Introduce yourself: Who you are and what you studied at Imperial?

My name is Elaine Finn, and I am a business consultant working in the life sciences sector. I was awarded an MBA in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design from Imperial College Business School (in 2013), leveraging human-centred design thinking and methods, which helped pivot my career and interests into innovation-related activities. Building on this, I joined the inaugural MSc Healthcare and Design cohort in 2016, graduating in 2019 with a 'best thesis' prize for my research.

What drew you to Imperial’s Healthcare and Design course?

In addition to the coverage of key themes impacting global and UK healthcare, I was attracted to the practical nature of the course, and the ability to discover and validate key healthcare problem statements, conduct 'real' research, and evolve potential solutions from concept to prototype (with the potential to secure funding for further development).

What did you enjoy most about the course?

I enjoyed the creativity the course afforded me to explore and develop, and the focus on human-centricity. I particularly welcomed the challenge that technology is not always the answer, providing the freedom to develop both tech and non-tech solutions in my thesis. And as one of the few non-clinician students, it was inspiring to work alongside multi-disciplinary students driven by the desire to improve the UK's healthcare offering, all from different perspectives.

What was your research project for the course?

My thesis was focused on exploring clinician and team performance during elective operating procedures, motivated by my interest in team dynamics and recently published reports concerning patient safety.  Applying the 'Double Diamond' design thinking approach to problem hypothesis and validation, my research led to the development of x3 concepts and value propositions (tech and non-tech) to address x3 key problems identified.

What are you doing now?

I am soon to start a new role as a Product Strategy Director within R&D Tech and Digital for a leading global life sciences company.

How have the skills gained on the course helped you in your career?

The course content enabled me to understand key healthcare challenges and the novel ways in which these are being tackled across the globe.  It also helped develop my confidence in re-thinking ways of working, validating challenges via a number of practical methods, nurturing and testing potential solutions (at little/no cost) and to focus on optimising HCP/patient experience.  And (as a result of many presentations!) communicating all of these ideas and findings with impact.

Have you noticed any recognition from studying at Imperial – networking, meeting others?

Imperial College is highly regarded within the life sciences sector, and I am unsure I would have had the same opportunities to join leading global life science and healthcare organisations and consultancies without this research experience, qualification and brand.

Do you have any advice for prospective students who are thinking of applying to study Healthcare and Design at Imperial?

The opportunity to validate novel problems, gather empirical research and develop and test potential concepts (sprinkled with some original thinking) in a real-world environment, was an incredible experience. I recommend students embrace all of the opportunities this course provides (in particular, to start thinking about research topics from the start!), optimise every minute and, with much to do, remember to enjoy the whole experience!

Find out more about our Healthcare and Design course and apply.