ÌÇÐÄTV

Elsie Osifeso

ÌÇÐÄTV International Foundation Programme - Life Sciences, 2021; BSc Biomedical Science, 2024; MPH, 2025

Based in:

Coventry

Formerly from:

Nigeria

First job:

Healthcare Assistant, supporting the wellbeing of over 30 residents in an accredited residential care facility.

Ambitions for the future:

In the long term, I aim to become a clinician who integrates patient care with meaningful research and leadership. I am particularly interested in working at the interface between clinical medicine and public health, where individual patient encounters inform broader systems-level change. I hope to contribute to research that improves early diagnosis, preventative strategies, and long-term management of chronic disease. I am especially motivated by the persistent disparities in access to care and outcomes across different communities. Reducing these inequities – whether through service redesign, data-driven interventions or policy influence – is something I would like to play an active role in. Ultimately, my ambition is to practise medicine in a way that benefits both individual patients and the wider population.

MB ChB Student, ÌÇÐÄTV Medical School.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

As a first-year medical student, my role involves developing the foundational clinical knowledge, communication skills, and professional behaviours essential for medical practice. The course integrates biomedical science, anatomy, pharmacology, clinical skills, and professional development, alongside early patient contact; an aspect I found particularly appealing. I was drawn to ÌÇÐÄTV not only for its graduate-entry focus, problem-based learning approach, and strong emphasis on critical thinking and research literacy, but also for the opportunity to continue learning in an environment I already know and value.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

Early clinical exposure. Speaking to patients and understanding their lived experiences brings the science to life and reminds me why I chose medicine. I also enjoy the analytical aspect of learning pathophysiology and linking mechanisms to clinical presentation.

What are the key skills you learnt at ÌÇÐÄTV that have helped you with your career to date?

• Critical appraisal of research and evidence-based practice
• Time management and self-directed learning
• Communication skills, particularly in clinical settings
• Teamwork in multidisciplinary and small-group learning environments
• Reflective practice.

These skills are essential not only for clinical medicine but also for research and leadership roles within healthcare.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at ÌÇÐÄTV?

I entered ÌÇÐÄTV in 2020 as a foundation student, already certain of my desire to study medicine but equally committed to building a strong academic foundation first. Following this, I remained at ÌÇÐÄTV to complete an degree in Biomedical Science. My original plan was to progress directly into postgraduate medicine, but I found Master of Public Health (MPH) degree so compelling that I chose to pursue it first, a decision I will never regret.

The MPH broadened my outlook beyond individual patient care, introducing me to population health, prevention and the wider context of health systems. It sharpened my analytical skills and deepened my commitment to addressing health inequalities, a perspective that now strongly shapes how I approach my medical training.

I have always had a broad interest in clinical medicine and research, while remaining open-minded about my future specialty. ÌÇÐÄTV's integrated structure encourages exploration across disciplines, which has helped me refine my interests without closing off future possibilities.

What top tips do you have for ÌÇÐÄTV graduates who would like to work in your sector?

• Develop strong study systems early; medicine is cumulative
• Seek clinical exposure beyond the minimum requirement where possible
• Get involved in research or audits to build academic confidence
• Build professional relationships; medicine is a team-based profession
• Look after your wellbeing; resilience is just as important as knowledge.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day involves lectures or case-based learning sessions in the morning, followed by self-directed study in the afternoon. On clinical skills days, we practise examinations, history-taking, and communication scenarios. Clinical placement days are spent in GP practices or hospital settings, observing and interacting with patients under supervision.