London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Ever wondered how the right diet can transform lives and health outcomes? As an intercalating medical student from the University of Hong Kong, my passion for the role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases led me to LSHTM. Here’s a peek into my exhilarating experience studying the MSc Nutrition for Global Health (NfGH).

From personal experience to global impact: the programme

Before diving into nutrition, I was deeply entrenched in medical studies at the University of Hong Kong. My interest in how lifestyle factors, particularly nutrition and physical activity, influence chronic diseases has always been a driving force. Watching my grandparents manage multiple comorbidities underscored the importance of nutrition in both prevention and treatment. This personal connection, along with my family's supportive enthusiasm to learn more about nutrition, propelled me towards this specialized programme at LSHTM. The programme’s global perspective on nutrition and chronic diseases was precisely what I was looking for. It wasn’t just about understanding the science; it was about applying this knowledge to make a tangible difference in public health.

Among the many enlightening modules, Nutrition Programme Planning stood out as my favourite. This module allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge from modules like Maternal and Child Nutrition and Nutrition-related Chronic Diseases in a practical setting. We developed skills to design, implement, and evaluate nutrition programmes. I particularly enjoyed creating a nutrition-sensitive agricultural programme, which highlighted the critical link between food systems, food security, and sustainability. This hands-on experience was invaluable and perfectly complemented the theoretical knowledge from other modules.

Sharpening my critical thinking: a refreshing approach

One of the most rewarding aspects of the MSc NfGH was how it pushed my critical thinking boundaries. The exams, especially our paper 2 in June, required us to interpret results from different types of research studies and provide recommendations to government bodies. This approach to assessment was a refreshing change from the rote memorization typical of medical school. It honed my ability to analyze and apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

This programme has significantly enriched my medical training. As a future doctor, the knowledge and skills I’ve gained will enable me to provide holistic care, integrating nutrition advice into my clinical practice. Moreover, the expertise I've acquired is invaluable for helping friends and family navigate the often contradictory and misleading information about nutrition in the media. From debunking myths about vegetables being harmful to offering evidence-based dietary recommendations, I feel more confident in guiding those around me toward healthier choices.

My summer project

Over the summer, I am currently working on my summer project on the long-term prognostic value of concomitant malnutrition and inflammation in coronary heart disease patients in Hong Kong. Beginning my MSc, I was always excited about the freedom of being able to write a paper based on our own topic of choosing within the theme of public health nutrition and I am eager to explore the role of nutrition and inflammation in cardiovascular disease progression. Balancing this project with the start of my fourth year in medical school has been quite the challenge. However, I’m managing thanks to the invaluable support and guidance from both my internal and external supervisors. Their help has been instrumental in keeping me on track and motivated.

Outside of coursework, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Student Liaison Officer for the Centre of Global Chronic Conditions at LSHTM. Centres at LSHTM are cross-institution networks of academics collaborating and innovating to address global health challenges. For me, this role involved creating promotional materials and organizing events, including a blog on hypertension in collaboration with Dr Anoop Shah. Connecting with leading researchers and expanding my understanding of chronic diseases from a public health perspective was immensely fulfilling. This complemented my existing clinical knowledge from medical school, providing a more holistic view of chronic disease management. Learning about healthcare reforms in crisis-stricken Ukraine, for instance, was eye-opening and highlighted the profound impact of geopolitics on health systems.

More than just a degree

Despite the academic rigour, my experience at LSHTM was well-balanced with fun activities. Our programme representatives organized activities like ice skating, a walk exploring Chingford, picnics, and a Secret Santa for Christmas. London itself offered a plethora of new experiences – from trying spinning, pilates, rowing, and boxing, to exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene. I was able to watch my first ever musicals and explore London’s huge parks, a great change of scenery from growing up in the urban landscape of Hong Kong. I even discovered that London is so packed with foliage that it’s technically classified as a forest according to the United Nations definition of a forest being anywhere that’s at least 20% trees! 

I was also lucky enough to have some time over the weekends and holidays to explore Scotland in the UK and a few other places in Europe as well. One of my highlights was seeing the northern lights in Finland and being able to attend the ESC Preventive Cardiology Congress in Athens to present a project from my medical studies. I wouldn’t have been able to attend this conference if I wasn’t already situated so close to Greece.

To anyone considering the MSc NfGH at LSHTM, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The programme is intensive but immensely rewarding, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Embrace the opportunity to explore a new city, meet diverse people, and expand your horizons both academically and personally. 

Conclusion

My year at LSHTM has been a journey of discovery and growth. The insights and experiences I’ve gained will undoubtedly shape my future career as a doctor, and I’m excited to bring this knowledge back to Hong Kong to benefit my patients, family, and friends. If you’re passionate about nutrition and global health, this programme is a perfect stepping stone to making a meaningful impact. 

• Contact Edwina via our contact student ambassador page.
• Read 5 steps to get yourself settled in London as an international student.
• Alan from Hong Kong shares his summer project experience.
• Discover MSc Nutrition for Global Health.