Poonam Rana

Poonam Rana came from India, and is a medical graduate.

"I am a medical graduate from India. After my graduation, I decided to pursue a taught Masters in UK and was accepted on the MSc Clinical and Public Health Nutrition course at the University of Dundee. I had no idea about Scotland. Before, I was leaving home someone suggested carrying a dictionary as people spoke Gaelic here! It was obviously not true. I boarded the plane with apprehension mingled with excitement. I had always wanted to pursue an advanced course abroad and this was my dream coming true. However, I was sad as well thinking about my parents and my fiancé being so far away in India.

I landed in Glasgow and not even the dull wet weather could dampen my spirits until I found that my baggage had not arrived. I was standing at the airport wondering what to do, when I saw two students sitting at a desk with a banner saying 'Welcome International Students'. I went to them and they took me to the BA office to sort out my problem. Then, they took me to bus and requested the driver to drop me at the Queen Street Station. This was my first experience of Scottish hospitality. This experience has repeated again and again and I have been bowled over by the Scots. People here are very warm and welcoming. They are also very accepting of other cultures. It is indeed a very beautiful country. My favourite time of the year is spring when the whole place is blooming with beautiful flowers and you can truly appreciate the beauty of the country.

Studying in University of Dundee was a satisfying and enriching experience. I did a Masters in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from Centre for Public Health Nutrition Research (who now run the MSc Applied Nutrition and Research Methods). The teaching staff are great. I learnt an entirely new way of thinking and became really interested in Nutrition and Research. There was incredible support for international students from the University staff and International Office. Living in the Halls was an experience in itself. I had fantastic flatmates and we really had a great time. They helped me a lot in adjusting to a new way of life and I never felt homesick.

I won 'Young Scientist Award' at the PENSA Conference in Seoul for work based on my Masters dissertation. I have also presented my work at National and International Conferences. After completing my Masters degree, I passed licensing exams to practice as a doctor here. I did an observership in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee to familiarise myself with the working system in UK National Health Service (NHS).

Scottish Fresh Talent Visa was a great opportunity for me as I got a work permit and so my employers did not have to arrange for a work permit for me. I applied for the Fresh Talent scheme after finishing my degree. Luckily, I got an opportunity to work in my own Department and then got other projects as well. It was really great as I knew the place and people. Once I started working, my husband joined me here as well.

I work in the Institute of Cardiovascular Research for the University of Dundee. My work involves Clinical Research, Clinical work and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students. I love my job. People in my workplace are great. I am currently working towards completing my membership exams in Medicine (MRCP) and plan to register for a MD soon. My dream is to become a Cardiovascular Physician and Researcher with a special interest in Nutrition and Public Health. I plan to stay on in Scotland and pursue my dream. I can say with confidence that Scotland is 'THE PLACE'."