Shouq joins the group all the way from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, swapping the very warm weather for the very cold (but sunny!) Aberdeen! Sometimes, you need to make such a choice to be supervised by one of the best in the field!
Tell us a bit about yourself
I did my undergraduate studies in Anaesthesia Technology, graduating with with First-Degree honours in 2017, and completed a full year of internship in 2018. I then completed three months of fieldwork as an anaesthesia specialist before accepting a teaching assistant job. After three years of delayed Masters’ study due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I got my MSc in Critical Care in 2023 from Queen Mary University of London. I was then rehired as a lecturer at the Anesthesia Technology department. I worked for a year before I decided to start my postgraduate journey again, and this time I shifted the destination from England to Scotland. I am sponsored by the Ministry of Defense - Defense Medical Services (DMS) and the Government of Saudi Arabia to do my PhD at the University of Aberdeen.
What will you be investigating while you are in Aberdeen?
I am currently navigating my first year as a PhD student where I will be studying under Professor Patrice Forget’s research programme. My PhD project will focus on informing clinical practice in the field of anaesthesia and perioperative pain management.
Why did you choose Aberdeen?
The University of Aberdeen is known for its excellence in medical science, which was a key factor in me choosing to relocate to Aberdeen. I believe that this opportunity will endow me with a solid education and preparation to excel in my career as a healthcare professional, educator, and researcher. The Epidemiology group includes many different people with different backgrounds and expertise, which makes me excited to be a part of, learn from, and hopefully contribute to it in the future.
Are you involved in any other research?
I have so far been involved in a number of research publications. One of these, was a cross-sectional study investigating the attitude, perception, and experience of using educational simulation among undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia using the KidSIM questionnaire. The study's key conclusions are that, in general, medical students view simulation-based learning as a helpful tool that provides a positive learning environment, encourages teamwork, enhances professional communication, aids in role and responsibility understanding, and increases situational awareness. Additionally, we found that the primary determinant of students' perceptions of the value of simulation-based learning is their GPA, with high-achieving students finding the simulations more beneficial.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love watching football, and I am a massive fan of Al Ittihad Club in the Saudi Pro League (sitting top of the league at time of writing!). You might not be too familiar with the club, but you will surely know the player Karim Benzema, who is captain of the team back home!
I am very excited to start my journey here at University of Aberdeen and I am sure that my PhD will give me the solid ground to make an impact back home.