From Canada to UK: Eray's intercalated MSc Public Health at LSHTM

9 June 2025

Embarking on an intercalated year during medical studies is never easy. Eray Yilmaz, a medical student from Canada, shares his motivations, experiences, and shifting perspectives as he pursues an MSc Public Health at LSHTM. Now immersed in both the academic rigour and cultural vibrancy of London, he shares the profound impact of this public health journey.

Eray Yilmaz outside LSHTM Keppel Street Building

Hi everyone! I’m Eray, a second-year medical student at Western University in the Canadian city of London. In September 2024, I came to the UK to study MSc Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). I can’t believe that I am nearing the end of my degree.

Why I chose to study MSc Public Health at LSHTM

Pursuing an MSc in Public Health during my medical education was not an easy decision. The thought of leaving behind the friends I had made in my pre-clerkship years and delaying my graduation from medical school felt daunting. However, after attending an information session about the “Medical Degree + Programme” at my medical school, a specialised track that allowed students to pursue a Master’s degree in a field of their choosing, I knew this was the right path for me because I wanted to use my medical training on a global scale, and I felt urged to combine my passion for medicine with my growing interest in global health.

Students celebrating birthday with cakes at Pumphandle Social. — The community at LSHTM is incredible – here we are celebrating the birthday of one of our friends from the MSc Demography programme.

After some research, it quickly became clear to me that pursuing an MSc in Public Health at LSHTM was the ideal path for my goals. It would equip me with the skills and connections to get involved with health at an international level. LSHTM’s strong emphasis on global health in the curriculum was also another factor in my decision-making. Even beyond its reputation as a renowned public health school, medical students, doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the globe study at LSHTM with the same goal of moving health forward. The opportunity to learn from the varied experiences of this community was key in my decision to apply to LSHTM.

I believe LSHTM’s greatest strength lies in its diverse student body.

Reflecting on my amazing time in London & LSHTM

As I enter my final term, I’m very grateful that I pursued an MSc in Public Health at LSHTM. Studying in London has not only provided me access to world-class education, but also exposed me to diverse global perspectives. I now have a deeper appreciation for the structural and policy-level factors that shape healthcare delivery. From studying different funding models in health economics classes to understanding how globalisation and climate change have increased the transmission of infectious diseases, I now have a more nuanced understanding of the forces that influence health. This additional education motivates me to become a doctor who not only treats individual patients, but also understands the upstream socioeconomic, political, and environmental determinants that shape the health of communities.

Group picture of LSHTM Students — Our class BBQ after we submitted our final exams.

A group of students in Wednesday night football league. — My MSc Public Health friends and I enrolled in a Wednesday night football league – a great pastime from our studies.

One aspect I’m most proud of this year is how much my research skills have grown. Before this degree, I didn’t fully appreciate how much I had yet to learn about conducting research. Being surrounded by world-class professors and epidemiologists has inspired me, exposing me to methodologies and critical thinking skills that I will take back to medical school. Medicine is an evidence-seeking profession, and by taking classes like “Principles of Social Research” and “Healthcare Evaluation”, I feel even more prepared to contribute to the medical field as a physician-scientist. I’m currently applying these skills in my thesis, which models how climate change will influence emergency medical imaging demand.

A group of people sitting on benches outside Senate House. — Whenever there was a sunny day, our class would have lunch outside on the steps next to LSHTM.

My advice: take the jump - intercalate with LSHTM

As I finish this blog, I want to take this opportunity to thank my medical school for supporting me as I pursue my career goals. Although challenging, my understanding of health delivery has evolved. I believe I am better equipped for my future clinical years, and I am excited to rejoin my clinical rotations with an expanded perspective on health.

I hope to pursue a career at the intersection of global health and radiology through organisations such as RAD-AID, Road2IR or Worldwide Radiology. I want to take the skills I gained at LSHTM to help improve access to medical imaging and to build a climate-resilient radiology service.

If you have an interest in global and public health, I highly recommend LSHTM. The skills, memories, and friends you gain here will last you a lifetime!