City St George's student earns prestigious Healthcare Leadership Academy scholarship

Published: 04 November 2024

St George's School of Health and Medical Sciences has a pedigree for producing trailblazers in the fields of healthcare and medicine, and Ianna Alberto is further evidence of this! She has recently been successful in applying for a highly-coveted scholarship with the Healthcare Leadership Academy.

We caught up with Ianna to find out what the application process was like, how she felt when she found out and what her aspirations for the scholarship are.

What is the Healthcare Leadership Academy and how did you find out about it?

The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) is an organisation that was created to nurture and empower future leaders within the healthcare system. I learnt about it when they reached out to me following a nomination from one of my peers, who was a previous scholar themselves.

How did you receive the scholarship? If it was an application process, what was it like?

Following a nomination, there was an extensive application process to complete. It began with several questions regarding my extracurriculars, including engagement in health policy debates, involvement with healthcare organisations, public speaking experiences, and publications under my name. After uploading my CV, there were more personal questions about the qualities I possess and how I have demonstrated them in leadership positions.

Then, I had to film a proposal pitch video. This involved identifying a problem and creating a project that aims to resolve it. As I was involved in research that proved the efficacy of near-peer mentoring, I decided to create a project around my findings.

Finally, I had to create an elevator pitch about myself. This was a video where I presented myself, my experience and potential, and why I should be selected. I had to incorporate the six pillars of their curriculum - the leader as a communicator, manager, philosopher, negotiator, innovator/entrepreneur, and as a follower.

I was later shortlisted for an interview where I discussed my extracurriculars and personal beliefs in more detail before being offered the scholarship. I feel incredibly privileged to have received this opportunity, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.

What do you hope to achieve with the scholarship?

Personally, I hope to reflect on my leadership style and discover how I can become a more effective leader by engaging with the six-pillar curriculum of the HLA. On a deeper level, I also hope to bring about change to the working environment within the NHS, beginning at a grassroots level.

- Ianna Alberto, winner of the Healthcare Leadership Academy scholarship. -

During the year, I will establish a lecture series to "Bridge the Gap" between the pre-clinical and clinical years in medical school (currently being advertised by @sgulmeded on Instagram) as my HLA project. After realising how daunting attending placements for the first time can be, my aim is to support students through this transition to reduce levels of anxiety and increase feelings of confidence. Further in the future, I hope this will foster positive change within the healthcare system.

What are your longer term aspirations for the future of healthcare and healthcare teaching?

I envision a future that prioritises both holistic patient care alongside the well-being of healthcare workers, creating an environment that empowers every individual within the system.

- Ianna Alberto, winner of the Healthcare Leadership Academy scholarship. -

During medical school, at these early stages, encouraging near-peer teaching cultivates positive relationships while creating a safe learning environment where mentors are more relatable. Enhancing the learning environment prioritises students' wellbeing as well as their learning.

As a community, we have to recognise the importance of protecting our wellbeing. As doctors, we have to look after ourselves to be able to look after our patients.

Ultimately, by prioritising a nurturing environment, we can develop a generation of healthcare leaders who are not only clinically skilled but also empathetic, resilient, and committed to fostering a culture of support. This, I believe, will lead to happier healthcare workers, more effective teams, and improved patient satisfaction. In the end, the strength of our healthcare system rests on the strength of those who serve within it-and a nurturing, supportive environment is key to that strength.

- Ianna Alberto, winner of the Healthcare Leadership Academy scholarship. -

What would you say to someone considering applying for one of these scholarships?

Believe in your potential to lead, innovate, and inspire change-your journey to making a difference starts here.

You don't need to be the best, you will develop the skills with time, but you can be the change you want to see. Applying for this scholarship is a powerful step toward shaping the future of healthcare.

- Ianna Alberto, winner of the Healthcare Leadership Academy scholarship. -

This opportunity is not just about funding; you will be joining a community of forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about making a difference.

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