Dr Poonam Rana

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme

Name: Dr Poonam Rana
Age: 28 years
Born: India
Lived in Scotland: Two-and-a-half years

Dr Poonam Rana had no idea what Scotland would be like but she was impressed by the Scots’ hospitality

when she arrived two-and-a-half years ago. She says, "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 left home someone even suggested I carried a dictionary as people spoke Gaelic here!

"I landed in Glasgow and not even the dull wet weather could dampen my spirits. Two students were sitting at a desk with a banner saying 'Welcome International Students'. My baggage hadn't arrived and they took me to the British Airways office to sort out the problem. Then they took me to the bus and requested the driver to drop me off at Queen Street Station. This was my first experience of Scottish hospitality. This experience has been repeated again and again and I have been bowled over by the Scots."

Dr Rana was not only impressed with the Scots' hospitality; she also loved the country. "People here are very warm and welcoming," she says. "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."

Apart from appreciating the beauty of Scotland, she also enjoyed being a student. "Studying in the University of Dundee was a satisfying and enriching experience. I did a Masters in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from the 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. I had fantastic flatmates and we had a really great time. Before I left India I was sad thinking about how my parents and fiancé would be so far away. But my flatmates helped me a lot in adjusting to a new way of life and I never felt homesick," says Dr Rana.

Not only did she not miss home, Dr Rana also enjoyed the opportunities that the Fresh Talent Scheme had given her. "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 the UK’s National Health Service," she says.

"The Scottish Fresh Talent Visa was a great opportunity because it meant my employers did not have to arrange a work permit for me. Luckily, I got an opportunity to work in my own department when I finished my degree. It was really great as I knew the place and people. Once I started working, my husband joined me here as well."

Dr Rana now works in the Institute of Cardiovascular Research at the University of Dundee and plans to stay in Scotland long-term. She says, "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 now say with confidence that Scotland is THE PLACE!"

Information correct at March 2007

Related links

• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
• University of Dundee