A DPhil is as much about developing yourself as a researcher as it is about your specific project: Laiba Husain, DPhil in Translational Health Sciences alumna shares her journey

My pre-DPhil journey: From refugee advocacy to health equity research – how personal connections with marginalised communities shaped my path to digital health innovation.

My journey into this realm began during my undergraduate years at the University of Michigan in the United States. While pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, I became deeply involved in a refugee resettlement project that profoundly shaped my academic and personal trajectory. This experience opened my eyes to the complex interplay of social determinants of health and the intricate challenges faced by vulnerable populations. It ignited a passion for addressing health inequities that would become the cornerstone of my future work.

My formative experience propelled me towards further study and engagement with marginalised communities. In recognition of my commitment and potential in this field, I was honoured to receive a US-UK Fulbright Scholar grant. The award enabled me to pursue a Master's in Public Health at the University of Birmingham where I delved deeper into the complex relationships between health systems and vulnerable communities. My thesis, which explored trust in health systems among refugee and immigrant populations, was not merely an academic exercise but a personal inquiry into the lived experiences of those navigating unfamiliar and often unwelcoming healthcare landscapes.

Laiba with fellow Fulbright Scholars at Fulbright’s Distinguished Scholars Event in Edinburgh, Scotland

This work solidified my dedication to understanding and addressing the multifaceted barriers faced by marginalised groups in accessing healthcare. The insights gained from this research continue to inform my approach to health equity, emphasising the need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed care practices.

During this time, I had the privilege of being featured as a speaker on BBC Radio 4’s Four Thought platform, where I had the wonderful opportunity to talk about my research as well as my personal journey as a Muslim woman in academia and the empowerment of education.

Laiba speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Four Thought series

Following my Master's degree, I joined the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at Oxford as a researcher. My position offered me invaluable opportunities to engage in diverse research studies, each contributing to my growing understanding of primary care's role in addressing health disparities. These experiences not only broadened my research skills but also reinforced my resolve to pursue doctoral studies, seeing it as a path to make meaningful contributions to the field of health equity.

However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges and rapid transformations to healthcare delivery systems worldwide. Almost overnight, I found myself at the forefront of researching the seismic shift to remote consultations in general practice as part of the UK-wide Remote by Default study. This sudden pivot in research focus was not just an academic exercise; it was a real-time exploration of a healthcare revolution with far-reaching implications for access and equity.

This realisation marked a pivotal moment in my academic journey, aligning my personal experiences, professional research and ethical commitments. It set the stage for my DPhil in Translational Health Sciences research, driving me to explore how the digital transformation of healthcare is reshaping access and outcomes for those at the intersections of multiple forms of disadvantage.

Why I chose to study my DPhil at Oxford

Choosing Oxford for my DPhil was influenced by several factors that aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals. The University's global reputation for research excellence was certainly attractive, but what truly drew me was the Translational Health Sciences programme's unique approach to bridging theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The interdisciplinary nature of the department was particularly appealing. Unlike traditional siloed approaches to healthcare research, Oxford's Translational Health Sciences programme encourages collaboration across disciplines—from medicine and public health to sociology, anthropology, and technology studies. This collaborative environment promised the intellectual diversity I needed to tackle complex health disparities from multiple angles.

Oxford's extensive resources also factored heavily into my decision. The wealth of libraries, research centres, and digital infrastructure provides unparalleled support for ambitious research projects. Additionally, the university's global connections offered potential for international collaborations that could extend the impact of my work beyond the UK.

Perhaps most convincingly, my conversations with potential supervisors revealed a genuine enthusiasm for my research interests and a commitment to providing meaningful mentorship. Finding this alignment in research vision and supervisory approach ultimately sealed my decision to pursue my DPhil at Oxford.

Why this particular DPhil was a perfect fit

My research focuses specifically on digital health disparities – examining how technological innovations in healthcare can either exacerbate or alleviate existing inequities in health access and outcomes. The DPhil in Translational Health Sciences was the perfect programme for this research because it's explicitly designed to study how knowledge and innovations move from conception to implementation in real-world healthcare settings.

Digital health represents a fascinating translational challenge: despite tremendous technological capabilities, many digital health solutions fail to reach those who could benefit most from them. Understanding the complex barriers to equitable implementation requires a translational approach that considers technological, social, political and economic factors simultaneously.

This DPhil programme provided the theoretical frameworks and methodological flexibility to examine these multifaceted issues. Moreover, the programme's emphasis on stakeholder engagement aligned with my commitment to conducting research that is responsive to community needs and concerns. The opportunity to develop solutions in partnership with the communities most affected by digital health disparities was exactly the approach I was looking for in a doctoral programme.

The profoundly rewarding experience of undertaking the DPhil

It’s been truly amazing. While I certainly experienced the typical doctoral journey of intellectual challenges, research setbacks and occasional self-doubt, the overall experience was profoundly rewarding. The DPhil transformed not only my academic knowledge and research capabilities but also my perspective on what it means to create meaningful change in healthcare systems.

The programme's structure provided enough guidance to keep me on track while allowing the intellectual freedom to follow emerging questions in my research. This balance of structure and autonomy created an ideal learning environment where I could take ownership of my research while still benefiting from the wisdom of experienced mentors and peers.

Looking back on the journey now, even the difficult moments contributed valuable lessons that have shaped me as a researcher and thinker. The challenges forced me to develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills that have proven invaluable beyond the academic context.

Enjoying my independent learning journey

What I've enjoyed most about the DPhil experience is the independent learning journey. After years of structured education where coursework and assessments largely dictated my focus, the doctoral process offered a refreshing opportunity to chart my own intellectual path.

This independence allowed me to delve deeply into topics that genuinely fascinated me, following my curiosity wherever it led. I discovered unexpected connections between different fields and developed a more nuanced understanding of how digital technologies interact with existing social determinants of health.

The freedom to set my own research questions, choose appropriate methodologies and interpret findings according to my evolving theoretical framework was intellectually liberating. Of course, this independence came with responsibility, but learning to manage a large-scale research project from conception to completion has given me confidence in my abilities as an independent researcher.

I also deeply valued the intellectual community that surrounded me. The seminars, workshops and informal discussions with fellow DPhil students and faculty members created a stimulating environment where ideas could be tested, refined and sometimes completely reimagined through collaborative thinking.

It was during this period of academic growth that I was also honoured to be nominated for Green Templeton College's International Women's Day portrait series. Being selected as one of fourteen women recognised for their contributions to advancing equity at the university was an absolute honour. This recognition not only celebrated my research on digital health equity but also validated my journey as a woman navigating spaces where representation matters deeply. The portrait exhibition served as a meaningful reminder of the importance of visibility and the power of diverse voices in academic settings.

Green Templeton College International Women’s Day 2024 portrait (l-r) Helene-Mari Van Der Westhuizen, Laiba Husain and Prof Trish Greenhalgh

My surprise and delight in the creative aspects of academic writing

What surprised me most was how much I actually enjoyed the creative writing aspect of the DPhil. Coming from a scientific background, I initially approached academic writing as a somewhat formulaic task of presenting methods and findings in a standardised format. I couldn't have been more wrong!

I discovered that crafting a doctoral thesis is a deeply creative endeavour. Finding the narrative thread that connects different aspects of complex research, developing conceptual frameworks that clarify rather than simplify nuanced issues and articulating abstract ideas in accessible language – all of these tasks required creative thinking and expressive writing skills I didn't know I possessed.

This revelation transformed writing from a necessary task into an enjoyable part of the research process. I began to see writing as thinking made visible, a way to discover what I truly believed about my research questions. Some of my most significant insights emerged not during data collection or analysis, but during the writing process itself, when connections between different aspects of my work suddenly became clear.

The creative aspects of academic writing have enriched my research in unexpected ways, making it more coherent, engaging and ultimately more impactful. This newfound appreciation for scholarly writing is something I'll carry forward into all my future academic endeavours.

My academic support – the perfect balance

This is what has made my whole DPhil experience so amazing – I had the best supervisory team I could have imagined. Having THE Trish Greenhalgh (the absolute legend) as a primary supervisor has been life changing. I am the researcher that I am today because of her. But it was the combination of Trish and my other amazing supervisors Gemma Hughes and Teresa Finlay, which struck the perfect balance between challenging me intellectually and providing support when I needed it most.

Beyond their academic guidance, my supervisors were genuinely invested in my development as a scholar. They connected me with relevant networks, encouraged me to present at conferences and involved me in departmental initiatives that expanded my professional experience. Their doors were always open for both scheduled meetings and impromptu discussions about unexpected challenges or exciting new ideas.

Most importantly, they modelled the kind of researcher and mentor I hope to become – rigorous in their thinking, ethical in their approach and generous with their knowledge and time.

Laiba at the Bodleian Library, Oxford

Studying and living in Oxford

I loved it – I truly felt like I was in Hogwarts! The ancient architecture, cobblestone streets and centuries of academic tradition created an atmosphere that constantly inspired my intellectual curiosity. There's something profoundly motivating about working in spaces where generations of scholars have pursued knowledge before you.

The libraries became my sanctuaries. I made it a personal mission to work in all of Oxford's libraries, each with its own unique character and ambiance. From the grand Bodleian with its hushed reverence for learning to the intimate college libraries tucked away in historic buildings, these spaces became more than just places to find resources – they were environments that fostered deep thinking and focused work.

Beyond the academic setting, Oxford as a city offers a wonderful quality of life. Despite its global significance, it maintains the charm and navigability of a small town. The walkability of the city centre made daily life convenient, while the surrounding parks and rivers provided perfect spaces for relaxation and reflection when I needed breaks from intensive research.

The city's vibrant intellectual culture extends beyond university walls, with abundant public lectures, cultural events and discussion groups. These opportunities for engagement with ideas outside my specific research area helped maintain my intellectual breadth while pursuing the depth required for doctoral work.

Oxford's international character also enriched my experience immeasurably. Living and studying alongside people from across the globe exposed me to diverse perspectives and approaches to research, broadening my thinking in ways that directly benefited my work on digital health disparities.

My current work and how this relates to my DPhil

I'm currently working as a researcher at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at Oxford University. My research focuses on digital health disparities, examining how the rapid digitalisation of healthcare services affects access and outcomes across different demographic groups.

Additionally, I'm teaching on the Translational Health Sciences Master’s programme, specifically contributing to the Technological Innovation and Digital Health module. This opportunity allows me to share my expertise while helping to shape the next generation of health researchers who are interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare equity.

My advice to students considering studying a DPhil in Translational Health Sciences at Oxford?

Go for it – it's an amazing opportunity that could transform your thinking and your career! The Translational Health Sciences programme specifically offers a unique environment where theoretical rigour meets practical application, creating the perfect space to develop research with real-world impact.

What makes it particularly special is its commitment to methodological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The faculty bring expertise from diverse fields – medicine, sociology, anthropology, science and technology studies and more – creating a rich intellectual environment where complex health challenges can be examined from multiple perspectives simultaneously.

The institute's connections with healthcare providers, policy makers and technology developers also ensure that your research won't remain purely academic. These relationships create pathways for your work to influence practice and policy, making the translational aspect of the programme name a genuine reality rather than just an aspiration.

The cohort structure of the programme provides both community and accountability during what can sometimes be an isolating doctoral journey. Your fellow students become not only friends but also intellectual companions whose diverse backgrounds and research interests will challenge and enrich your own thinking.

If you're passionate about understanding and improving how healthcare innovations reach those who need them most, this DPhil programme offers the theoretical foundations, methodological training, and supportive community to help you make a meaningful contribution to this vital field.

My specific tips and recommendations for DPhil students

Start writing early! One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to treat writing as an ongoing process rather than a final task. Begin documenting your thinking, literature reviews and methodological decisions from day one, even if these early writings never make it into your final thesis. This continuous writing practice not only builds your skills but also creates a rich repository of ideas you can draw upon throughout your doctoral journey.

Work towards concrete milestones rather than thinking only about the final thesis. Breaking the daunting doctoral project into manageable objectives – literature review completion, methodology development, data collection phases, chapter drafts – creates a sense of progress and accomplishment throughout the journey.

Don't underestimate the value of the broader Oxford community. Attend seminars outside your specific research area, participate in college events, and engage with the university's many interdisciplinary centres. Some of my most valuable insights came from conversations with researchers working in apparently unrelated fields who offered fresh perspectives on my research questions.

Finally, remember that a DPhil is as much about developing yourself as a researcher as it is about your specific project. Embrace opportunities to build skills beyond those directly required for your thesis – whether teaching experience, public engagement or collaboration with practitioners. These broader experiences enrich your research and prepare you for diverse career paths after completion.

Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on my DPhil journey.  I hope it inspires you to start yours!