The course was well structured and intellectually stimulating, with supportive tutors who were approachable and genuinely invested in our learning
Maryam Zia
Health Information Officer at Lupus UK
MPH Public Health
2023
Since completing her MPH at the University of Sheffield, Maryam began her career in the NHS before joining Lupus UK as a Health Information Officer. She combines clinical knowledge and public health expertise to produce patient resources, respond to queries, and represent the organisation at events.
Please give a brief overview of your career path since graduation and your current role/responsibilities
Since graduating with a background in medicine and completing my MPH, I began my career in the NHS as a GP Assistant, where I supported clinical workflows and patient care. I then transitioned into my current role as a Health Information Officer at Lupus UK, where I combine my medical knowledge and public health training to communicate complex medical information in accessible ways. My responsibilities include writing articles for our magazine, updating patient resources such as our pregnancy booklet in line with new BSR guidelines, responding to patient and carer queries, and representing the organization at events like the BSR conference. I truly enjoy my role, as it allows me to bridge clinical knowledge with meaningful patient support and advocacy.
In what way did your experience at University of Sheffield prepare you for your current career?
My experience at the University of Sheffield, particularly during my MPH, equipped me with a strong foundation in evidence-based healthcare, public health research, and health communication. The program emphasised critical thinking, data interpretation, and practical application of public health principles, all of which have been invaluable in my current role. It also gave me the confidence to engage with both scientific literature and patient communities, helping me effectively translate complex medical information into accessible content for diverse audiences
Tell us more about your experience at the University of Sheffield
I had a very positive experience at the University of Sheffield. The course was well-structured and intellectually stimulating, with supportive tutors who were approachable and genuinely invested in our learning. I particularly appreciated the diversity of the MPH cohort, which created a rich environment for discussion and learning from different global health perspectives. The city itself was welcoming and affordable, with a great balance of green spaces and a vibrant student community. I also enjoyed being part of public health-related events and seminars that connected academic learning to real-world practice. Overall, my time in Sheffield was both personally and professionally enriching.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career to you?
My advice would be to stay open to opportunities beyond traditional clinical roles, public health, health communications, and patient advocacy are all meaningful ways to use a medical background. Gaining experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings, like I did with the NHS and now at Lupus UK, helps build a well-rounded perspective. I’d also recommend developing strong communication skills and staying informed about current research, as these are essential in roles that involve translating medical information for diverse audiences. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals in the field, most are happy to share their insights and help you navigate your career path.