Meet Reuben, Oxford-Kellogg Scholar (MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care)
Reuben Silungwe holds the Oxford-Kellogg Graduate Scholarship and joins us as a part-time student on the MSc in Evidence-Based Health Care.
Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to apply to study your course?
I have previously worked and volunteered with not-for-profit and civil society sectors at the intersection of health, HIV, and human rights. This then led me to pursue an MSc at Queen Mary, University of London. On completion of this course, I still wanted to continue studying public and global health. I was drawn to the University of Oxford because of the applied research focus which forms a significant part of the course.
Before applying, I participated in Oxford’s Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) Graduate Horizons, a global application support programme for students who have been affected by displacement. The intensive training programme helped me acquire the necessary skills to confidently apply to this course.
What is it about evidence-based healthcare that you are most interested in?
I am most interested in researching evidence-based mental health care services provision for people seeking asylum and refugees. Particularly, refugees of sub-Saharan origin who identify as LGBTQ+ and how they intersect with cultural competency principles in the NHS ecosystem. I also hope to look into the value, impact, and evolution of community support systems for mental health run by organisations established by LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers from sub-Saharan Africa.
Outside of your studies, what are you looking forward to about starting at Kellogg?
I am excited about accessing a multicultural educational and research environment led by experienced faculty, diverse students and the wider community. I am keen to meet and learn from other students. I am lucky enough to have been awarded a full Scholarship, which will allow me to focus completely on studying. This will also mean I can explore the University societies, events, and networking opportunities, which will enrich my time here and help me get the most out of my experience.
What would you like to do in the future, after your studies?
I am considering a career in academia, but most importantly I would like a career, that allows me to work closely with and for the communities that are marginalised and disproportionately affected in the public health ecosystem. My overall aim is to help communities work with researchers and other partner organisations to contribute meaningfully towards achieving their sustainable development goals on health, well-being, and human rights.