Introduce yourself: Who you are and what you studied at Imperial?
Hello, my name is Harry Canagasabey. I am both an alumnus of Imperial’s MSc in Healthcare and Design (2021) and now I teach on it too! This programme was perfect for someone like me because my interests firmly lie at the intersection between healthcare and technology. This much is obvious when you learn that before my masters, I read degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Diagnostic Radiography.
What drew you to Imperial’s Healthcare and Design course?
Before I came to Imperial, I had been working as a Radiographer for two years and wanted to find a way to bring my healthcare and technology experience together, so I made a list. It included every master’s programme title in the UK I found interesting, after whittling down to a shortlist, this programme came out by far as first choice! It offered exactly what I needed, a way to continue working and to pursue a subject niche I was passionate about.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
For me, meeting other like-minded individuals from all over the world, who were excited about colliding the healthcare and design worlds was the best part and I have made some lasting friends, all with similar interests to me.
The course also opened my eyes to a designer’s mindset, which is quite distinct from a scientist’s and takes time to understand and embrace if you haven’t encountered it before. I now take the design thinking approach, alongside a scientist’s, into every project I work on, with great results so far!
What was your research project for the course?
My research project was a bit of a passion project. I had been putting needles into veins (cannulating) for about 7 years before I finally got to address the minority of patients having a terrible time with it. I was able to conduct a project that recorded the outcome of over 1000 cannulating interactions, spoke to some of the field’s leading medics and designers, played with new technology, designed even newer technology and more.
What are you doing now?
Now I am attending a post-graduate medicine programme alongside being an honorary teaching fellow on the MSc Healthcare and Design course, so you will likely meet me if this course is for you. I also keep my hand in NHS work as a Radiographer at two NHS trusts.
How have the skills gained on the course helped you in your career?
Well, they got me into medical school! But more importantly, I find myself comfortable discussing and pursuing projects in medical technology and design. Interestingly, design thinking also made me better with patients and is a skill that definitely stands out amongst peers.
Have you noticed any recognition from studying at Imperial – networking, meeting others?
Well, I was lucky enough to be awarded the Dean’s Prize, so that combined with Imperial’s world-renowned good name definitely turns heads. I have found it makes people keen to work with you and is a notable selling point in any crowd.
Do you have any advice for prospective students who are thinking of applying to study Healthcare and Design at Imperial?
Know that it is hard to study alongside other endeavours but that nothing good in life is easy. Look hard at what the course offers and talk to people in your life about the decision. Then when you decide it’s great, as I did, go for it! I can’t wait to meet you.
Find out more about our Healthcare and Design course and apply.