Miss Safiyyah Yacoobali
Safiyyah Yacoobali graduated from The University of Leeds with a Distinction in Dental Surgery. During her undergraduate studies, she was the first to publish a systematic review, exploring the impact of virtual reality on pain perception, for which she was awarded the Edward Boyle Prize. Her Masters research focused on the antibacterial properties of graphene-coated titanium oxide and its potential use in dental implants, which was awarded the prestigious Beaumont Award.
Upon qualifying in Cheshire and Merseyside, she embraced a Community Dental Officer post, where she balances clinical duties alongside her role as the Dental President at Medic Mentor (a not-for-profit organisation), where she teaches, mentors and consults on the curriculum to raise aspirations for the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Alongside academia, she has and continues to passionately advocate for social justice, racial equality and healthy equality through policy reform. She has championed this cause through various leadership roles at National Union of Students (NUS), British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) and Medic Mentor. To balance her professional life, she enjoys running, reading, writing and replenishing her energy being surrounded by trees in forests.
Reason for applying for the scheme
Through this scheme, Safiyyah hopes to expand her understanding of economical factors, governance and the intersection between healthcare and the evolving socio-political landscape. She hopes to dramatically shape the future of NHS Dentistry, which is at a critical point, through gaining experience in project management, policy shaping and learning from senior leaders. Safiyyah awaits the opportunity to augment her leadership competencies which will inevitably lead to a renewed energy when interacting with patients and the confidence to adopt a senior clinical role. The invaluable insights absorbed through this fellowship will propel her closer to her future ambition of becoming a public health advisor; to not only shape sustainable policies and dismantle health inequalities nationally but also mentor the next generation of health leaders. Ultimately, Safiyyah’s passion for integrated patient care, multidisciplinary team-working and initiating positive societal change has inspired this application.
