Meet some of our Medical Ultrasound MSc students and read about their experiences at NHLI.

Melika Bankipoufard - MSc Medical Ultrasound

 

What were you doing before you came to Imperial?

We moved to Dubai from Iran when I was 10 years old and I stayed in UAE to study medical diagnostic imaging, at university in Sharjah, which is another city close to Dubai. The programme helped me to build my career and to see what my strengths are in the medical field. Since I was 17, I knew I wanted to specialise in ultrasound.

What was your favourite part of the programme?

The highlight of the programme was the clinical placements, particularly in vascular sciences. Imperial provides the clinical placement so there was no stress in finding them yourself which you have to do on some other programmes. All the people helping to train us shared their experiences in anatomy and technique.

What advice would you give to someone either starting the course or considering applying?

My advice for people who are considering the course is that they should have the passion to work with patients closely because compared to other imaging modalities, ultrasound is more operator dependent. You need to have really good communication skills with the patient. If you're passionate about it and passionate about the vascular speciality itself or another speciality within the ultrasound setting, you will definitely enjoy it.

 

Abdullah Alharbi - MSc Medical Ultrasound

 

Why did you choose your course?

I chose this programme in Echocardiography after working in a cardiac centre for eight months. I started looking into so many different programmes at universities around the world including Australia, Canada, USA and the UK. After reading more and more about these programmes, I found the Master’s at the NHLI more interesting and it contained further study and practice in echocardiography compared to other programmes.   

How have you found the programme so far?

The programme is interesting, intensive and full of learning. The teaching staff are so cooperative with the students regarding the current pandemic.   

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Hopefully I will have finished my PhD. 

 

Davina Sadyakeethy - MSc Medical Ultrasound

 

Why did you choose your course? 

I chose this course as I believe it will equip me to progress in my career. Working as a cardiac physiologist, my BSc trained me within all cardiac investigations except echocardiography. I knew I had to train in a hospital in order to progress and learn ultrasound. When I found this course online, I instantly knew it fulfilled what I needed. Not only will it help me learn ultrasound practically, it will also help me to broaden my research skills. 

What has been the highlight of studying at NHLI for you so far? 

For me the highlight has definitely been meeting fellow students, professors and learning about upcoming research. 

What has been the most challenging part so far? 

The time management of revision and social life. 

Did you have any issues sourcing funding for your MSc?

I applied for a postgraduate student loan. This covers my tuition fees and as I worked previously, I had some of my own savings for living costs.

What’s the best thing about studying in London? 

The environment is amazing. There is so much to do, places to eat and meeting different people.

What are you planning to do next? 

I will be staying in London and have been offered a job for a private healthcare clinic where I will be utilising the skills that I learnt during my masters.

How would you sum up your time on the course in one word? 

Eventful!