Hello, I am Christine Manneh, and I am excited to share my internship journey. This experience was made truly special thanks to the unwavering support of my supervisor, Dr. Magdalena Rzewuska-Diaz. She displayed remarkable patience and understanding regarding my unpredictable illness. She not only implemented reasonable adjustments for me but also ensured that I never felt any sense of guilt or discomfort due to my health condition. Her compassionate approach and supportive actions made a significant impact on my experience during this internship. My time at the Health Services Research Unit (HSRU) was not only about professional growth – it was also about meaningful connections and the guidance and support I received.
Right from the beginning, I was eager and enthusiastic about making a positive impact. My journey began by closely examining how HSRU involves and engages with the public and patients in their work. A significant part of my journey involved identifying areas where improvements could be made. This entailed reviewing existing practices, engaging with patient advocacy groups, and drawing insights from other health research centres. Through this process, I gained a better understanding of how involving and engaging with the public and patients can truly influence research outcomes.
Having the perspective of a Black woman with a disability offered me a unique point of view. Living with a chronic illness has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges that individuals like myself encounter within the healthcare system. Through this lens, I have gained understanding not only of the medical complexities but also the emotional and practical obstacles that often go unnoticed, particularly when involving and engaging with individuals like me. This outlook further ignited my determination to contribute to research endeavours that prioritise inclusivity and advocate for the voices of those who are frequently marginalised.
Joining the HSRU team in their efforts to enhance public and patient involvement and engagement felt like a natural progression for me. It was a cause I wholeheartedly believed in, and I felt a strong resonance with their objectives. My primary objective was clear: I aimed to facilitate the creation of resources and concepts that would facilitate the involvement and engagement of the public and patients (irrespective of their abilities and backgrounds) in HSRU's undertakings.
Reflecting on my time at HSRU, I experience a profound sense of purpose and pride. My tenure at HSRU was truly transformative. It underscored the power of involving and engaging the public and patients in health research. By identifying gaps, envisioning a more comprehensive future, and proposing pragmatic changes, we are contributing to the establishment of a research realm that genuinely encompasses everyone. My personal journey serves as a reminder that our experiences shape our perspectives, and through vocal advocacy, we can effect enduring changes in health research.
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Dear Christine,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt and insightful journey during your internship at the HSRU. Your perspective as a Black woman with a disability is invaluable in healthcare research. The way you described my supportive and compassionate nature is truly heart-warming and encouraging for me. It's evident that the understanding and adjustments made a profound difference in your experience.
Your dedication to improving the involvement and engagement of patients and the public in health research is commendable. Your unique viewpoint, stemming from your personal experiences, enriches the collective understanding of the broader challenges faced by many in the healthcare system.
Your commitment to inclusivity and advocating for marginalised voices is both needed and appreciated. Your internship at the HSRU has clearly had an impactful and transformative effect, not just for you, but also for the institution, myself and, ultimately, prospectively for the beneficiaries of our research.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of involving diverse voices in health research and for your contributions to the HSRU. Your story serves as an inspiration to many.
Warm regards