Komal Srinivasa
Dr Komal Srinivasa is advancing her career by pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences focusing on Health Professional Education.
Komal is conducting doctoral research to explore the role and appraisal of online videos in teaching postgraduates medical procedures ranging from surgeries and lumbar punctures to taking blood samples.
“I love my job as a pathologist so I plan to combine my clinical work with my university interests in education and mentorship. Pathology is behind the scenes compared to other hospital specialties but we do a lot of detective work when diagnosing. The people I work with are interesting and the cases are challenging and interesting so it’s a very stimulating environment.
"Teaching is such a big part of my vocation that my PhD knowledge will really help me become a better doctor. I teach health professionals like medical students and pathology registrars and realised people were watching procedural videos online. I did a systematic review as part of my Clinical Education diploma and found the quality of online procedural videos was variable which I found very concerning. My research looks at the quality aspects, especially the development of a rubric for scoring the quality of medical videos used for teaching procedural skills.
"Through that work, I have been lucky to present at conferences internationally and publish academic papers- it’s a strange and nice feeling to see your name in print! I have also met and become friends with a much wider circle of people through the University. Understanding their work and interests and getting some insight into their way of thinking has been valuable to me and it’s always nice to make new friends as an adult.
Doing a PhD is really freeing. It’s an opportunity to forge your own path and discover something new.
"I think it's so different from most other university courses because, in a PhD, you’re not only learning from others but also following your own ideas. If you’re considering doing a PhD, do it! There are lots of students and staff around the University who can guide you in a non-pressured, unbiased way.
“I enjoy the supportive and collaborative network I have found at the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care with my fellow PhD students and the faculty. I was also lucky to be accepted into the Academic Career Advancement Programme this year so I have made more amazing, high-achieving friends!"