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Postgraduate research at the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care: Jenjiratchaya (Jane) Thanapholsart

From reaching her full potential to advancing care in Thailand, Jane shares her experience at King’s as a postgraduate research student.

Briefly could you please explain what you were doing before you decided to come to King's?

I previously worked as a registered nurse in a critical cardiac care unit in Thailand. After a few years in clinical practice, I began considering research as a way to improve care for patients with cardiac conditions, leading me to transition from clinical practice to a career in research and academia. Recognising the need for research skills, I applied for the national exam for the Royal Thai Government Scholarship and was awarded the scholarship to pursue both my master’s and doctoral degrees abroad. This marked the beginning of my study at King’s.

What is your research related to?

My research focuses on cardiac cachexia in Thai patients with heart failure. The goal of this study is to improve the screening process for cardiac cachexia in this population, including the assessment of potential symptoms associated with the condition.

What most attracted you to King's from Thailand?

King's is a prestigious and highly regarded university, ranked among the top two in the world for nursing, reflecting its excellence in both teaching and research. The university’s comprehensive curriculum, along with its robust support system for international students, which includes academic guidance, physical health, well-being, and career support, made King's my top choice for completing my Master’s and PhD. I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else.

How have you found the postgraduate research experience?

I have got valuable experience through leading my research project with guidance from my supervisors, who are experts in the field. I work closely with my supervisor to conduct high-quality research, with strong support from the postgraduate research team within the Faculty. This ensures that my research choices are well-supported and my goals are within reach.

Pursuing postgraduate research at King’s has broadened my perspective on cardiovascular care. In Thailand, research is essential for improving healthcare. Through my work, I have connected with cardiovascular experts and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions, European Society of Cardiology, enhancing the quality of my studies. The research skills I have acquired, along with my network of cardiovascular research experts, can significantly advance care for the people of Thailand.

As I am interested in teaching, doing postgraduate research at King’s has provided me with valuable experience by supervising students in the dissertation module. This role has not only refined my research skills but also allowed me to share my knowledge, research, and clinical experiences with students, particularly those interested in cardiovascular care. King’s has offered insightful experiences and training through King’s Academy to ensure teaching quality, effectively preparing me for my future career.

What has been the best thing about your time at King's?

King’s has enabled me to reach my full potential by allowing me to explore my interests. This journey has not only strengthened my academic skills but also helped me build lasting friendships through the various roles I have undertaken. Overall, my time at King’s has been both memorable and invaluable — an experience I will always cherish.

How do you feel that King's has prepared you for a career in research?

In addition to the research skills I have developed during the course, King’s Doctoral Centre offers courses and workshops to build essential interpersonal skills, including leadership and principal investigator training, along with guidance on securing research grants. These training sessions, which can be booked online, allow me to select specific courses that are most relevant to my needs, providing critical preparation for conducting research in real-world settings.

The annual Faculty conferences offer valuable experience in presenting, which benefits both my research career and future conference opportunities. Additionally, the Faculty provides funding support for PhD students whose abstracts are selected for presentation, allowing me to attend field-related conferences. This support keeps me up to date with current knowledge and helps me connect with experts, which benefits my research for Thai people and fosters potential research collaborations.

Furthermore, the strong research connections and vibrant international community at King’s foster potential collaborations that will be invaluable for my future career in research.

What are you planning to do now that your PhD is nearly finished?

As I near the end of my course, I feel fully equipped with essential research skills. My plan is to continue building on my PhD research to enhance the quality of life and care for Thai patients with heart failure and cardiac cachexia, collaborating with an international research network. Additionally, I aim to work as a nursing instructor, integrating both teaching and research throughout my career.

In this story

Jenjiratchaya Thanapholsart

PhD candidate, researcher, registered nurse

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