Reflecting on the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing at LSHTM: Stories from Our Learners
15 May 2025 London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine https://lshtm.ac.uk/themes/custom/lshtm/images/lshtm-logo-black.png
Participants, from nurses, paramedics and midwives to public health professionals, shared how the course shaped their careers, deepened their understanding of global health, and challenged them to grow both personally and professionally. With flexible online learning, insightful content, and a supportive community, the programme continues to inspire ethical, impactful practice worldwide.
On 12 May 2025, we marked International Nurses Day with an inspiring evening at LSHTM in London. The in-person event brought together past, present and future students of the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing (PDTN), creating a vibrant space for connection and reflection. From paramedics and midwives to ICU nurses and public health professionals, each attendee shared a unique journey - united by a passion for global health, humanitarian work, and ethical, sustainable care.
Why they joined: a variety of paths, one purpose
For many, the PDTN marked a pivotal moment in their careers. Christy Sze Wining Lee, an Information Officer at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from the 2022–2023 cohort, shared how the course helped her build essential knowledge in infectious diseases like malaria despite not having a strong lab background.
“The course was really well-organised, useful, and a great place to meet new people. I was surprised by how practical and relevant the content was, especially for someone like me coming from a non-traditional background.”
Kat Spence, an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner at University College London Hospital, described how the course opened her eyes to how much she didn't yet know about humanitarian aid.
“It was more than an introduction - it was an immersive experience that equipped me to now go and work somewhere out there in the world. It made me realise how much more I had to learn and how much I wanted to.”
Others, like Grace Bunn, a Midwife at King's College London, joined the course out of a desire to expand beyond midwifery and understand healthcare from a global, ethical perspective.
“The course gave me an understanding of primary healthcare systems and sustainability.”
The power of online learning
One theme that came through strongly was the flexibility and effectiveness of the online format. Students appreciated the pre-recorded content, live lectures, and interactive virtual labs, especially the sessions led by the course organisers (Claire Rogers and Katherine Beck), which allowed them to revisit material and engage meaningfully, regardless of time zones.
Charlie Mills, a Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, mentioned how the Moodle (LSHTM's online, virtual learning environment) resources and quality of teaching made the course accessible and sustainable for his unpredictable schedule.
“You can always go back to the lectures. It's really helpful when you’re on shift work or travelling. Moodle was easy to use, and the quality of teaching was exceptional.”
Grace Bunn highlighted how remote learning itself became part of the learning process:
“It teaches you how to develop your practice in a remote setting - an essential skill for global health work.”
Key takeaways from the course
The PDTN not only built their clinical knowledge, but also challenged participants to think critically about their roles and motivations. Philippa Swift, a Paediatric Nurse at University College London Hospital, noted how the course blended her interests in international development and healthcare.
“Despite being online, it still felt personal. The discussions, the case studies, the chance to engage with people from all over the world - it was more collaborative than some in-person courses I've done.”
Christy Sze Wining Lee, who now works in surveillance for healthcare-associated infections, said the course shifted her career focus.
“Before, I worked on non-communicable diseases, but this course sparked my passion for infectious disease.”
Three words to describe the course
We asked participants to choose just three words to describe the PDTN. Here's a selection of what they said:
- Comprehensive. Inspiring. Intense.
- Challenging. Insightful. Meaningful.
- Interesting. Fascinating. Helpful.
- Knowledgeable. Flexible. Interactive.
- Fun. Useful. Refreshing.
It’s clear that while everyone's journey is different, the course left a lasting impression.
Final thoughts
Whether taken as a career stepping stone, a tool for self-growth, or a path into global health, the PDTN continues to empower nurses and medics around the world with the knowledge, confidence, and ethical framework they need to make a difference.
To those considering the course: the message is clear. It's worth it. Be prepared to be challenged, supported, and inspired.
Thank you to all who shared their stories, and to everyone who joined us for the event. We look forward to continuing to build this global network of passionate, thoughtful health professionals.
- Learn more about the Professional Diploma in Tropical Nursing
- You may also be interested in:
- All short courses at LSHTM.