I started my neurology career in the UK because of this master’s course

Why did you decide to study this course at the University of Sheffield?

“I was a neurology trainee doctor from Iraq, and my training there was integrated academic and clinical training. I planned to get an academic degree from the UK in clinical neurology, and the structure and modules of this master’s course was a great combination for someone who is interested in a clinical and academic career, whether in teaching or research. Also, this is the only neurology masters in the UK that is purely clinical rather than laboratory-based or loaded with too many basic sciences.”

What did you enjoy most about the course?

“This was a great course and an unforgettable experience. To start with, Sheffield was nice as it is not as expensive as other UK cities and not too overcrowded, as well as being so beautiful with nature and green lands.

“The course itself was so well organised, thanks to the brilliant Helen Hickson, who, from the first day I met her, provided a lot of support and advice.

“I enjoyed the integration between lectures and clinical attachment. We had modules that highlighted important neurological advances and updated ways to follow evidence-based medicine, as well as basic clinical neuroscience and neuroradiology. We had a weekly clinic initially, but when we started the CNELM we were completely attached to the hospital and became familiar with the NHS, joining clinics, shadowing on calls, attending ward rounds and meetings, as well as clerking patients and discussing cases with the consultants to complete a Mini-Cex and CBD.

“I also attended multiple general neurology and specialty clinics, which improved my knowledge, clinical practice, and communication skills. I also gained some experience in Botox for migraine and dystonia, as well as VNS for epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology."

The clinical lead, Dr Esther Hobson, was an excellent teacher, a wonderful person, and a very skilled neurologist. If I needed to write about the help that she provided to the students generally and to me, especially as my clinical supervisor, I’d probably need a separate essay!

Hassan Farid

"I met a lot of great teachers and clinicians who were always ready to help, such as Dr Aaizza Naqvi (my project supervisor in stroke and migraine) and Dr Joumana Janbieh and Dr Theocharis Tsironis, who always welcomed me to attend their clinics.”

In what ways has the course informed your current career path?

“After finishing my course, I applied for a job in London as a neurology clinical teaching fellow in one of the big neurology training centres and its higher education partner, a high-ranking UK university. I felt confident during the interview, and the interviewers accepted me based on my experience and the knowledge that I gained from this master’s course. When I applied I had only completed the first part of the MRCP and PACES, but because of this MSc they accepted me without the complete MRCP, which I gained a few months later. 

“This master’s course also helped me to pass PACES on my first attempt. I applied while I was an MSc student, and I did clinical practice on different patients in the hospital and joined a group of IMT trainees, which helped improve my skills.

“The course’s integration between the clinical and teaching elements helped me teach UK medical students confidently, and familiarised me with the UK’s higher education curriculum. I am also allowed to join the neurology SpR rota to attend neurology clinics and do on-calls.

“I have been in my current post for about a year and still receive excellent feedback from my students. I am currently studying for a Certificate in Medical Education in order to be a HE Fellow. I also plan to apply for a Neurology Senior Clinical Fellow post next year and neurology training the year after. My UK degree and experience in neurology as a teacher and at the specialty registrar level will help increase the competition points.”

What would you say to a student thinking of studying Clinical Neurology at Sheffield?

“I would like to say ‘come to Sheffield’ and if you plan to apply for Clinical Neurology, go ahead, enjoy it, and benefit from it every single day.

“SITraN and the Royal Hallamshire Hospital are great places to study, learn, and practice neurology under the supervision of great neurologists. Do not hesitate to prioritise this MSc if you plan to have a career in clinical neuroscience or neurology.”