Below is the SOP Sample for Scholarship for Master’s in Epidemiology from Imperial College London
I hereby express my sincere thanks to you for the perusal of my application. I would like to present myself as a medical professional, looking forward to exploring fresh avenues in the realm of Epidemiology. I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery and a master’s degree in Public Health Dentistry, coupled with ample professional experience to present myself as an ideal candidate for the <name of the scholarship> scholarship.
The Coronavirus pandemic has posed to be one of the major threats to human existence, taking a toll on the top healthcare systems in the world. What emerged as viral pneumonia in the winter of 2019 took the form of a global outbreak within a period of three months. The pandemic compelled governments across the globe to impose lockdowns took a toll on the lives of the frontline workers and caused the world economy to stumble. Being a Clinician, I too have been affected by this pandemic, and amid all the chaos, I have realised that it is important to be prepared in advance in order to deal with any such scenarios in the future, thus minimizing their impact. I intend to act as a contributor to the prevention and treatment of diseases and witness a better, healthier world. For the same, a master’s programme in Epidemiology is an ideal progression in my trajectory.
My scholastic curve has been at an upheaval throughout, as it has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but has brought out the best in me. It was my early inclination towards dentistry that had me opting for it as a career choice in the years that followed. After completing my intermediate education in the science stream with stellar grades, I opted for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme from the ESIC Dental College and completed it with the First Division, becoming the University Topper. My entire undergraduate degree presented me with accolades in the form of Gold Medals and Certificates of Merit for scoring the highest grades in all semesters. Eager to explore the field in greater depth, I pursued a Master of Dental Surgery from Chaudhary Charan Singh University. I worked on the Prevalence of periodontal status among nicotine-dependent individuals of 35-44 years attending community dental camps in Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh for my thesis and also published a Library dissertation on the topic “Dental Caries Risk Assessment Tools”, and that was when I found my penchant for research.
After completing my master’s with first-class division, I engaged in various research experiences that helped me explore areas other than dentistry. I had the chance to work at the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi as a Senior Research Fellow. There, I worked on a project on Prevention of relapse in Category I treated Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients with & without Vitamin D3 supplementation: A randomized double-blind control clinical trial”, which had me preparing study protocols and reports, leading field-based research, and performing data analysis. That was when I found my research interest strengthen. I then joined All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, one of the premium medical institutes in the country in the capacity of a Senior Research Fellow. At present, I am conducting a cross-sectional study to establish a Normal Reference Range (nomogram) for Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone in boys aged 0-14 years. My research experience has been quite flourishing so far, as not only has it instilled in me excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, but has also helped me explore my penchant for Epidemiology. I have found this field to be broader than dentistry and I believe that I can create a larger impact by marking my contributions to this domain.
I believe that my academic and professional experiences have not only equipped me with a comprehensive base of knowledge but have formed a solid foundation for me to embark on a flourishing career ahead. My academic excellence, coupled with my clinical and research experiences have together prepared me to opt for further studies and unleash my potential. Epidemiology is the cornerstone of Public Health as it forms the core of evidence-based disease and policy decisions. From identifying risk factors in the occurrence of diseases to understanding the targets for preventive healthcare, there lies a lot more to the field of Epidemiology than what meets the eye and I am eager to explore its intricacies by the way of the chosen degree programme. I intend to learn about the reasons behind the occurrence of diseases in different age groups and investigate the factors that determine the presence and absence of disease. Through the learnings acquired from this graduate programme, I intend to enter the medical industry with a fresh set of skills and integrate my learning towards planning and evaluating sound strategies to prevent illness.
Post completing this programme, I am also eager to pursue doctoral studies and give form to my passion for research. Having published four papers as the first author and 20 papers as the co-author, I am certain that pursuing a Ph.D. will be the ideal choice for me to grow and evolve as a researcher. I aim to learn about analytical studies and descriptive studies in detail and learn about the latest trends and traits prevailing in modern world diseases. My goal through research is to explore the very potential of science and technology and take it to the doors of the common people. The fulfilment of all these objectives rests on the scholarship housed by Imperial College, London.
The scholarship is a gateway for me to add more accolades to my list of academic achievements, plan for my Ph.D. programme, and be a part of the prestigious alumni group of Imperial College London. I find myself to be an ideal candidate as I possess the required scholastic excellence and ample clinical and research experience at some of the top medical institutes in the country. Above all, I have the potential and the spark to learn everything I can and amalgamate it with all my past experiences to contribute meaningfully to my surroundings. Given the chance, I will prove my mettle, work to the best of my ability and multiply the value of the scholarship. From participating in social interactions to media coverage events and student counselling sessions, I will contribute my learnings and efforts to the ICL Community in any and every way possible. I look forward to being a part of the incoming batch of students for Fall 2021.
