Emmanuel Sandy is studying at the cutting edge of medical science. The Sierra Leonean doctor is working towards an MSc in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine at Dublin City University. There, he is not only at the heart of student life in Ireland, but also the future of healthcare. We had an enjoyable discussion with him about both, and learned what it is like to study in a new country, far from home.
Looking out at the world
If things had worked out slightly differently, Emmanuel may never have visited Ireland. After graduating from medical school at the University of Sierra Leone in 2018, he has been employed there in clinical and educational roles.
However, to take the next step in his career, Emmanuel felt that he needed to undertake more study, seeing particular benefits to doing so in another country. At first, this was to mean moving to Nigeria to attend the University College Hospital of Ibadan for postgraduate training. Unfortunately, after passing the required exams and receiving an offer from the university, “funding was not forthcoming”.
This led Emmanuel to look further afield. In his role at the University of Sierra Leone, he often received information from different organisations about routes into advanced study. At just the right time, his head of department told him about the Ireland Fellows Programme, a scheme which could enable him to study for a master’s degree in Ireland. Emmanuel was very interested.
“I said no problem. Let me give it a try. So, I went through the website and then through all the information that is required of me. Then I started the first step of the application. […] At that time in my career, I needed outside exposure. I wanted to have something new that will not only give me more knowledge in my area of interest, but also expose me to different lifestyles; different cultures […] I didn't need much convincing to take up that particular step.”
Nevertheless, Emmanuel did have some concerns about moving to Ireland. Specifically, he was unsure about leaving his family. As a first-generation graduate and the oldest of six brothers and sisters, he felt a great responsibility to take care of the people he loves. Living far away from them for a year was not something he took lightly.
“That was one of the difficult stages for me because I needed to convince them that I'm moving to Ireland for a complete year […] That was the first time, me moving away from them for that sort of long period. So that was a little bit [of a] difficult decision to make, but I was able to get them to see the reason why I needed this exposure, to come to Ireland. [And] so far so good. They are OK with it, and we chat every day on WhatsApp.”
Being made to feel at home
One important factor in Emmanuel’s successful move has been the welcome he has received in Dublin, and in particular at his university. On the day of his arrival in September, he took the 25-minute walk to campus from his accommodation and quickly found several knowledgeable people who were happy to talk to him about the university. Within a few more days, he met one of its Postgraduate Student Ambassadors, who told him about everything from the university’s facilities to the clubs he could join. This had an influence, as Emmanuel is now not only a member of the university’s book, football and Africa societies but has become a Student Ambassador himself.
The university has also supported Emmanuel through some more difficult periods. Getting used to a new country, culture and academic system is a challenge faced by international students across the world, and in Emmanuel’s case, it was not initially a straightforward one. However, he was easily able to access various kinds of help that ultimately pulled him through.
“During those times (the first two weeks), I had a lot of assignments. […] And the educational system here is quite different from where I'm coming from. So, it was a transition that was somehow difficult. But there are facilities, there are people ready to get you through, to explain to you what is expected of you. [...] Even with my department, the course coordinator, Professor Mike (Freeley), is very open. He always renders help to students that are facing any kind of difficulty in the department.”
Thinking about the future
Studying precision medicine puts Emmanuel in a fascinating place. As he describes it, the practice involves “providing treatment to a particular patient at a particular time that will help you manage whatever disease he or she has in a precision manner”. For diseases such as cancer, this could be revolutionary. As medical science progresses, the degree of precision with which it can be handled will only increase, with more effective and less painful treatments becoming available.
The field holds equally immense potential for Emmanuel personally. Studying at Dublin City University has allowed him to meet world-renowned medical experts such as Dennis Slamon and representatives from locally based pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer.
“I could not have asked for a better opportunity than this one. I have been able to interface with renowned scientists in my area […] You have the opportunity to meet with people, to explain to you about research, to tell you how to go about writing manuscripts; which at this point in my career, I really, really needed. So, it's been fantastic for me. I will always cherish this moment in my career.”
Emmanuel’s future plans are already forming. Under the terms of the fellowship that brought him to Ireland, he agreed that once he graduates, he will return home to share the knowledge and skills he has acquired.
“I’ve totally committed to doing that. Teaching for me is a passion, so I would love to go back home […] and give back to my country.”
However, when possible, he is also looking forward to the possibility of further postgraduate study.
“I want to specialise in my area of interest. Europe can give me that opportunity to have the knowledge and set of skills that are required for me to practise at the top level. So, if I have the opportunity to start a residency training, whether in the UK or Ireland, I will definitely also make use of that.”
Taking in everything and reflecting on the experience
For now, Emmanuel is making the most of his time in Dublin. He has already taken in various parts of the vibrant city and plans to visit more of Ireland when his university workload eases. Given his experience so far, he also has advice for other prospective international students.
Aside from recommending that they prepare themselves mentally and practically for the weather – during his first two weeks in Ireland, he had to shop for clothes suited to the unpredictable climate – he stresses the importance of choosing the right postgraduate course.
“Does it align with your interest? That's what is very important for me. For me, the master’s programme I'm doing clearly aligns with my area of interest, so it wasn't difficult to make such a decision. […] I would advise any prospective student – international, from Africa, or wherever – to first of all know what they are interested in and if the university can provide them with that.”
Emmanuel feels strongly that Dublin City University is the right place for him. Studying in Ireland has enabled him to make new friends from across the world in a brand-new environment, all while rapidly developing his medical understanding. Above all, the experience is opening doors to an exciting future.
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