Meet some of our students across our Cardiovascular and Respiratory Healthcare, Remote Medicine and Translational & Respiratory Medicine courses and read about their experiences at NHLI.

Muhammad Mohsin - Cardiovascular Sciences

 

 

Why did you choose your course?

My drive to make a meaningful impact on society led me to medicine, and over the past four years, I've been fortunate to contribute to improving patient care in various ways. This drive and key experiences have been influential in convincing me to choose the Cardiovascular BSc pathway. Cardiology has fascinated me since the start of medical school - from the physics of the heart to the intricacies of its cells. As I progressed and began applying these foundations in clinical contexts, my interest evolved towards understanding treatment rationales and clinical evidence. This curiosity naturally led me to cardiovascular research.

Who or what has inspired you during your time on the BSc?

Towards the end of my second year, I approached Dr Rasha Al-Lamee to shadow the groundbreaking ORBITA trials at Imperial. Dr Al-Lamee and her team were keen to introduce me to their work and became invaluable mentors, offering me increasing responsibilities in high-impact clinical trials during my third year. This allowed me to actively contribute to ORBITA-2, ORBITA-STAR, ORBITA-COSMIC, and ORBITA-FIRE: innovative studies utilising pioneering trial design to comprehensively evaluate stable angina from coronary artery disease and related interventional therapies. It also led to co-authorships in The Lancet and the Journal of American College of Cardiology, as well as acknowledgement as an ORBITA-2 investigator in the New England Journal of Medicine - achievements I never imagined possible as a medical student. 

How do you think the BSc will help you achieve your long-term goal?

These interconnected experiences have really fostered my interests in interventional cardiology, clinical trial design, and statistical modelling. Looking ahead, I aim to continue such collaborative efforts, contributing to the improvement of cardiovascular research and, ultimately, patients' lives.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc? 

The BSc offered a comprehensive learning journey, balancing academic rigor with practical skills development through assessments that mirrored real-world scientific processes. We benefited from expert lectures, engaging debates, and collaborative projects, which enhanced our critical thinking, scientific communication, and teamwork skills. The course also fostered a supportive environment, with a strong student network always ready to help peers and keen to organise social events. It was the perfect blend of academic growth, socialising with friends, and having time to develop new skills or pursue hobbies. 

 

 

Aksaan Arif - Cardiovascular Sciences

 

Why did you choose your course?

I had heard from my peers in the year above that the breadth of research exposure and the skills taught are done to a very high level, so it was quite an easy choice for me. From speaking to cardiologists, they all say that Cardiology is one of the more academic and research-heavy specialties out there, so being exposed to this early on and being taught by leaders in their respective subspecialty fields was truly very worthwhile. 

Who or what has inspired you during your time on the BSc?

I have been inspired by the impactful and clinically meaningful research conducted by our lecturers and supervisors. Seeing their dedication to advancing cardiovascular health and their contributions to the field has motivated me to pursue similar research with my supervisor. Their work has demonstrated the real-world impact that rigorous scientific inquiry can have on patient outcomes.

How do you think the BSc will help you achieve your long-term goal?

This BSc has taught me essential research skills and allowed me to have a deeper understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology. Also, the exposure to cutting-edge research and the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field have provided a strong foundation that will support and contribute to my long-term goal of making meaningful advancements in the field of Cardiology. 

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc? 

If you're considering the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc, I highly recommend it. The programme strikes a great balance between theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, taught by experts in the field. You'll gain invaluable experience in critically analysing scientific literature, conducting research, and understanding cardiovascular diseases at a deeper level.

 

Boroumand Zeidaabadi - BSc Cardiovascular Sciences

 

Why did you choose your course?

My passion for physics in A-levels naturally led me to cardiology, which I found to be the specialty most closely aligned with physics principles. While I enjoyed learning about cardiology in medical school, it was meeting Dr. Fu Siong Ng, the lead of the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc, at the BSc fair that truly convinced me. I recognised the immense potential for growth this program offered. Now, I'm thrilled to be pursuing an intercalated PhD under Dr. Ng's supervision for the next three years!

What was your favourite thing about Imperial?

The Cardiovascular Sciences BSc took the most valuable skill from medicine - effective communication - to the next level. We were exposed to cutting-edge research, which honed our communication, critical appraisal, and debating skills. These are the very skills I've observed in the best consultants. 

What are you planning to do after finishing your course?

My long-term ambitions include securing a Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP) in London, becoming an academic clinician with a 50/50 split between research and clinical work, and ultimately attaining a professorship. This BSc has been a treasure trove of opportunities, and I'm deeply grateful to the lecturers, examiners, organisers, and supervisors who have supported my journey.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc? 

This BSc is challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The opportunities are boundless if you're proactive in seeking them out. You don't necessarily need to aspire to a career in cardiology to benefit from this program – curiosity and good organisational skills are the key prerequisites. Be prepared for an intense but fulfilling experience that will push you to grow both academically and personally.

 

Manvi Bhatt - Remote Medicine

 

Why did you choose your course?

I have been fascinated with space and aviation from a young age. Combining this with my interest in technology aiding healthcare delivery, led me to choose Remote Med. 

Could you share with us one of your most memorable experiences? 

I have loved my year on the course and going forward I will take away so much more from the BSc than I expected. Some of my favourite memories of the year are from the trip to Brecon and using ourselves as test subjects in the lab! 

How do you think the BSc will help you achieve your long-term goal?

The Remote Medicine BSc has been eye-opening. I have no idea where or what I’ll be doing in the future, apart from hopefully being a practising doctor! But the BSc has opened doors to specialities and pathways that I probably never would have discovered or considered otherwise. 

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc? 

For anyone considering applying to the Remote Medicine BSc, I would say definitely go for it! You are exposed to some of the most niche yet interesting topics, that you are likely to never encounter otherwise. I have learnt a lot from my classmates, staff and lecturers, besides the content or research skills. The insights and experiences gained are invaluable and I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity! 

 

Elsa Thomson - Remote Medicine

Why did you choose your course?

I chose the remote medicine course for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was interested in the challenges and adaptations associated with extreme conditions, particularly high altitudes. On talking to the Remote Medicine team and students at the BSc fair, I learnt that the BSc encompassed many aspects of expedition medicine including scuba diving, altitude and space medicine. I liked that this was very different to the day to day clinical medicine taught in lectures and older years at Imperial had said how much they enjoyed this course. 

Could you share with us one of your most memorable experiences? 

One of my most memorable experiences was the group field trip to the Brecon Beacons where we met with the Brecons mountain rescue team and collected our own physiological data. We also had the chance to simulate remote clinical scenarios in groups. Acting as first responders, we firstly received a radio call and had to locate and treat injured patients. I remember being quite nervous about this as I wasn’t sure what we would be faced with, however I actually found it very rewarding working in a team to manage the situation. It also helped us appreciate some of the challenges faced in remote medicine, including managing patients with limited resources and the difficulties of getting emergency help to remote and inaccessible locations.

How do you think the BSc will help you achieve your long-term goal?

The BSc has really equipped me with useful tools for my future as a clinician. In particular, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of good quality research in medicine. Practicals such as field trips and designing experiments have improved my problem-solving skills and adaptability. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the course throughout each module highlighted the importance of a supportive team environment, which I will carry into my clinical practice.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Remote Medicine BSc? 

I would highly recommend the remote medicine BSc! The course allowed many opportunities which I would not have otherwise experienced such as visiting a hyperbaric chamber, learning about how to perform CPR in space and even getting to practice using the Da Vinci robot in South Kensington to name a few. The remote medicine team are very knowledgeable and teach a wide range of skills from reviewing articles to writing our own research projects. There is a fairly even mix of internal and external students making the course very sociable, and it was really lovely getting to know like-minded students from lots of different medical schools. 

 

Ameya Mhaisalkar - Remote Medicine

 

Why did you choose your course?  

It genuinely seemed like the most fun BSc there was to offer. When else would I get to learn about something so niche yet so riveting.  

How have you found the programme so far? 

It is brilliantly run with very caring staff and a good mix of physiology and documentary-worthy content.

 

Constantinos Efthyvoulou - Translational & Respiratory Medicine

 

Why did you choose your course?

As an athlete, I have always been fascinated by the physiology of the respiratory system and its underlying pathologies. Throughout medical school, I enjoyed respiratory medicine and decided that the TRM BSc would be a good choice for me.

Could you share with us one of your most memorable experiences? 

My overall BSc experience was very inspiring. During the first term, I had the chance to learn about the latest research from renowned respiratory scientists. The most inspiring part of my BSc was my project during the final term. I had the privilege to work under the supervision of Professor Jane Davies, who is a leading expert in Cystic Fibrosis research. During my project, I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Christopher Short while he was completing his PhD. They inspired me to pursue my own research journey alongside my future medical career. 

How do you think the BSc will help you achieve your long-term goal?

Before the BSc, I had limited research experience and lacked the confidence to pursue research opportunities. However, the structure of the BSc program has provided me with the skills required to participate in any future research opportunity. 

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cardiovascular Sciences BSc? 

The TRM BSc is a fantastic experience and like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. There are endless opportunities, and everyone involved in the program is more than happy to support and guide you. Make the most of this dedicated research year. 

 

Lorenzo Verani - Translational & Respiratory Medicine

 

Why did you choose your course?  

I have always found respiratory sciences interesting, and I believed this programme could offer in-depth knowledge of clinical management and science underlying pathophysiological changes in respiratory diseases. In addition, I had heard positive comments from previous years that ultimately led me to choose this course.

How have you found the programme so far? 

I have been extremely happy with my decision and I am enjoying the BSc very much. This year has been very well structured, having tutorials for the first three months which covered the clinical and molecular aspects of respiratory sciences. The first term ended with a short laboratory project that allowed us to meet in person and learn to perform techniques such as cell cultures and ELISA.

Overall I have learned a lot this year and I am much more confident to analyse and produce scientific literature. Throughout the year the staff have been extremely supportive and very receptive adapting the course after our feedback to ensure the best learning experience. It has also been exciting studying at Imperial College London, NHLI and having tutorials from several experts in the field.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I see myself doing my speciality training, I am not completely set on any in particular but I definitely have some favourites. By that time I also hope that my guitar skills will be better.