Nadia Vawda
MSc Sport and Exercise Medicine
“I'm in my second year of the Diploma/MSc in Sport and Exercise Medicine programme and despite the challenges I have been thoroughly enjoying it so far!
The programme is enhancing my ability to deal more effectively with day-to-day practice, as well as challenging me intellectually and developing my critical appraisal skills; something I feel is useful in all areas of medicine. Getting used to Masters level scientific writing has been a bit of a shock though!
I have always loved sport, so I wanted to marry my enthusiasm for General Practice with this passion. Working as a GP, a large chunk of my normal working day is spent examining musculoskeletal problems, but there are also problems relating to exercise (or the lack of it!) with all sorts of chronic conditions, including the ever increasing problem of obesity. Unfortunately, I felt these areas were not well covered at medical school previously.
The whole programme is distance learning, and the online world can be challenging or appear alien to some! I would encourage those to attend the induction event as it is definitely time well spent.
The programme is self-directed learning which is facilitated by tutors, rather than delivery of a series of lectures or reams of notes to read. The teaching staff and tutors are all very approachable and have always been happy to answer my queries, or allay fears. I've been amazed by the depth and breadth of knowledge we have available on tap!
The Clinical Week hones your examination skills and proves a unique opportunity to pick up ‘tricks of the trade’ from various members of the multidisciplinary team, including experienced SEM doctors, physiotherapists and osteopaths.
The Residential Weeks are great fun and incredibly helpful for discussions online afterwards. The events are jam-packed full of learning, as well as a few social opportunities. Where else can you get access to sessions with world-class coaching staff to start your day?!
One of the beauties of the programme is learning from colleagues and fellow students who come from all walks of medical life and bring with them various experiences and knowledge from real clinical practice. The diverse experience of working in different sporting environments, or participating in various sports and can bring insights and fresh perspectives to the different worlds.
The more I go through the programme, the more opportunities seem to be opening up to me and I am meeting more interesting people! If you are considering this programme I would advise you that although the programme is flexible, the time commitment is not insignificant, so ensure you have planned well. Overall, I would recommend anyone interested in sport and exercise medicine to apply for this programme!”
