Melanie

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey? 

On a long train journey, contemplating life after the age of 50, I knew that I would need to develop a second career. I don't feel old and I won't be ready for slippers and a cardigan when I retire from the NHS! I have spent years as a colorectal surgeon trying, as an amateur, to help people nourish their bodies well and improve gut function. I decided that clinical advice as an amateur is no better than TikTok influencers and that it was time to become properly educated. I knew this course would allow me to develop a second career in an area which excites and inspires me every day. 

What are the best things about your course? 

The Nutritional Medicine MSc can be taken in chunks over 2–5 years. As a mum of three, an untalented but enthusiastic marathon runner (putting time into my own health and training), working full time in the NHS and a little bit of private practice, I don't have oodles of spare time. I have been able to do 3–4 modules per year and been able to manage the course work on that basis. I had to pull out of one module when it clashed with my daughter's A-levels and the team made that very easy. Finding the time is not so hard given that I am excited to be learning in each module. 

As a doctor, I go to surgical conferences each year and do my professional development. After 30 years it is usually 'an update in this and that...'. Now I am learning completely new things, finally understanding what really impacts on my patients' experiences. I am using this knowledge every day, even before completing the course, and it has reinvigorated my intellectual adventure. 

"You will find that the other students on the course are a vital support. The WhatsApp groups for each module help us bounce ideas around, track down resources and ask our silly questions."

What are your career plans? 

When I retire from NHS surgery I will work as a specialist in functional and nutritional gut health, disease risk modification and nutrigenomics. I will combine my gastrointestinal knowledge, patient skills and nutritional expertise in an area that the public want but traditional medical models have not developed. 

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

If this area of science interests you, don't worry about finding time to do the assignments, you'll do it fine. Each module has a degree of choice about the assignment topics and you can craft your learning to suit your needs and interests.

You will find that the other students on the course are a vital support. The WhatsApp groups for each module help us bounce ideas around, track down resources and ask our silly questions. And these people will become a new group of friends.

Find out more about our Nutritional Medicine MSc.