Victoria Hollywood

MSc Healthcare Management

1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m an operating department practitioner (ODP) with an interest in sustainability, resilience and disaster mitigation. I work in the operating theatres with patients who are at their most vulnerable stage of life. I am actively involved in the resuscitation teams. I mentor a range of people from master’s students, multidisciplinary teams and newly qualified staff.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
I think this was in Year 2 of the Masters, where I realised, where I had a belonging and my ideas for research were valid.

3. What has been your favourite job?
Being a mum, it’s the best gift I’ve ever been blessed with. Outside of the home environment, I find my current job the most rewarding.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Exciting.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
It gave me the confidence and courage to acquire answers to questions and research areas of interest. It has provided me with an environment where it is safe to explore new and challenging ideas.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
The freedom and support to challenge and expand ideas. This freedom comes from mentors/supervisors encouraging me to find issues within healthcare settings, to deeply think about what we currently know and develop ideas to create recommendations to improve healthcare for staff and patients. The support along this journey is always present, they help shape your thinking and are fantastic as a sounding board for real and abstract concepts.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
That the final stage is the hardest, however keep persevering and keep pushing forward to challenge and improve healthcare.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
To not feel so nervous, timid or let negative thoughts stop you. Learn to think 'outside the box' and allow your brains the opportunity to problem solve for you by giving enough time to focus on the question and subject matter.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My daughter, she is my inspiration. My drive comes from wanting a better healthcare system for her and the next generation for all.

10. What advice would you give your younger self?
To challenge yourself irrespective of nerves, ask for support and use the tutors and their knowledge to better inform your understanding. Expanding your mind is often uncomfortable, not because you don’t belong but because it’s a transition to growth.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I often find myself disappearing down rabbit holes of ideas.

12. What’s next?
I am applying for the PhD programme at ARU as I’d like to transition into a role where I can have an input into global ideas and plans, including such establishments as the World Health Organization. Whilst maintaining my current registration, as I believe research should be rooted in real world problems.