Epidemiology theme
Abdulwahab Alshallal (class of 2021)
PhD student at MRC Epidemiology, Cambridge.
Before starting the MPhil program in Population Health Sciences, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and psychology and a master’s in biology. After a lifestyle change and undergoing a weight loss journey, I decided to make a shift in my academic career to focus on public health and obesity prevention in young people. The PHS program helped facilitate that shift and provided me with a solid foundation in population health sciences before I decided to specialise in Epidemiology after the first term in the course. This gave me more flexibility and time to choose which path I wanted to take carefully.
The experience was very rewarding, allowed me to diversify my skills and knowledge base and paved the way for my career afterwards. My MPhil thesis focused on physical activity patterns in adolescents and their relation to mental well-being. Soon after the MPhil, I started my PhD in Physical Activity Epidemiology in the MRC Epidemiology Unit. My work now focuses on global physical activity and fitness in relation to metabolic disease risk. I help run the Population Health Sciences Alumni Network, am part of the Cambridge Center for Science and Policy Network, and now chair the MRC DTP Student Committee, among other roles.
Sophie Allard (class of 2021)
Public Health Analyst, Newcastle City Council
I applied for the Population Health Sciences MPhil during my final year of my undergraduate in International Relations with Quantitative Methods. During my undergrad degree I’d formed a strong base in quantitative research and found my interest in public health due to family illness, but knew I needed further training to pursue a career in public health and epidemiology.
Prior to coming to Cambridge for the MPhil, I was a bit nervous reading profiles of previous students in the programme and seeing so many talented and intelligent people, many with years of experience, published papers, medical degrees, or professorships in their home countries. Coming straight from my undergraduate degree, I was concerned that despite my passion for Public Health, I might not have the necessary experience or skills to keep up with my peers.
Once I started the programme, I was reassured to find coursemates who were friendly, passionate about public health, and so supportive. With such a diverse cohort and the breadth of skills and courses taught during the course, we each were able to lean on each others’ strengths and backgrounds. The PHS tutors and lecturers facilitated this collaborative environment through small group seminars, practical work, and group projects.
Since graduating the PHS programme in 2022, I have worked in Epidemiology and Intelligence in a local authority Public Health team. The biostatistics and epidemiology courses within PHS equipped me with the critical appraisal and data analysis skills I need in my day-to-day work. The discussions and debates I had during my time in PHS gave me the confidence to ask questions and to communicate public health and epidemiology concepts to a range of audiences. I’d recommend the PHS programme to anyone, particularly for the breadth of courses, the diversity of your peers and the range of experiences within the cohort, and the joy of calling Cambridge home for (at least) a year.
Global Health theme
Dr Grace S. Yin (class of 2021)
Resident Physician in Ophthalmology, Ivey Eye Institute (Western University, Canada)
The University of Cambridge MPhil in Population Health Sciences was a phenomenal learning experience. I completed the course as an intercalating year during my medical school training with the primary goal of deepening my scholarly competencies for research. I was particularly looking for a course which encompassed didactic sessions, a thesis research component, as well as the flexibility to explore my passion for global health. The MPhil PHS was able to help me achieve all my goals, and so much more! The sessions on epidemiology and health data sciences helped shape a robust foundational knowledge base for data analysis, research principles, as well as practical statistical coding for epidemiology. The sessions on global health governance and health economics through my Global Health concentration strengthened my capacity to engage with global health wisely, putting principles of sustainability, equity, and empowerment at the forefront. The course helped to connect me with wonderful thesis supervisors in my field of interest. Under their guidance, I was able to publish a large prospective cohort study based out of my thesis, leveraging data available within the research group. As a resident physician, I continue to lean on the foundational competencies I built through the course in synthesizing and critically evaluating new research findings for my patients. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities that this course has opened for me to also continuously be involved in impactful research initiatives alongside large UK research consortiums through connections made during my time here.
My experience at Cambridge outside of the course was also indescribably rewarding. I met students from all around the world who were all so incredibly driven to use their area of study to shape our futures for the better. I felt extremely supported at Caius College to balance my studies with enriching experiences outside of academics as well – from winning blades at May Bumps, to having high tea with the Prince of Wales at Trinity through a scholarship award, to May Ball, and countless memories with then-new-friends who felt like old friends I’ve known my entire life, my experience at Cambridge was truly unforgettable. I’m deeply grateful to the course for opening the door to all of these experiences and growth opportunities both academically and extracurricularly. I would very highly recommend the MPhil PHS – it was absolutely one of the top highlights of my medical training thus far.
Infectious Disease theme
Dr Char Leung (class of 2021) PhD FHEA Cstat
Lecturer of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leicester.
If you believe that having a PhD makes you fully equipped for research and that further training is unnecessary, think again. I completed my PhD in Econometrics in 2014 in Australia and spent several years in the corporate sector conducting business research. However, my passion for academic research eventually reignited, and I realised there was much more to learn.
Initially, I had little understanding of systematic reviews, yet I managed to publish several papers in peer-reviewed journals. This experience made it clear that I needed proper training in research methodologies specific to population health science. The MPhil in Population Health Sciences offers precisely the training I need to enhance my skills in this field.
This program isn’t just for those with an undergraduate degree. It’s also ideal for individuals like me who already hold a research degree but wish to refine and expand their research capabilities.
Dr Adewunmi Akingbola (class of 2023)
Medical Doctor, Infectious Diseases Scientist
As a medical doctor trained at Lagos State University College of Medicine, Nigeria, my journey through the MPhil program in Population Health Sciences, within the Infectious Diseases theme, has been interesting. One of the most significant highlights of the program was my introduction to R. Coming into the program with minimal exposure to this statistical programming language, it was quite daunting but I became quite comfortable along the way. However, through the principles of biostatistics and advanced biostatistics for epidemiology modules, I learned R and also developed a profound enthusiasm for data analysis and biostatistics and this culminated in my dissertation, where I confidently wrote codes for multiple imputation using the MICE package—a task that seemed unimaginable when I started.
This transformation into someone who codes with ease and understanding, has been the most rewarding experience of my year. The skills I gained have led to my participation in various research endeavors but also earned me the Passion in Science Award Prize by New England Biolabs, alongside other impact activities I am involved in. Furthermore, the knowledge I acquired during this program has opened the door to a postdoctoral research position at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute in the United States. Reflecting on my journey, I am truly grateful for the opportunities this program has afforded me, both in terms of personal growth and professional advancement.
Public Health theme
Dr Sara Al-Khafaji (class of 2023)
Medical Doctor and Public Health Registrar
I had the incredible opportunity to complete the master’s program as part of my Public Health Specialty Training in the NHS. The course has been a transformative experience, providing both the academic and practical skills necessary for a successful career in public health.
The lecturers in the course are experts in their fields, and the high-quality teaching has equipped me with a profound understanding of public health principles such as health economics and epidemiology, as well as diverse skills in programming software, quantitative, and qualitative research. I have a keen interest in medical education, and I received incredible support to undertake my dissertation on public health education in UK medical schools.
Outside of the course, my time at Cambridge University was enriched by fascinating events and talks. I attended several notable events, such as those hosted by the Scientific Society and the Cambridge Union, and I really enjoyed Cambridge formals. My most memorable experiences include the Zimmerman Medical Lecture & Dinner and having my artwork displayed at my college’s Art Festival.
Following the MPhil, I am continuing my specialty training and currently working in a local authority, where I can apply the knowledge and skills I acquired to make a meaningful impact on public health policies and practices.
I highly recommend the MPhil to anyone looking to build a solid foundation in public health!
No theme
Dr Luisamanda Selle Arocha (class of 2021)
Associate consultant & clinical expert at LCP
The Master’s programme in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge has profoundly shaped my professional path. Since graduating in October 2022, the skills and knowledge gained have been invaluable in my role as an Associate Consultant with the Health Analytics team at LCP.
The programme’s robust curriculum in epidemiology, public health, and global health provided the analytical tools and critical thinking required for tackling complex healthcare challenges. My current work, including forecasting disease burden and improving care delivery, directly benefits from this training.
Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach enhanced my passion for public health education. It empowered me to collaborate with the Public Health department at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, where I have lectured since 2021.
During my studies, the focus on population health sciences was particularly beneficial, enabling me to contribute to projects such as analysing stroke care patterns in England and conducting real-world evidence studies on cancer drug prescriptions. These experiences, supported by the programme’s strong foundation, have allowed me to significantly impact healthcare delivery and policy.
The programme also fostered collaboration and leadership skills, which I now apply when supervising intern projects and engaging in equity-focused client work. It was pivotal in my career development, instilling a commitment to continuous learning. I am proud to be an alumnus and grateful for the opportunities this distinguished programme has provided.