Sharpening her skillsetsMDIS in the News

Studying health sciences management at MDIS is a key part of Mindy Ng’s career plan

After a decade in the healthcare industry, Ms Mindy Ng is still keen to continue learning about her chosen field.

The senior sonographer at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital has a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science from Charles Sturt University, Australia, from which she graduated in 2009. While many of her peers were content to stop there, Ms Ng, who is in her thirties, pushed herself onward.

In 2015, she enrolled in the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) to pursue a Master of Science in Health Sciences (Management), awarded by Northumbria University, United Kingdom.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Choosing to pursue a Master’s degree was considered a natural progression for Ms Ng.

“Learning is a lifelong process. Studying gives me a chance for intellectual growth and a sense of accomplishment,” she said.

Her bachelor’s degree and work experience had already equipped her with good clinical skills, so Ms Ng set out to acquire different skillsets that would benefit her career.

“I wanted a course that could help fill the gaps of my management and research skill-sets. I preferred an institute with a proper classroom setting where I could meet my lecturers and course-mates in person, rather than take a distance-learning approach,” she said.

Due to work commitments, Ms Ng had to rule out studying abroad. She felt MDIS was her best local option. Her degree would be awarded by a recognised British university and MDIS is also a reputable institution.

SKILLS FOR LEADERSHIP

Ms Ng was attracted to the Master of Science in Health Sciences (Management) as it combines research and strategic management modules that were relevant to her job. The curriculum also gave her the assurance that her education was helping her improve steadily, in a professional context.

“I believe it is good for aspiring healthcare leaders to have expertise in healthcare management — it’s an important tool for maintaining excellence in service and patient care. The course challenged me to constantly inquire critically, and extend my judgement and thinking beyond routine standard practices,” said Ms Ng, who graduated last month.

She also learned to initiate and sustain change in her professional practice, develop her ability to deal with complex issues and have self-direction.

Ms Ng also found that her writing skills were strengthened by having to do a dissertation as part of her course. She now employs the same skills in drafting work proposals and hopes to have the opportunity to participate in medical research writing and publications in the future.

The June intake (part-time and full-time) for the Master of Science in Health Sciences (Management) is now open. For more details about the programme, visit goo.gl/1QYkmi.