In the realm of academia, where challenges meet ambition, stories of remarkable students unfold. Meet Anna Gudimova, a first-year bachelor’s student hailing from Greece, who has embarked on an extraordinary journey at Maastricht University by simultaneously pursuing degrees in Biomedical Sciences and European Public Health.
When Anna initially applied for Biomedical Sciences at Maastricht University, she encountered a deficiency. Unsure of her entry into Biomedical Sciences, Anna seized the opportunity and applied for European Public Health as well. Her curiosity led her to embrace both disciplines. Anna explains, “I started applying for Biomedical Sciences because I wanted to learn about medical research. But when I found out about European Public Health, I also became interested in the laws and ethics of health.”
Driven by a passion for medical research and an intrigue for health policies, Anna successfully overcame her deficiency and embarked on the challenge of pursuing two bachelor’s programs simultaneously.
Anna’s choice of Maastricht University was influenced by its international character and the Problem-Based Learning system. Having experienced a more traditional education system in Greece, Anna was drawn to Maastricht’s active and collaborative learning approach. “Problem-Based Learning is a very active way of learning, together with other students,” she notes.
Navigating through the demands of both Biomedical Sciences and European Public Health, Anna recognizes the distinct challenges each program presents. She shares, “European Public Health lets you learn from institutions such as the WHO, and you can improvise on it by coming up with policies and ethical questions. In Biomedical Sciences, everything is related; both programs are demanding, but in their own way.”
Anna finds a unique advantage in her dual pursuit, stating, “I can look at the same topic from two perspectives, which makes studying a bit easier for me.”
Anna’s ability to connect the dots between topics in both programs is exemplified by her approach to understanding medical issues. Taking high cholesterol as an example, she delves into the detailed mechanisms in the labs of Biomedical Sciences and then translates that knowledge into a broader perspective in European Public Health, considering guidelines and policies related to cardiovascular disease prevention.
Managing a packed schedule, Anna employs a well-thought-out study routine as the foundation of her week. She emphasizes the support offered by the university in managing study loads, including study advice and organized study smart sessions. Anna’s study strategy revolves around “distributed practice,” involving spreading study hours over an extended period, which aligns seamlessly with the Problem-Based Learning structure.
As Anna navigates this challenging yet fulfilling journey, her story serves as an inspiration for students seeking to embrace diverse disciplines and carve their path towards academic excellence.
