A University of Lancashire student has been awarded a specialist scholarship aimed at the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Yan Ching Chow has been selected to receive the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) scholarship, which supports healthcare professionals and students in developing leadership skills essential for shaping the future of healthcare.
The 24-year-old, who has completed Year 4 of her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course and is intercalating into a Master of Research in medical sciences at the University, will attend several leadership workshops throughout the year, along with mentorship, coaching and networking opportunities with HLA Alumni and prominent healthcare leaders.
Yan Ching, originally from Vietnam but who was raised and schooled in Hong Kong, said: “I am truly delighted to have been given a place on the HLA Scholarship Programme.
Being selected recognises my passion for leadership in research and medical education and offers me the opportunity to learn from an inspiring community of peers and mentors– Student Yan Ching Chow
“Being selected recognises my passion for leadership in research and medical education and offers me the opportunity to learn from an inspiring community of peers and mentors.
“I am most looking forward to developing my leadership and communication skills, expanding my network with like-minded healthcare professionals, working on a project that creates meaningful impact, and contributing to the HLA community that champions innovation and collaboration in healthcare.”
The one-year programme will see Yan Ching travel to Newcastle eight times to take part in in-person sessions. During the programme, she will undertake a Scholar Project aimed at addressing a key healthcare challenge. Yan Ching, who was drawn to medicine during her final year of college, plans to focus on bridging gaps in research opportunities for medical students.
At a time of great global challenge in healthcare, it is important that the next generation of healthcare leaders are motivated, inspired, and prepared in order to best look after the populations they serve– Johann Malawana, Director of the Healthcare Leadership Academy
Yan Ching, whose master’s course has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, commented: “I’m passionate about improving access to research opportunities for medical students, especially those from under-represented backgrounds or newer medical schools.
“I am very grateful to represent University of Lancashire at a national level through this programme and look forward to sharing what I learn with my peers and the wider University community. I hope to inspire other students to see leadership as an integral part of everyday clinical practice and to realise that anyone, regardless of background, can make a meaningful difference in healthcare.”
Johann Malawana, Director of the HLA, added: “After a rigorous and competitive application process, we are delighted to welcome our new cohort of 2025-2026 scholars. At a time of great global challenge in healthcare, it is important that the next generation of healthcare leaders are motivated, inspired, and prepared in order to best look after the populations they serve.”
This year’s HLA scholarship cohort has a mix of medical students from across various healthcare professions from more than 10 countries.