Stephanie Tao is studying our Clinical Neuroscience Practice MSc. She tells us about the benefits of studying in a specialist university hospital and her perspective as an international student.
"As St George’s students’ study in a specialist university hospital, I felt that I could learn from not only textbook knowledge but also clinical practice. "
Please tell us about your academic and professional background
I completed a Bachelor's degree in Mental Health Studies in Canada, where I gained basic knowledge of neuroscience through my undergraduate studies, including fundamental neuroanatomy and neuropathology. I also studied clinical psychology, including basic psychopathology, different psychotherapies, and their clinical applications. After graduation, I returned to China and worked as a medical assistant in the psychiatric outpatient department and emergency department at Shanghai Mental Health Centre for two years, accumulating a wealth of clinical experience. These experiences have sparked a strong interest in clinical neuroscience for me, and I hope to further strengthen and deepen my professional knowledge to become a clinical neuropsychologist in the future and better serve in clinical practice.
Why did you choose to study your course at St George’s?
As St George’s students’ study in a specialist university hospital, I felt that I could learn from not only textbook knowledge but also clinical practice. It can help us better understand how to deal with patients in a reality setting which prepares us better for future careers.
Every day, we can learn from experts who are currently working in the hospital. Their teaching focuses more on practical clinical applications rather than just textbook knowledge. The cases they teach are the latest ones from their clinical work. Because it is a teaching hospital, we also have the opportunity to observe and learn from any department of the hospital that interests us, and we have the chance to communicate with patients. These are all very valuable learning opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I believe the courses here are a gradual deepening process of learning, supplemented by clinical case studies. From the beginning of learning neuroscience foundation knowledge, we are not learning from a very broad structure, but each unit focuses on the main disorders related to it and clinical case studies. In the later health delivery module, it provided me with a very valuable opportunity to understand the structure and operation of the UK NHS system, allowing me to better understand both health service delivery and specifics of individual diseases, which helped me to build a reflective thinking of what I can do to better provide healthcare services for patients in the future.
What are the key skills that you’ve gained during your course?
I have learned three very important aspects from my course. Firstly, the basic knowledge of clinical neuroscience, which includes neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and neuropharmacology. Secondly, the structure of healthcare systems and various sources of funding, allow me to better understand clinical work and patients' medical experiences from a more macro perspective. Thirdly, clinical placements have taught me how to effectively and empathetically communicate with patients, as well as how to establish treatment plans.
Please can you tell us about your research project?
I am currently involved in a research project with the Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) team. The team provides specialist FND services including diagnosis confirmation, treatment, and support. Functional movement disorder (FMD) is a common subtype of FND. My study aims to investigate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES), gender, cultural background, and distance of residence to an FMD clinic on the diagnosis and access to treatment for FMD. The primary objective is to examine the relationship between inequalities and health outcomes of FMD patients. The implication of these possible results highlights disparities in access to healthcare services for FMD patients which could lead to less effectiveness of treatments, patient experiences, and long-term health outcomes.
What benefits do you think St George's has for an international student?
As an international student, I feel welcomed, and the university’s international student centre often holds events that give us the opportunity to meet other international students. The teachers are very supportive of international students and actively help us with contacts and communication.
How have you found life and studies in the UK as an international student?
I find my studies in the UK to be very exciting. I have a great campus environment and teaching resources. I have many choices and space for research, and supervisors and other staff members are very supportive and understanding. The extracurricular life is also good, with plenty of entertainment options in London. I have also made many friends from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Of course, the most challenging aspects are the high cost of living in London and the weather.
How has St George's helped you to develop your career?
I believe St George’s does an excellent job of helping students with future career planning. In each module, the lecturers who teach us will introduce their roles and responsibilities in the NHS and share their journeys to becoming professionals in the field. This allows us to not only learn professional knowledge but also think about what role we hope to play in the future as healthcare providers and how to achieve that role.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying your course?
I recommend students interested in this course be prepared for adaptation and challenges because medical knowledge is rapidly evolving, and we are constantly learning new things every day, which can be both exciting and challenging. You need to have strong self-directed learning abilities and push yourself to read, learn, communicate, and make demands. At the same time, you need to learn how to cope with anxiety and accept differences.
Describe St George’s in 3 words
Diverse. Supportive. Stimulating.