Hessa AljhadaliInternational Training Fellow, Histopathology, Pathology
I was born and grew up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and I dreamt of being a doctor from a young age. A few of my family members were diagnosed with diabetes and other medical conditions and this prompted me to find out more about the complexities of medical science.
My interest in pathology gained a fresh impetus during my undergraduate studies. Perhaps the thrill of seeing the invisible side of life made pathology my favourite subject at medical school. I was fascinated with pathologists’ work, knowledge, and systemic approach; their attention to detail enabled them to work out a diagnosis that could not be reached otherwise.
After I finished my medical degree, I worked as a pathology specialist at King Abdulaziz University. Knowing that there was a patient behind each specimen who might have needed a life-saving diagnosis motivated me to join the Anatomic Pathology Saudi Program.
Step-by-step, this training strengthened my knowledge and diagnostic skills. My interest in breast and gynaecological pathology was cultivated when I was exposed to challenging and unusual cases. Because of this, I chose to apply for a fellowship programme in the UK.
I have moved to Birmingham in 2021 to attain my fellowship degree in breast and gynaecological pathology. Relocating to a new country was a quite challenging step for me. At the beginning, I went through a period of adjustment to the new lifestyle and working environment, but within a short period of time, I was able to fit in and feel comfortable.
The NHS system is quite amazing and I feel fortunate to work at UHB. It is a supportive environment where you can learn new things and develop your skills and knowledge with a clear sense of purpose.
During my training, I have learned the UK approach to handling the various complexities of cases, how to keep myself up-to-date, and how to communicate effectively with the team.
Through my training, I have developed a compassion and commitment to breast and gynaecological pathology that will drive me through the years to come. I hope I will apply what I have learned so far back home. Ten years from now, I picture myself working in an academic setting with the flexibility to practice pathology and research in my sub-specialty.