Our new cohort of MSc in Translational Health Sciences students met in person for the Introduction and Research Methods for Translational Science module at Rewley House last week. Friendships were forged as students collaborated on in-class assignments. These included assessing the robustness of selected papers on the introduction of new technologies into primary care, and critically appraising qualitative research. Pub drinks, a college dinner and a ‘pizza and presenting’ evening provided ample opportunity for more informal networking.
New student Amaani Khan commented: ‘I'm very excited and grateful to be part of a course where we can learn to increase the accessibility of science together.’ Course director Dr Anne Ferry added, ‘I am delighted to welcome the new cohort of students to the MSc in Translational Health Sciences. They are such a vibrant, engaged and interested group. Their variety of backgrounds and experience has made the group discussions really interesting so far, and I really look forward to hearing more from all of them this year.’
In a milestone moment, the third cohort of MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership (MGHL) scholars celebrated their matriculation last month. The accomplished cohort shared their remarkable journeys and aspirations, while healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds - from senior professionals from Europe to public health and business pioneers in Africa - forged promising connections.
In other MGHL news, scholarship recipients gathered for breakfast at Saïd Business School, connecting with fellow scholars from across the school's prestigious programmes. The gathering reflected our commitment to global collaboration, as these healthcare leaders begin their Oxford journey and contribute to the programme's legacy of excellence.
Our first module for students studying our suite of MScs in Evidence-Based Health Care took place in early September, with students attending the week-long Teaching Evidence-Based Practice module. They were also invited to an event celebrating 30 years of Teaching Evidence-Based Medicine. New students were able to mingle with existing students, alumni and a wealth of faculty members from past and present. In addition we held two online welcome events for new students, to introduce them to the programme and to hear from them about their backgrounds and research interests in evidence-based health care.
Programme director Dr Annette Plüddemann commented: 'These were great opportunities to connect with our diverse cohort of international students, sharing expertise and experiences, and making connections that foster collaboration across different countries and disciplines.’
In a fitting blend of tradition and innovation, the department inaugurated its MSc in Applied Digital Health programme with afternoon tea at Worcester College. During induction week, incoming students met with module leads and fellow scholars amidst the college's historic setting. ‘This programme represents an exciting development in our educational portfolio. It brings together expertise across digital health innovation, implementation and evaluation, preparing students to lead transformative change in healthcare,’ remarked Dr Sophie Park. The gathering embodied the department's commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and collaboration, marking the start of an academic journey.
The department is also thrilled to welcome its new cohort of DPhil students this term. These students are embarking on their doctoral research journey, joining a vibrant and collaborative community committed to advancing primary care and improving health outcomes. As part of their induction, they will be introduced to a range of support resources, including the department's comprehensive DPhil Training Programme, which is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their research.
Professor Rafael Perera, Director of Medical Statistics and Director of Graduate Studies, says, ‘Our DPhil student body is diverse and welcoming, providing multiple opportunities for academic and social interaction. I look forward to welcoming new students and helping them to make the most out of our department and the University of Oxford as a whole’.
Thank you to all colleagues who have been working hard to deliver our programmes.
You can read more about our different programmes on our study with us webpage.