Lidia Yigazu, also known as Lidu, is a 28-year-old medical doctor with a strong passion for business and entrepreneurship. Her decision to pursue a Master’s in Digital Health and Entrepreneurship at UCL in the UK was driven by her desire to blend the worlds of clinical practice and business. In a recent interview, Lidia generously shared her experiences and insights into the program, life in London, and her plans for the future.
When questioned about her decision to study in the UK, Lidia cited the one-year format of the course at UCL as a critical consideration, as it allowed her to delve into the exciting field of digital health and entrepreneurship without sacrificing an extensive amount of time. Additionally, she highlighted the valuable support she received from the faculty, which provided the ideal balance between encouragement and guidance, facilitating her staying on the right track.
Lidia’s favoured modules thus far have been Digital Health AI and Health Startups. The AI course, in particular, stood out for its immediate real-world applications and hands-on approach, which allowed her to develop practical skills such as building a chatbot. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the Health Startups module, citing the valuable insights it provided into the fundamentals of successful businesses and current trends in the digital health startup space.
In her leisure time, Lidia enjoys delving into various aspects of psychology, particularly childhood and adolescent psychology. She also has a penchant for exploring different restaurants and indulging her sweet tooth, as well as experimenting with cooking and baking. Her love for history books has led her to an enthralling read about the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, which she described as the best book she has read in 2024.
When dealing with homesickness, Lidia stresses the importance of maintaining regular contact with her family and making proactive efforts to create a sense of community in her new environment. She also shared her initial challenges in adapting to life in London, particularly in navigating the city and managing expenses. However, she has found budget-conscious ways to explore the city, such as visiting Camden Town and other markets.
Looking ahead, Lidia aspires to work with health startups that offer revolutionary products and contribute to their success. She expressed her desire to be part of a unicorn company and witness its journey from inception to achieving unicorn status as a career goal.
In conclusion, Lidia offered valuable advice to future applicants for the program, urging them to make the most of their experience by applying theory to real-world scenarios and building a strong network for future opportunities. She also shared her experience with the Chevening Scholarship, which alleviated the financial burden and allowed her to fully focus on her studies, encouraging prospective students to consider this opportunity.
Lidia’s journey in pursuing the MSc in Digital Health and Entrepreneurship at UCL serves as an inspiring testament to the opportunities and experiences that await students in the UK, as well as the transformative impact of pursuing one’s passions and aspirations.