Spotlight on MSc student Esther How: journey and experience

Discover our MSc student Esther How's journey. We interviewed Esther and highlighted her experience at GBSH, providing insight for prospective students.

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship?
The COVID-19 pandemic is an impetus for many countries to accelerate the telemedicine process. With the higher demand for healthcare services during a pandemic, I volunteered on a virtual health platform and provided free health consultations to the public. This was an eye-opening experience on how technology can hasten the process and significantly reduce patient waiting time. 

The MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship offered the perfect blend of academic rigour, practical application, and entrepreneurial spirit. It presented an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best, develop my skills, and contribute to positive change in the healthcare landscape. The program felt like a natural next step in my journey to realise my potential and make a lasting impact on the world. Looking back, applying for this program was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has exceeded my expectations and paved the way for a fulfilling and exciting career in the world of digital health and entrepreneurship.

Are you interested in a particular area of Digital Health and Entrepreneurship? If so, why? 

AI has infiltrated many (if not all) aspects of our daily lives, and the idea of integrating the application of AI in healthcare is particularly stirring my interest. One of the modules is Digital Health and AI Technology, which sparked my curiosity to understand the technology behind medical devices and how it can be used to solve the issues we are currently facing. This has equipped me with the knowledge of machine learning, neural networks, generative AI and other advanced technologies in reshaping the future of healthcare.
  
Furthermore, the most extraordinary thing about this course is the combination of AI, entrepreneurship and health elements in one course. The module on digital health startups allows me to explore from the concepts/ ideas generation to the business case and gain an understanding of the dynamics and competitive nature of the digital health marketplace for new products and services. These areas align with my passion for using technology for good and tap into my entrepreneurial spirit. I envision developing solutions that address these needs, creating sustainable businesses that positively impact the global healthcare landscape.

Of course, the world of digital health is constantly evolving, and who knows what exciting new areas might grab my attention tomorrow? The beauty of this field lies in its dynamic nature, continually pushing boundaries and presenting new opportunities to make a difference. I'm excited to keep exploring, learning, and contributing to this transformative field, making healthcare a more accessible, equitable, and empowering experience for everyone.

What value will this programme add to your career moving forward? 
Coming from a clinical background, I knew little about technology and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can impact the current healthcare system. This course trains me to think from different perspectives, which will be helpful in a multidisciplinary approach to the digital ecosystem. This program has equipped me with a unique blend of skills in both healthcare and business. I've honed my understanding of clinical research, patient needs, and healthcare systems while developing business acumen in market analysis, venture capital, and startup management. This hybrid skillset opens doors to diverse career paths in the dynamic world of digital health.  

Completing this rigorous program at a prestigious institution like UCL adds credibility and confidence to my resume. It demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning, entrepreneurial spirit, and understanding of the complex digital health landscape. This makes me a more competitive candidate in the job market.
Overall, the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship has gone beyond adding skills; it's reshaped my perspective and empowered me to become a changemaker in the digital health world. I'm confident that the knowledge, network, and skills I've gained will continue to open doors and propel me towards a fulfilling and impactful career in this exciting field.

What advice would you give prospective students considering applying for the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship? 

This program isn't just about today's healthcare; it's about shaping tomorrow's. You'll delve into cutting-edge technologies like AI, precision medicine, and genomics, exploring their potential to transform healthcare delivery and democratise access to life-saving solutions. I highly recommend that prospective students read the module description on the UCL website to understand the course lineup before applying. Register for the virtual open day, organised periodically, to learn more about the MSc Digital Health and Entrepreneurship and ask any burning questions on the spot!  

So, to the future applicants, don't just apply; dive headfirst into this transformative experience. It's not just a Master's program; it's a launchpad for your future as a changemaker in digital health. Be prepared to sweat, brainstorm, fail and rise again because, within these walls, you'll hone your skills and discover your potential to shape the future of healthcare.

P.S. Don't forget to bring your A-game, a healthy dose of caffeine, and an open mind ready to be blown. You're in for the ride of your life!

Talk me through a typical day in life as a GBSH student. 
I have five modules and classes from Monday to Friday this term, with a midweek break on Wednesday. I usually start my day with a cup of hot Milo (or hot chocolate) and overnight oats or granola. I stay near the university, so I enjoy my 10-minute walk with some music or podcasts (depending on my mood). 

Let's take Monday as an example. I have back-to-back lectures for digital health startups and digital health research methods from 9 am to 11 am, and then I will have a short break before starting my startup seminar at noon. I get to practise my pitching skills under the supervision of Professor Hassan and Masood, who always provide constructive feedback on how to improve our pitches. 

I enjoyed my home-cooked packed lunch with my coursemates at the UCL East Refectory during lunchtime. Sometimes, we will have group discussions or casual catch-ups on our course projects. After lunch, I have the interactive research methods seminar with Professor Sam and Henry. Sometimes, I will stop by the Westfield shopping centre, a stone's throw away from the university, to get groceries before heading home. 

What have you enjoyed the most since starting at the UCL GBSH?
I am glad to have a group of supportive lecturers and tutors who offer invaluable insights, clarify complex concepts and provide feedback on our work, which will propel my learning process. Besides, the modules allow peer co-learning, which is beneficial, enhances understanding, and strengthens knowledge retention. In this course, we also had luminaries from the special guest speakers in the digital health realm, which gave us different perspectives.

Apart from the course, I had the opportunity to attend some AI health tech innovation events, such as Digital Health AI + Data and GIANT Health conferences in London. This experience has broadened my horizons and provided an excellent opportunity to interact and establish networks with industry experts.     

Can you tell us about your Chevening Scholarship and how you found the application process? 

With a grateful heart, I am thankful for the Chevening Scholarship and UCL sponsorship. Chevening allows you to choose the course you are interested in (from hundreds of courses at hundreds of universities in the UK! So there will always be something for you). Being a Chevening also gives you access to a lifelong community of global leaders and great networking opportunities during conferences and events. 

You must write four essays on the application form about leadership, networking, courses and career plans. The application for the Chevening scholarship usually opens in September, so keep your eyes on their website. Do check your eligibility before applying. You can find more details at https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/

If you want to know more about my study life at UCL or how I won the scholarship, you may contact me through LinkedIn. I would be happy to share my journey!

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