Deputy Medical Coordinator at Medicines Sans Frontiers
2019 MSc Public Health and Health Promotion
How did you end up at Swansea University?
The choice to study at Swansea University was a straight-forward decision. Swansea university has a global reputation and it is ranked very high in the UK and globally. It has a gold rating in teaching excellence. Its high reputation is a testament of the high level of academic excellence and its world-class research programs. The university enjoys a spectacular location, just minutes from the beach. This provides a great place for relaxation and exploration.
The multicultural ambience of the university was also a turning point for me. The university is a cosmopolitan university with students from different countries globally. The bursary and scholarship opportunities at the university are second to none. I was awarded a bursary of £3,000 to offset my tuition fees. This is indeed a high level of generosity from the University. Furthermore, the fact that Swansea University is one of the very few universities in the world that combine the public health and health promotion course.
What were the best things about your course?
In my opinion, public health is the most important aspect of medicine. It can help prevent and bring solutions to health issues like no other field. The MSc Public Health and Health Promotion at Swansea University was a very interesting, intensive and rewarding course. The opportunity to undergo a placement at a professional public health setting in the UK helped me to have a view of how the theory I learned during the course of the program can be applied in public health practice. The flexibility of the course also provides students with ample time and opportunity to engage in individual reading and research needed to excel in the academic program. The open-door policy of the lecturers also provides prompt tutelage and guidance when required.
What are you favourite memories from your time at Swansea?
Being an international student with little experience in academic writing and to receiving the best dissertation award shows the high level of academic guidance in the university. Everyone is willing and available to guide a student. The course lecturers, library staffs and staffs of the center for academic success were always available to help. I will always look back and remember with fond memories the support I received during my time at Swansea which allowed me to excel in various dispensation
What did you do after graduation? How did you end up in your current role?
After successfully graduating with an MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion with Distinction, I returned to Nigeria to keep contributing my quota in responding to impending health issues in Nigeria. Immediately on my return, I got a job with a French NGO (Medecins du monde), where I was providing free curative health care services to Internally displaced population. Thereafter, I got a job as the Medical Coordinator Support with Medecins sans Frontiers and later appointed as the Deputy Medical Coordinator after excelling in my previous position albeit after going through a recruitment process. At MSF, we provide free qualitative health care services to vulnerable populations across Nigeria especially in the Northwest and Northeast. Furthermore, we respond to epidemics and displacements across Nigeria. I have also been involved in covid-19, Cholera and Measles outbreak response.
Were you a member of any student societies? Did you take advantage of any other opportunities?
I was a member of the Swansea university Futsal club where we won all the football matches that we played in and won both the BUCS Futsal league and the cup. This developed my passion for soccer and provided me with a platform for networking with other students.
Where are you working now? To what extent has your Swansea experience helped you progress/achieve your career aspirations?
I am working with Medecins sans Frontiers in Nigeria as the Deputy Medical Coordinator. My MSc at Swansea university provided me with the academic qualifications required for the role. Furthermore, the skills I learnt during the course of my program which include analytical, communication skills, critical thinking, research skills, social and cultural sensitivity, time management, planning and organisation, writing skills, confidence and decision making skills are skills I use to carry out my daily tasks effectively
What is a typical day like in your job or what are the most exciting things about your job?
I support the Medical Coordinator in defining, leading and coordinating the entire medical scope of the mission, according to MSF protocols, standards, policies and values, in order to ensure the quality of the medical care given to the targeted population and thus improving their overall health and living conditions. I also represent MSF before third parties concerning medical issues, ensuring its good public image and the alignment with the mission interests through regular contacts with other actors in the country, negotiating with authorities when necessary, and informing on MSF charter, values and principles. Others include participating and contributing in the definition and update of the country policy, annual plan and budgets in order to develop the projects and programs aimed at addressing humanitarian issues at stake ensuring its efficiency and quality. I also coach, train and motivate the teams in the mission in order to align all field staff with MSF values and ethics and ensuring their capability to carry out their job achieving MSF quality standards. I participate in the data collection and management from the projects as well as preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and organizing data archiving and medical reports in the project. I also ensure that consistent and correct data is entered into the Health Management Information System.
What advice would you give to anyone considering studying at Swansea?
I will definitely recommend Swansea University to any prospective student looking forward to have exceptional knowledge and insight needed to excel in their career. This is because the university provides the right balance between excellent teaching, research and a high quality of life for its students. Any student who plans to study at Swansea university should not think twice and go for it. The reward is exceptional and I am saying this as one of the many students who have gone out to excel in their careers after graduating from Swansea university.
