All our modules are great, and our lecturers even better, but I found the core topics in the Organisational Behaviour module particularly applicable."

Which workshops, events or guest lectures at the school have been useful in developing your skills and knowledge? 

I have attended a few guest lectures/events since commencing my studies. However, the most impactful and useful to date has been the Student Leadership Day. This is a conference/workshop for all student leaders at the Business School and is held early in the school term. Our conversations with the Dean and Vice Dean on being an effective leader, as well as the knowledge gained from Professor Celia Moore on ‘Characteristics of Exceptional Leadership’ were mind opening and extremely informative in developing my knowledge around being an effective leader, especially in uncertain times. 

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme? 

This programme encapsulates the best parts of healthcare with the best business has to offer. It is so diverse that by the end of the degree you can choose to go into healthcare management of a clinic or hospital, start or maintain your own business or even consult for businesses in the pharmaceutical and life sciences area. With that said, if you are sure the business of healthcare is what you are interested in, there is no better place to get your foundation than the MSc International Health Management programme at Imperial College Business School.