Meet a CCH student
In January, LSBU validated the College of Contemporary Health’s (CCH) online postgraduate qualifications in Obesity Care and Management, including the UK’s first online Masters.
Because LSBU are always keen to hear about the real impact LSBU is delivering with their partners, we’ve met with one of the first students enrolled on the course. Divya Bassi is a Macmillan Support Worker and is studying towards an MSc in Obesity Care and Management at CCH.
Hi Divya, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Why the interest in obesity studies?
I currently work for the Macmillan South West Aftercare team. We offer long term specialist support and advice to childhood cancer survivors. Within clinic, we have a unique opportunity to work with patients to promote healthy lifestyle choices to improve overall health and wellbeing. This cohort can encounter other health care issues as a result of their treatment which can be further perpetuated by an unhealthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, and obesity prevention is an area I feel particularly passionate about.
I feel that the learning from this course fed directly into improving my practice with patients. It offered me the opportunity to liaise with other health care professionals within weight management and also presented practical strategies that covered the holistic management of this complex healthcare issue.
And why did you choose the CCH?
To my knowledge, this institution was the only one that offered Master’s level work in obesity management via distance learning.
So, what did you think of the online format?
The online format is easy to use and enables the user to control their learning. I could access the forum when convenient for me and around my other professional / social commitments. There was always someone available to help if I came across any issues with the platform and there was a wide range of resources available to support my learning.
Do you feel the course helped to improve your practice with patients?
Absolutely. I feel that the learning from this course fed directly into improving my practice with patients. It offered me the opportunity to liaise with other health care professionals within weight management and also presented practical strategies that covered the holistic management of this complex healthcare issue.
Would you recommend the course and CCH?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the course to other professionals within obesity management. The flexible format and opportunity to share learning with other professionals was great. Working with patients around their weight management is complex, and the training that I have received through CCH has been invaluable.
Lastly, before you go, what is your mission as a healthcare professional?
I feel passionate about endorsing a holistic approach to the current obesity epidemic which utilises a range of strategies around a patient centred approach. In my experience, considering all of the multi-factorial triggers that can contribute to weight gain is key. I strive to continue learning within this area of expertise so that I can support patients in the best way possible to achieve successful behaviour change. I also feel strongly about the need for more preventative strategies around weight management, especially for the younger generations. The healthier choice should be the easy choice, and I hope to contribute to the continued mission to prevent obesity in children and young people.
