Omotayo (Tayo) Adebanji
Student spotlight details
Tayo is planning on using the knowledge gained from the MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care Systematic Reviews to improve population health in High-, Mid-, and Low- income countries.
'Prior to enrolling on the MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care Systematic Reviews, I was a Health Advisor within the Genito-urinary Medicine Department, Oxford University Hospital NHS, and I was the General Practice service lead responsible for managing the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) across all GP clinics in Oxfordshire. I also provided STI testing and management for out-patients.
'I was working on a research proposal in collaboration with Prof Adesegun Fatusi, University of Ife, the aim being to improve population health in High-, Mid-, and Low- income countries, and it required first class expertise and sound leadership to take the proposal forward in the right direction. I wanted to increase my knowledge so thought about returning to study and I wanted the flexibility of a part-time course.
'I was introduced to the Evidence-Based Health Care (EBHC) programme at Oxford by a senior lecturer during my MPH study at the Institute of Postgraduate Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, some years ago so I contacted the EBHC programme team to enquire about applying for the DPhil in Evidence Based Health Care. I received a timely reply suggesting that I should instead consider applying for an MSc instead as this is a pre-requisite for the DPhil programme.
'The MSc in EBHC Systematic Reviews modules do not feel like the ‘traditional master’s programme’ modules but more like a workshop - where everything you learn is not just theory based but with loads of hands-on practical elements. I found the opportunity to learn alongside well established professionals from across the globe most rewarding and very enjoyable. I now have friends across the world that I can visit and collaborate with.
'I am eternally grateful for taking the first step and having completed this programme over two years. There were some challenges, which I will spare you the details, but what I found particularly challenging was managing time between the highly valuable post-Oxford week learning activities and the piles of overdue tasks on my desk after being off full-time work for a whole week.
'As a civil servant employed by Public Health England, I am looking forward to the opportunity to put to use all that I have learnt from the MSc. The research gaps identified in my dissertation provided the opportunity to revisit my collaboration with the University of Ife and I have employed the knowledge gained in synthesising evidence to inform intervention development and project commissioning. These include the Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) strategy and Service Development and Improvement Plans (SDIP), which both aim at improving cancer screening programmes uptake and reducing inequality factors across the West Midlands.
'I am now considering applying for the part-time DPhil as I could both work and still collaborate on research – contributing to a range of interventions aimed at achieving the World Health Organisation Sustainable Development Goals. For anyone considering undertaking a Continuing Education course, I would say just go for it – you will be invigorated!’
