A conversation with Andre

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Choosing to pursue an advanced degree takes careful consideration. For many, online learning provides a flexible way to achieve personal and professional goals.

We spoke to Andre Lagos Urrutia, a current student earning an online master’s degree in Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health. Andre shares what motivated him to obtain this degree, how he balanced his personal life with his education, and how his learnings are already impacting his work in real-time.

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I came across the programme while searching online for alternatives to pursue my MSc. I knew it was the right one, as working in a high-complexity hospital with awake patient surgery, I was keen to improve my knowledge in this area. After reviewing the different options available on the market, I chose this course as it allowed me to continue with my work whilst studying from home.

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Before starting the first module, I felt very happy and grateful to have been accepted into a high-level institution. I was nervous yet, at the same time, absolutely committed to the task. My focus has always been, and continues to be, to give my very best from the outset. My greatest hope was to receive the best possible training so I could help patients and support my plans of pursuing further research studies through a PhD following the MSc.

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Although I felt somewhat nervous at first, I was convinced that I could give my very best. As I became more familiar with the modules and the study structures, I was naturally able to restore a balance between my professional, personal, and academic life.

I took this process very seriously, so as not to compromise my mental health. My strategy was based on organising my working life as effectively as possible in order to meet the demands of the programme, whilst also making room for wellbeing activities such as practising sports, socialising, and spending time with my family.

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I had a patient with organic psychosis secondary to a left fronto-insular brain tumour, and having completed the module on psychosis, I felt very prepared and confident in approaching the case both preoperatively and intraoperatively. It was the first awake surgery with a psychotic patient.

Everything I learn I apply daily in my work. My reports are far more technical, as I have improved both my writing quality and my knowledge. My approach to patients is more comprehensive, particularly in assessments for awake surgery, through the integration of knowledge on biological foundations, psychosis, neuroscience, affective disorders, among others.

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I feel better prepared to continue providing professional care to highly complex patients and to contribute to the training of other health professionals, which I currently do through clinical supervision of final-year psychology and medical students. I will also continue contributing to the neural networks and oncological surgery research team at the hospital.

My short- to medium-term goal is to continue developing my education to contribute to research through a PhD programme.

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Andre committed to this degree programme to build a foundation for his dream of a career in research and bettering his patients’ lives.

If his story motivates you, learn more about our online Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health programme, and discover how it could bring you closer to achieving your goals.