Mathilda Jabbour Msc. Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care, 2017
I am stepping out of the programme as a confident leader, with solid strategy building, decision making, and research skills.
Why did you want to study MSc Leadership and Management?
My first hand practical experience in the field of genetics in the Lebanon and the region exposed me to the challenges facing the regional healthcare systems and directed my interest towards contributing towards much needed change in the industry. I joined the MSc in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care programme as a Saïd Foundation scholar, to equip myself with the skills for this challenge.
What made you select the University of Southampton for your undergraduate study?
The University’s reputation and excellence journey placed it among the top 20 universities in the UK and in the top 100 of universities globally. Being part of the prestigious Russell Group has further solidified its global presence and impact. In such a recognized institution, I was certain that I can maximize my potential and get the most of my learning experience. Moreover, this degree boosted my profile and will be my gateway to new frontiers.
Did you have any concerns about studying at Southampton?
I was very excited to join the University since it is known for its international culture. I was excited to meet people from around the world while learning about the British culture. Although I was very excited I was a little bit worried about understanding the requirements specific to the British educational system. During the orientation days I was invited to attend sessions for international students; during these sessions professors were generous with their time and knowledge and made adapting to the system an easy task.
What is it like studying here?
The course I joined provided me with both practical and educational experience. For instance, we attended workshops such as team building activities that increased our self-awareness as well as our ability to understand others. In addition, our professors, some of which are on board of directors from NHS trusts, shared their experiences in reforming the healthcare system.
What other activities have you taken advantage of while at University?
I joined Unicef on Campus as an event planner, joined the Yoga and Salsa societies for entertainment and made use of the training sessions provided by the career services.
What do you think about the study facilities at the University?
The University has a very nice gym, with excellent equipment and a multitude of classes that I have enjoyed attending.
The library is a lovely place with a lot of quite areas to focus. Group study rooms were also readily available allowing students to share knowledge with colleagues and learn from each other. You can access practically any journal article you desire using the University portal and the library is full of resources on a very wide range of topics.
What have been the high points of your course so far?
With the help of my very experienced supervisor, Dr Richard Giordano, I was able to focus my dissertation on assisting with the healthcare Syrian refugee crisis through building a strategy that would decrease their demand on tertiary care for maternity. The strategy I am building is providing me with personal fulfilment as I am contributing to alleviating an enormous challenge facing my region. Additionally, acknowledging the importance of my work, I was selected to speak at IPPNW Health through Peace conference 2017.
During my coursework I had the opportunity to partner with a multi-cultural team to build a social enterprise aiming at utilizing technology to offset healthcare challenges. Our current focus on sexual health in the Caribbean region is receiving popular support allowing us to win the SEED grant award from the University of Southampton. The money granted from this award will go towards finalizing our app, marketing and launching it.
How is your course at Southampton preparing you for your future career?
The program I am currently enrolled in increased the level of my self-awareness as well as my ability to understand others through assessment exercises, team building activities, reflection and research. I am therefore stepping out of this program with the confidence to lead myself as well as lead others. I developed my strategy building skills through challenging assessments that required the use of theory, developing strategies to resolve complicated issues. I have learned to research evidence, critically assess and interpret as a basis for decision making. Most importantly, I have learned systems and processes successfully applied in healthcare systems that have provided safe, efficient and effective patient centred care.
What are you career aspirations for the future?
I am on a continuous journey to alleviate global healthcare challenges. I aspire to have a marked impact on the healthcare systems and become a recognized opinion leader in the field.