Testimonials

Nationality

Dutch/ Bolivian

Programme

Epidemiology

Fernanda Ormel is a Master's student Biomedical Sciences with a specialisation in Epidemiology.

What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? 

I really like how applied the courses are. We are able to see real life implementations to what we are learning. This programme has challenged me in many aspects, e.g. to work independently,and it has pushed me to learn at a high and demanding pace. However with lots of guidance it's very manageable. 

What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?

I think the atmosphere in class is very welcoming. The class groups are very often quite small in the Epidemiology specialisation, allowing for close contact between the teachers and the students. The education is quite personal and you can often have direct discussions or ask questions with the teacher easily.

What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? 

I think the pace of the masters is quite intense and does require a lot of planning and consistent effort. I struggled with this in the beginning but quickly got advice and guidance from my specialisation coordinator. 

Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?

I am currently doing my internship at the IQ health department. 
My Literature thesis was on whether the application of the WHO One health topic is truly one health or if the artcicles claiming to be One Health still have an anthropocentric center. 

Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? 

I think its important to have my degree / specialisation because the implementation of policy and advancements in medicine can only happen when we understand the why. Epidemiology is able to do so at a public health level. I am not sure yet what I want to do with my Masters degree after I graduate but at the moment im thinking about consultancy to apply my epidemiological knowledge.