Rose Aning

My Graduate Story

As a clinician (respiratory therapist) at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, my current role requires me to address the respiratory needs of critically ill patients at the intensive care unit. As an assistant lecturer at the Respiratory Therapy Department of the University of Ghana, I impart future respiratory therapists with knowledge in respiratory care as part of their training.

When I became certain that I would be leaving Birmingham to Ghana after graduation, I started working on applications for jobs in my field in my final semester. Shortly after returning, I started contacting potential employers. I began with part-time work as an assistant lecturer about a month after returning last year while applying for clinical work. After some interview sessions and receiving an offer, I began combining full-time clinical work as a respiratory therapist with academic work at the University of Ghana.

A Day in my Life

A typical day as a respiratory therapist begins with me reviewing handover notes from the previous team and making plans for each patient at the intensive care unit. I organise the order of assessment based on the nature of disease conditions, urgency, and therapy needs. I assess patients individually, implement respiratory therapeutic management strategies (often using mechanical ventilators and oxygen delivery devices), draw patient samples and run tests when required, and work with other clinicians to recommend and design weaning and recovery plans. The day can be full of surprises, such as when a patient experiences cardiac arrest, which can alter the expected routine.

As an assistant lecturer, my day starts with reviewing teaching content and then meeting students for scheduled classes, clarifying concepts, and meeting students one-on-one to discuss their academic performance.

My Journey to the University of Ghana Medical Centre

When I knew I would return to Ghana after graduating, I proactively applied for jobs during my final semester at Birmingham. After arriving in Ghana, I quickly contacted potential employers. I secured a part-time assistant lecturer role within a month while continuing to apply for clinical roles. After receiving an offer, I began working full-time as a respiratory therapist alongside my academic duties at the University of Ghana.

My Birmingham Experience

The Respiratory Medicine learning experience gave me advanced knowledge of the field and helped me build analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills applicable to both clinical and academic settings. The research knowledge I gained proved especially valuable when assisting students with their final year dissertations.

Birmingham's Impact

I received the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship in 2023, and it helped me by covering my tuition and other expenses. This financial support gave me peace of mind and allowed me to focus fully on excelling in my studies, for which I am very grateful. 

One of the best things about my course was working alongside respiratory medicine students from diverse backgrounds and building meaningful relationships. I also greatly valued learning from passionate and supportive lecturers like Professor Alice Turner, Dr. Anita Pye, and Dr. Lavanya Diwarka. The increasing challenge each semester pushed me to grow and overcome difficulties.

My Achievements

Surprisingly, my biggest achievement was not just graduating with distinction, but the personal growth I experienced throughout the journey. Overcoming challenges during my MSc Respiratory Medicine taught me resilience and shaped who I have become.

Advice for Students

• Be intentional about your career prospects and start working on them before graduation.
• Seek wise counsel about your field, understand its challenges, and develop ways to address them.
• Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed, and be proactive in proposing solutions.
• Learn skills beyond your coursework and build a network with diverse peers.
• Collaborate with those who share your goals and build meaningful relationships grounded in good values.
• Seek mentorship when possible to ease your journey.
• View problems as growth opportunities and be determined not to give up.
• Prioritise your health.
• Make the most of every opportunity and consider how your skills can help others.