Shirin Massroor and Billal Swaleh, Candidates for IHSE Senior Representatives
Role Description: The School of Medical and Dental Sciences Clinical (Medicine) Representative will gather feedback from and represent students who are studying in Year 3, 4, or 5 of the MBBS program as well as any other student studying within the Institute of Health Sciences Education. You’ll work as part of the Education Zone, co-chair the Senior SSLC (Student Staff Liaison Committee), and support the Vice President Barts and The London, and encouraging students in the faculty to participate and engage with the Students’ Union.
What's your favourite moment from being a student here?
Billal: I don’t necessarily have a favourite moment, but being a medical student has made me appreciate the privilege that we have as future doctors. Witnessing patients in every setting and collaborating with other students makes me cherish the real diversity and wealth of experience that every single student brings.
Shirin: Being at QMUL for almost 10 years makes it hard to pick one single favourite moment but possibly one of my happiest moments was in 2018 at my first degree’s graduation! Often you lose sight of the end during the journey and forget to enjoy it but making the most of every opportunity at uni and disciplining myself allowed me to not regret a single moment and enjoy my graduation with a free mind.
What's something you've done that you're proud of?
Billal: Volunteering for St John Ambulance. I’ve been able to attend events I never thought I would, all whilst looking after the public at the same time. Events such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, concerts and general festival events coupled with the organisation facilitating my personal/career development goals have made me realise how far I’ve come as a student.
Shirin: I honestly feel most fulfilled when teaching/ mentoring younger students. This year I mentored just under a dozen younger students for medical, PA and other interviews and it was so beautiful hearing them tell me one by one that the hours that we spent were worth it and that they had gotten the offers that they wanted. I am currently trying to expand this and make a charity organisation that arranges mock interviews for underprivileged students alongside other medical students.
What is a problem facing students and how do you propose to fix it?
Billal: I think that students are often lost or unsure as to what career they wish to pursue after graduation. Particularly, I want to encourage the incorporation of community/research/career-themed SSCs to ensure that students explore topics of interest and relevance. I would also like to promote support and career guidance sessions, including alternative career options, throughout all years.
Shirin: To enhance the preparation for year 4 dissertations, one can implement a short writing e-learning package on QMPlus emphasising research methods and writing skills, work alongside staff, institute researchers and Research Societies to provide access to online resources as well as collect tips (including for time management). This alongside incorporating protected time into placements (some placements currently do not even protect Wednesday Afternoon Society times) will lower student stress whilst increasing success with this task.
