Seeing Einstein’s blackboard at Oxford’s History of Science Museum got me thinking about time.
While I may not understand the maths involved with Einstein’s work, I can appreciate that time is relative. I know that my time here in Oxford as a master’s student is not infinite (in multiple senses of the word). Four in-person intensive modules complete, three to go, and we only started eight months ago. Where has the time gone?
I clearly recall making the decision to apply to the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership programme and worrying that I had little chance of being accepted. Then I was accepted and worried about what the programme would require of me. Somehow, I find myself here, already over halfway through the in-person modules and one of two class reps.
My cohort has seen the funeral for one monarch and the coronation of another. We have seen the movement of politics and the response to environmental disasters. Some of us have been there on the front lines of healthcare challenges, while others are in the background strategizing and planning. Time here can be seen in both simple moments and generational events.
Over the last several months I have learned the skills needed for healthcare leaders in 2023 and beyond. I have looked at organizational and systems challenges. I have learned about the importance of leading with evidence. I have learned how to synthesize and critically appraise evidence while also asking what data was missing. We have discussed implementation and how to close the knowledge-into-action gap. Every single module has been applicable to my daily work.
I have met a truly global cohort of healthcare leaders. I am honoured to call them my colleagues and friends. The lessons learned in the classroom are enhanced by the shared contributions and conversations. We have both publicly debated and quietly discussed the issues and solutions. The power and benefits of a programme such as this cannot only be measured in time spent completing modules or submitting assignments. I also measure my time in Oxford by the lessons learned, new perspectives gained, laughs shared, places explored and meals shared together. Time is relative.
Where has the time gone?
The time has gone into learning and growing. I will continue to relish and appreciate my time with the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership. But I do know that I am making lasting connections and I am gaining valuable knowledge that will serve me well in the times to come.
Images on a blackboard can be erased, but the knowledge lives on in all of us.
