Over the past 18 months as a Laidlaw Scholar, I have grown in ways I could not have anticipated. From personal development to deepening my understanding the responsibilities of leadership, this programme has shaped both my mindset and my approach to global engagement. One principle that both started and guided my journey was the Inverse Care Law, which highlights how those most in need of medical or social services often have the least access to them. While this inequity prompted me to submit an application, it was also the motivation of my Summer 2 Leadership in Action (LiA) project in Paris, where I volunteered with Serve the City, supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and people experiencing homelessness.

My LiA experience had a two main goals; to contribute meaningfully to ongoing initiatives and to implement my own ideas, such as First-Aid seminar sessions to empower service users. The structure of my project combined daily volunteering activities, such as food distributions, English language exchanges, and soccer training, along with my attempt to introduce this additional initiative. While not everything went according to plan, I adapted by engaging with other impactful projects, including trialling fundraising strategies and assisting with a dehydration initiative for beneficiaries during the summer months. Redirecting my energy in this way taught me the value of flexibility and creative problem-solving.

The project pushed me into an unfamiliar environment, requiring me to navigate cultural differences, communicate effectively across language barriers, and work alongside a diverse group of volunteers. This challenged me to apply my existing skills in new environments and highlighted the importance of social and cultural awareness in leadership. Listening to service users’ stories and learning about their experiences deepened my understanding of systemic inequality and strengthened my commitment to trying to implement meaningful change. I learned that being a global citizen is not about imposing solutions right away, but about collaborating, listening, and responding to the needs of the community.

Reflecting on my overall development as a Laidlaw Scholar from when I started off, the programme has equipped me with skills and experiences that I couldn’t have anticipated. Workshops, coaching sessions, and reflective exercises have all strengthened my ability to analyse, problem-solve, and advocate for systemic change. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone for personal growth, the value of communicating clearly, and the importance of feedback as a tool for improvement. Engaging with scholars from a variety of backgrounds has inspired me and I am extremely grateful to have met such talented and wonderful people in my cohort.

This experience has also shaped my future aspirations. As I continue my studies with the aim of becoming a doctor, I feel more prepared to lead with empathy, advocate for patients, and confront inequalities in healthcare. By applying these lessons in both medical and community contexts, I hope to continue contributing by supporting initiatives that address inequities, empower communities, and create tangible positive outcomes.

Overall, the Laidlaw Scholarship has been a transformative process. It has reinforced the importance of continual self-reflection, values-driven practice, and principled leadership. These experiences have shaped me to become a better leader, a better doctor, and ultimately, a better person. I hope to continuously carry the values this programme has instilled in me and always strive to be better.