Dr Dorothy Frizelle

Why did you choose the University of Leeds? 

The University of Leeds has an excellent reputation within the NHS and amongst healthcare professional colleagues.

It is also geographically very central, so was easy for me to access as someone combining part-time study with a full-time clinical and leadership NHS role.

Tell us about your experience with the IDEA Centre.

The course staff were friendly yet professional in their approach to a wide range of students all from different backgrounds, and at differing career levels.

I studied with people still undertaking undergraduate medical training, people working in full-time NHS roles and people holding regional clinical lead positions. This diversity enriched the learning environment and allowed for multiple perspectives on the subject matter.

What skills have you gained?

The key skill obtained is the ability to formulate and importantly articulate a clear and concise argument.

Theoretical background knowledge related to philosophy and ethics has been fascinating to learn about but the most valuable aspect of my personal learning experience is the translation of this knowledge into competency.

This has significantly enhanced my confidence and ability in terms of clinical and managerial decision-making, ability to compose a strong rationale and importantly defend arguments made.

Tell us about the teaching staff

All course staff are passionate about their particular area of interest, however, I would have to say that the person from whom I gained the most in terms of knowledge and competency was my thesis supervisor.

We had multiple discussions on my subject area for the thesis, but it was from my supervisor’s patience and guidance that I felt my views and clinical experiences could then be translated into something more coherent and which (importantly) I could then use in my NHS role to the benefit of patients and services.

What advice would you give to those considering studying your degree?

While the degree holds the title of ‘Biomedical’, the content and learning is relevant and applicable to all professionals working in health and social care roles.

I would definitely recommend this course of study; indeed I would go so far as to state that it should be compulsory for people working in healthcare and who hold power and responsibility over people and services.

Knowledge and skills gained are most certainly ‘transferable skills’ from the University to workplace environment.

I would also advise ensuring that you have protected time for reading and coursework, as it can be very challenging juggling demands from the ‘day job’ with the expectations of the course.

How do you think your degree will support your career?

I know that the knowledge and skills learned from undertaking this degree have enhanced my ability to perform in my job role.

For me, the learning was not so much about career progression but career enhancement and this was certainly achieved.

Having said that, I cannot see how undertaking this course of study and obtaining the degree would not facilitate junior colleagues’ progression. The decision to enroll and undertake the degree is something I would most certainly recommend and indeed have encouraged colleagues within my team to consider.

Going back to studying after almost 20 years has been extremely rewarding from both a professional but also personal perspective.

I have found the experience to be stimulating, challenging and ultimately extremely rewarding. I hold a great sense of achievement from having undertaken the degree and associated learning and know that what I have learned has already shown benefits in my work role as well as personal life.