SEP 2024 ISSUE 54

University of Aberdeen, UK

Miranda Chan Man-yuet | Year 3 Bachelor of Nursing (Full-time) student

Immersing myself in the research-intensive environment of the University of Aberdeen has been an unforgettable and enriching experience. The opportunity of attending lectures and engaging in research shadowing has been truly remarkable.

I was honoured to be able to shadow Professor Val Speirs, a prominent cancer biologist, at the university. This experience provided opportunities to visit laboratories and gain firsthand exposure to essential techniques, such as observing cells under a microscope and conducting tissue culture. Additionally, it was a platform for insightful discussions. We explored medical challenges in Hong Kong and Scotland and delved into forefront trends in breast cancer research. This experience deepened my understanding of evidence-based practice and the necessity of critical appraisal of research literature to inform clinical decision-making, which contribute to the advancement of nursing practice for high-quality patient care.

Attending classes in Sports Science, Philosophy, and Psychology also offered unique insights. In Sports Science, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using various tools to assess individuals’ physical performance. The data we gathered will be analysed and synthesised into a comprehensive lab report, incorporating the knowledge we have absorbed from academic literature. Philosophy delved into the fundamental elements of a good life, while psychology deepened my understanding of human behaviour. These classes allowed me to approach nursing holistically and to consider the physical, ethical, and psychological aspects of care to promote the well-being of patients, and more importantly, myself.

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet exchange friends from various nations, including Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, the USA, etcetera. We came together for dinners and took turns cooking dishes from our respective countries on weekends. Embracing the diversity of our international community has been a source of great enjoyment and enrichment.


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