»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË

She tells us about a ChangeMaker project she worked on, the many gems she discovered in the area around campus, and why we need our pets to attend class with us(!)

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I recently graduated with aÌýMasters in Speech and Language Pathology at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË. So I am now officially a certified speech and language therapist/pathologist!

The programme allowed me to combine my passion for medicine and my compassionate personality to make an impact on the lives of my patients (and their loved ones). After my undergraduate studies at the University ofÌýToronto, I took a gap year interning in out-patient specialistÌýclinics,Ìýgaining surgical experiences, and participating in clinical research around the world.ÌýIn that time, I started to see that allied health care professionals were not well-recognised. We forget that a holistic treatment plan takes the whole team, in addition to doctors.Ìý I believed that only by experiencing both professions could I bring them together. I don't know if I will be able to make an impact, but I am truly motivated to ensure that our patients receive the best care.Ìý

The programme also gave me an amazing opportunity to work with Great Ormond Street Hospital in completing my dissertation on paediatric swallowing disorders. I wanted to devote myself to researchÌýbecause it benefits more patients on a bigger scale.ÌýÌý

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË?

In addition to my clinical placements, I also got involved in twoÌýUCL ChangeMakerÌýprojects.Ìý

One of them was about how to use feedback effectively. The project involved researching andÌýtalking toÌýotherÌýUCLÌýstudents through focus groupsÌýas well asÌýprofessors and module coordinators to collect their tips and expertise. By using the suggested steps, it has allowed me to improve academically and professionally. If you are interested, do check out

My other project wasÌýa collaboration with the UCL School of Pharmacy. My taskÌýwas to find out if a teaching approach, named 'flipped classroom', was effective. We collaborated with pharmacy students to gain feedback and brainstorm new ideas on how best to deliver their lectures. This project proves UCL's commitment to making sure that the way high-quality teaching is delivered is evidence-based!

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË?

Of course! But shh... keep them hidden:Ìý

1) If you need inspiration for your Instagram captions...Fork Deli PatisserieÌýon Marchmont Street is the place to go!ÌýThis café always has interesting quotes outside their door! So do stop by for lunch or a cup of coffee.Ìý

2) Believe it or not...The Dolphin on Bidborough street has the best Thai food in town! Don't be fooled by its appearance, it is a friendly local IrishÌýpub thatÌýalso serves Thai food. If you are struggling to decide what to order, I'd say, try the Pad Thai!

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1) 'IÌýwant my time with you': I'm sure everyone knows aboutÌýthe Eurostar from St Pancras station. But have you seen the neonÌýlight installation above the grand terrace just below the St Pancras clock? It was created by the artistÌýTracey Emin. Not only is it Instagrammable, there is also a deeper meaning behind it.ÌýEmin said in an interview, 'It's really a great subliminal message sent out to the rest of Europe, I want my time with you. I am deeply, deeply concerned about Europe, and that in a year's time we're going to be a tiny little island just floating around in the North Sea. It's madness.' So if you pass by St Pancras, be sure to check it out!Ìý

2) Word on the Water. Fancy a book? Word on the Water is a floating bookshop on Regent's Canal, near Kings Cross station. It stocks new and used books, runs talks on a variety of topics, andÌýoccasionallyÌýhosts musicians who perform on their boat!Ìý

3) London South Bank. What can I say?ÌýThere's nothing better than walking along the South Bank of the River Thames and taking Instagrammable shots on a sunny day! Ìý

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

If I were Provost for the day, I'd get all students and staff to bring their (well behaved) pets to class/work! ÌýThree reasons: research has shown that pets help with reducing stress and improving mental and physical health, soÌýit would create a moreÌýpositive workplace for everyone at »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË;Ìýsecond, studiesÌýalsoÌýshow that some pets, such as dogs, may reduce anxiety in people with mental health andÌýsocial communication difficulties; last but not least, I love my dog so much that I'd bring him everywhere with me!

Who inspires you and why?

Out of all people who have inspired me,Ìýspine surgeon DrÌýKenny Kwan of Hong Kong University is at the top of the list.ÌýAs a clinician, Kenny always involves his patients and the carers in the decision-making process, not only explaining the surgeryÌýriskÌýto a patient, but also explaining it from the patient's perspective.

On top of his clinicalÌýresponsibilities,ÌýKenny is also dedicated to research.ÌýHe was the first person who gave me theÌýopportunity to be involved in research. SeeingÌýthe impact Kenny has made using his clinical experiences inspired me to do the same.

Last but not least, Kenny's role as a professor showed me that the most powerful way to foster good clinical practice isÌývia modelling and sharing personal experiences withÌýfuture healthcare professionals. I sincerelyÌýhope that I will be able to provide the same opportunities to others that Kenny has onceÌýprovided me. As a result, my first baby step was to investigate in the effectiveness of different teaching approachesÌýbyÌýparticipating in the UCL ChangeMakers project thatÌýI have described above!ÌýÌý

There are so many people who have had a significant impact on my journey: my patients, my clinical and research supervisors, my friends, and my family. So THANK YOU. Because of you, I have gained a mission and purpose in life.Ìý

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am petite in size, but I have an enormous heart to give and love!Ìý