Dr. Samuel Seidu, on how the University of Leicester Diabetes MSc has enriched his career.
PCDE Head of Research, Dr Samuel Seidu, on how the University of Leicester Diabetes MSc has enriched his career.
In November 2012, Dr Samuel Seidu was awarded one of the first Master’s degrees in Diabetes from the University of Leicester (UoL). Dr Seidu is a practicing partner at Hockley Farm Medical Practice as well as a NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Leicester.
In addition to his ongoing work commitments, Dr Seidu is head of research for Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE), an international society focusing on promoting high standards of diabetes care, commenting:
“The MSc in Diabetes triggered and solidified my interest in primary care research, and through this I obtained the skills to continue and complete my master’s degree. It also offered me the necessary research skills to initially contribute to the society as a member of the study group. Through that, I was voted unanimously by my peers internationally to head the study group from 2015.”
Dr Seidu’s passion and determination, alongside the course’s part-time mode of study allowed him to complete this degree whilst simultaneously working as a general practitioner (GP). Recently awarded by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) for his outstanding early career research in the UK and Ireland, Dr Seidu shares with us his experience and best practice tips, commenting:
“As a GP with clinical commitments, I initially used my annual leave entitlement, plus my study leave, to give me protected time for studying. I was fortunate enough to have support from my practice to complete some modules and received a grant from the Leicester City CCG, which I used to complete the dissertation component of the MSc.”
Sam encourages diabetes researchers and healthcare professionals to enrol onto the University of Leicester’s Diabetes MSc course, saying:
“The UoL Diabetes MSc is the bedrock of many a career in healthcare delivery and research, with many alumni, nationally and internationally, now playing leading roles in the reconfiguration of diabetes services.”
Sam shares his top five tips for success on the MSc:
Passion
Commitment
Remember failures are part of the long-term journey
Focus on the impact you can make with the MSc
Enjoy the journey
Dr Seidu is involved in the design and reform of diabetes care in Leicester, and is producing significant research within the field of diabetes. He is now a key lecturer on the very same University of Leicester course that he once attended.
Janet Jarvis, Co-Course Director (MSc Diabetes – DL), Associate Professor (Hon) (UoL) and Senior Nurse Research Associate (UHL NHS Trust) says:
“It was a pleasure to tutor Dr Seidu through his MSc course. He was enthusiastic, hard-working and passionate. As one of alumni, it has been a real privilege to work with him and watch his career grow. He continues to make a difference to the lives of those people living with diabetes. Many of our graduates go on to become future leaders and influencers in diabetes care across the globe and Dr Seidu is a shining example of this”.
To find out how the University of Leicester Diabetes MSc can support your career, please click here.