Aditi Siddharth

Aditi Siddharth didn't plan to do a PhD and become a researcher when she started the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice.

Aditi is an obstetrics and gynaecology senior trainee in the UK with several accolades, including first-author publications, certificates, and awards.

Fast forward to today, and Aditi has graduated with her MSc in Surgical Science and Practice and is about to complete her DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford. She is due to go back to her training and become a consultant in the NHS in the next two years.

We asked Aditi to share how her experience on the MSc in Surgical Science and Practice shaped her career trajectory and if she had any advice for those considering applying to the MSc programme.

How has the programme influenced how you perform as a clinician?

'It has given me the knowledge to critically think about potential options [for any given problem].' Aditi explained that the programme helped her understand where to access expertise to move an idea into action. 'There is a helpful balance between depth and breadth in the programme and the knowledge can be immediately translational into my work.'

How did the programme help you identify new ideas for improvement in your practice?

'I was interested in going more in-depth into the things that mattered, which, for me, was clinical education. Before the programme, I did not have a legitimate, structured way of exploring the field and my options within it. I can see the pathway a lot more clearly now.'

How did the programme help you translate those ideas into action?

'It’s one thing to have an idea. It’s another to be able to execute on that idea and turn it into something that can improve healthcare in tangible ways.' Aditi shared that the programme 'sparked new ideas due to exposure but also helped me make those connections to action the ideas I had developed… Once you find out you are interested in something, you have all the support in the world to get there.'

The programme 'helped me understand my own strengths and balance out my quantitative background with a qualitative approach to become a more well-rounded professional.'

What are two characteristics of a clinician who would benefit most from this programme?

'1. Those who want to step up their game

2. Those who want to start understanding the potential within their practice beyond their day-to-day normal work.'

How has the programme served as a stepping stone to your future goals?

'Immediately, the benefits of the programme were tangible. For example, I was able to teach my peers about the theory and practical approaches to quality improvement. Not many people had the knowledge about quality improvement and I was able to fill that gap. With that came immediate visibility for me in my practice. It helped me find areas that are not well-researched, which made me stand out. In the longer term, I met my DPhil supervisor on the course and developed a relationship during the MSc which helped me move directly from the MSc into my DPhil.'

Learn more:

• MSc in Surgical Science and Practice