Dr Olufunke Bolaji MSc Neonatology2023

Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?

The provision of the completely Distance Learning modality of the course. The recommendation from a colleague who was also studying the same course that I wanted to. The flexibility of the modules played a great role as well.

What is it like studying here?

The Couse coordinator Susan Smith is amazing with her constant support and prompt response to issues.

It's good to interphase with students from all over the world in the discussion groups.

What is the most amazing thing you have learnt or discovered in your time at Southampton?

I live and work in a low resource country, so it was rather intimidating at first to have such volume of new material to learn and show competence at.

This challenge however proved to be an asset as I continued the module because it gave me the impetus to adapt the new knowledge being acquired in my local context. 

The Pulmonology module of my course completely transformed my practice and my approach to my patients.

Please tell us about a moment when you learnt something at Southampton, which reinforced or changed your mind about your direction in life.

Learning about surfactant, caffeine and respiratory support gave me the impetus to go the extra mile to get these scarce resources for our patients.

It is quite remarkable that the knowledge i have had enabled me to successfully persuade our hospital management to provide us CPAP machines and Ventilators in the neonatal unit which we didn’t have before. These have strengthened and improved the neonatal care we provide in our hospital.

Its gives me great delight that our neonatal unit now serves as a “respiratory support hub” to other hospitals in nearby states providing training on respiratory for health care workers and getting other life-saving medications to newborns.

Thanks to the knowledge from Southampton University.

What are you most proud of from your time at Southampton so far?

The knowledge base for my practice has improved in geometric proportions.

What do you think you have gained from your studies that you wouldn’t have developed without them?

Professional network, the ability to promote newborn health better and reduce preventable newborn deaths.

Who has inspired you the most in your time here and why?

Susan Smith

What will you do with your degree/research after you have finished your studies?

Use my degree as a spring platform to advance my career as a Neonatologist.

Who will you keep in touch with from Southampton once you graduate and why?

Susan Smith: She is inspirational!

What will you miss the most about being at Southampton once you have finished your studies?

The Library