M.Adeeb Abbara

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

What drew me to the University of Birmingham is its strong academic reputation, particularly in health and public health, and its high rank among the top 100 universities in the world. I also personally liked the diversity of the university and the opportunity to live in Birmingham which has a largely diverse multicultural community where I am able to further grow and develop academically and professionally.

What made you choose your course, and what interested you most about the subject?

As a medical doctor, I strongly advocate for the concept of evidence-based medicine, and I wanted to strengthen and improve my research skills. The idea of looking further upstream rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment was also one of the reasons I chose Public Health as it improved my understanding of the wider determinants of health, health inequalities, disease prevention, and health improvement.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

The opportunity to implement what I learned throughout the year-long course to real public health issues was particularly interesting. My dissertation focused on the uptake and participation in community-based cardiovascular programmes which allowed me to better use and understand research, health improvement, and wider perspectives of the local community.

How would you describe the teaching, learning environment, and support from your lecturers?

The course and lecturers continuously encouraged critical thinking and discussions while providing the required support. I also enjoyed holding academic discussions with the students from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds as it brought forward different perspectives towards common public health issues.

How has your course helped you develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for your future career?

The MPH nicely complemented my clinical practice with regards to critical appraisal, research methods, and understanding of health inequalities. It also opened my eyes towards the importance of prevention and the social and behavioural factors that affect health.

What are your career goals after graduation, and how has your course prepared you to achieve them?

My main goal is to continue my medical career in the UK and pursue speciality training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Alongside that, I intend to remain active in research and academics. I would like to pursue a PhD, if the right opportunity, time, and academic support are available.