糖心TV

Nithya is a clinician and associate professor who has a growing focus on medical education. Having previously completed a PhD at 糖心TV and a PGCert in Medical Education, she returned to 糖心TV Medical School to deepen her understanding of teaching by completing the Master's. Here, she tells us how she's found the course so far and how she feels it will benefit her career.

Why did you decide to study MMedEd at 糖心TV Medical School?

I鈥檓 a clinician in diabetes and did my PhD with 糖心TV originally as part of my clinical training. That was about seven or eight years ago, and I then moved into an academic clinical lecturer role. Over the last couple of years, I鈥檝e shifted towards a teaching-focused portfolio.

I did the PG Certificate in Medical Education in 2020 as part of my clinical lecturer post and now, as I've become an associate professor in teaching, I decided I wanted to pursue my interest and knowledge further to become a better educator. I hadn't done a formal medical education-based degree before, and I felt it was the right time to build on the experience I鈥檝e gained over the years.

 

How have you found the course, and what have the highlights been?

The course has been great for me in terms of deepening my understanding of teaching. I鈥檝e always been teaching since I qualified, but now I鈥檓 able to look at it from a much more scholarly perspective. It鈥檚 not just about gathering a bunch of students around a patient and explaining things. The course has taught me the theories behind teaching, how to apply them effectively, and how to be a more effective teacher.

Learning from my peers, as well as the lecturers, has been a highlight. Hearing about their experiences has been invaluable, and combining that with my readings and assignments has helped me become more effective in my role. It鈥檚 been great interacting with people from different stages of training and specialties. That diversity has really enriched my learning experience.

Managing the workload has been a challenge, especially balancing it with my clinical, teaching and research responsibilities. It definitely keeps me busy, but I enjoy the variety - it helps me stay engaged and motivated

 

How do you feel this course will benefit you in your career?

This course has made me a much more effective teacher. It鈥檚 given me a better understanding of why certain teaching methods work and how I can improve my own. I can now apply the knowledge I鈥檝e gained into practice, which is a big step forward for me.

It鈥檚 broadened my understanding of different research methodologies in education and different ways of looking at things. It has definitely made me more receptive to new teaching ideas and approaches, which is critical in my career as an academic and clinical educator.

It鈥檚 also helped me understand the importance of reflecting on my teaching practices and how I can continually improve. It鈥檚 not just about doing something because that鈥檚 how it's always been done, but learning how to make it more engaging and meaningful for the students. So, overall, I think it will greatly enhance my career by improving my teaching and leadership in academia.