Heartbeat: Doc wins £100k scholarships to world-famous university
September 24, 2021
Frontline colleague Dr Harun Khan has won two prestigious scholarships which will see him study at the world-famous Harvard University in America.
Dr Khan is one of only three people to ever hold both a Fulbright Award and a Kennedy Scholarship which will lead to the one-year placement at the private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The scholarships, worth £100,000, are two of the most highly regarded in the world. Previous awardees of these scholarships include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and American poet and civil rights activist Dr Maya Angelou.
Applying for them involved a lengthy process which included a detailed application and gruelling interviews, with one headed by the chief scientific advisor for the UK government.
Harun has been at the Trust since 2017 and has worked in the acute medicine unit, emergency department and is currently based in D27. He will study the Master’s of Public Health, which is the leading programme for public health in the world.
He said: “I have a strong interest in public health so I always planned to pursue postgraduate studies in this field since I was at medical school.
“My intention is to use my clinical practice, medical research and policy to advocate for under-represented minorities in the UK.
“As someone who was eligible for free school meals growing up, being awarded a full scholarship to attend Harvard is extraordinary.
“These types of scholarships are dominated by graduates and professionals who are socially elite in terms of social class. I hope my example can encourage others from a similar background to apply with full confidence. It’s also great to see my community celebrate this achievement, as I owe this win to them wholeheartedly! Being the third person in history to secure both scholarships to Harvard is an immense privilege. I also work in the education sector by supporting low-income students apply for higher education in the UK and embarking on this journey in front of these students is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.
“The scholarships themselves have so many benefits beyond just the financial. For example, they provide me with entry into exclusive networking and professional events by world leaders, so there are a lot of social benefits too.
“The Master’s will also give me an opportunity to undertake a work experience placement of which I would like to undertake at the United Nations in New York City or in affiliation with the United States Congress in Washington DC. I also plan to use my time in the US to improve my Spanish.”
Harun will leave the Trust in August, but intends to return to the UK.
“I have really enjoyed my time at the Trust and I may return. I intend to use my time at Harvard to learn more about health and public policy and how we can improve the outcomes of under-represented people by tackling inequity. I have received opportunities to work beyond the NHS since being awarded these scholarships, such as in governmental agencies, non-profit organisations and academic institutions, but I’m sure Harvard will help better define my next career move.”
He added: “I would like to thank Dr Sarbjit Clare and Dr Asif Naveed for supporting me through the early part of my professional journey. Despite their busy schedules, they have always been intentional about taking time out to support their juniors and lend an ear. They are true leaders that I hope to emulate one day. I would also like to thank Dr Viru Sadhunavar who, without trouble, swapped me out of a night shift in A&E, so that I could attend my Harvard scholarship interview!”