Student profile: Harriet

Second year Health and Medical Sciences student Harriet reflects on what she’s enjoyed most so far and how her time at university is shaping her future ambitions in health innovation.

Why did you choose to study Health and Medical Sciences at Warwick?

I chose to study Health and Medical Sciences because the course was a perfect mix of many of my diverse interests. Despite not being certain on exactly what career I wanted to pursue, I knew I was interested in and passionate about healthcare, and I wanted to study it from an interdisciplinary perspective that looked at real-world health problems holistically. So when I found this course, which was very unique in its integrated approach, I was immediately drawn to it.

I chose to study at Warwick for many reasons. Firstly, it has an excellent reputation as an institution nationally and worldwide and hearing from current students and alumni of university, I was positive that it would be a great environment for me to learn and grow, not just academically or professionally, but also on a social and personal level. I was also drawn to the wide range of societies and opportunities offered at the university, which I knew would make my experience much more fulfilling.

How have you found the course so far?

I have really enjoyed the course so far. It has been very interesting to learn about complex health issues from a wide range of disciplines such as pharmacology, epidemiology, public health, ethics, economics and sociology. It has definitely opened my eyes to see how important these different perspectives are in effectively understanding and addressing problems in human health.

What have you enjoyed most about the course? 

My favourite thing about the course has been my optional modules in second year, which I selected to closely align with my personal interests. I chose Reprogenetics and Health Psychology, which have been excellent opportunities to explore biological, ethical and behavioural aspects of health in greater depth, and with real-world application.

How have you found the university experience outside of the course?

I have found my university experience really positive and enriching. During my time here, I have been involved with societies such as the ACS (African Caribbean Society) and PENSA (Pentecostal Students and Associates). I am currently a Welfare Officer on the PENSA executive team, as well as a HMS Student Ambassador, SSLC Representative (Student-Staff Liaison Committee) and an Academic Mentor. These activities and responsibilities have made my time here much more fulfilling, and have definitely kept me busy!

What are you planning to do after graduation?

I am hoping to work in strategy consulting, or product management, within the healthcare/health-tech industry. I am really interested in healthcare innovation and technology.

Do you have any advice for people applying to the course?

My main advice would just be to throw yourself into everything: whether that's trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone, applying to different opportunities, or really engaging with your course. You will get so much more out of your university experience that way.

Which three words would you use to describe your experience of studying at Warwick Medical School?

Fulfilling, varied, exciting.