Chevening Scholarship Recipient, Juhliad, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s Degree in Palliative Care at the University of Liverpool

I am Juhliad, a family physician from the southern part of Ethiopia. Coming from an agropastoralist community in Bule Hora, I was fortunate to be accepted into medical school. Although I never envisioned becoming a physician during my high school years, I have come to deeply value the privilege of alleviating suffering and bringing smiles to people's faces.

The journey has not been easy, particularly given the deep trust and influence that traditional healers hold, as well as the challenges posed by a complex bureaucratic system. Nevertheless, it requires courage and commitment to provide evidence-based care and save lives. I am grateful for the trust placed in me to carry out this noble responsibility.

During my specialty training at Addis Ababa University, I was first introduced to the basics of Palliative Care. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how significant this field would become to me. Like most medical trainees, I had been taught to focus on curing disease - to diagnose, treat, and fix. That was the expectation, and in many ways, the mindset I carried into practice.

Medical training traditionally emphasizes the pursuit of a cure, and for a time, that was the lens through which I viewed every patient encounter. However, the reality is that some patients face illnesses that cannot be cured. In those moments, when medicine had little left to offer in terms of a cure, I came to understand that the physician’s role remained profoundly important. Palliative care showed me that our work doesn’t end when a cure is no longer possible. In fact, that may be when our presence matters most.

I saw how palliative support could preserve dignity, bring comfort, and even help patients reclaim a sense of peace. That experience reshaped the way I view clinical care. It reminded me of a popular saying in palliative care: while we may not always be able to add days to someone’s life, we can always help add life to their days.

I was motivated by the transformative impact this type of care can have on individuals who feel helpless and devastated by their disease. However, in my country, there is no formal palliative care training that leads to a recognized qualification. As a result, I sought opportunities overseas and was fortunate to be accepted into an MSc program at the University of Liverpool in the UK. This was a dream-come-true moment for me because of the many opportunities available through its well-developed palliative care training program.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship in June 2024. This is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government, covering airfare, housing, and tuition fees for one year.

In 2022, I was also awarded a DAAD regional scholarship to study for an MPH program at Mount Kenya University in Kenya. Unfortunately, I could not attend it due to circumstances beyond my control.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in medicine at Jimma University in November 2017. After two years of clinical service, I had the opportunity to join the Family Medicine residency training at the top medical school in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa University. As a trainee doctor based at TASH, I provided general palliative care services to clients in need. Upon graduating in 2023, I returned to my community and continued delivering clinical care, primarily focusing on chronic disease. In 2024, I enrolled in the Global Fellowship in Palliative Medicine program run by Pallium India at the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences. Hospice Ethiopia UK generously awarded me a financial grant to support my fellowship, through which I earned an advanced certificate in Palliative medicine. More than three years of clinical practice and palliative care training have strengthened my qualifications and made me a strong candidate to pursue MSc-level training at the University of Liverpool.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Liverpool?

Initially, when I started applying to UK institutions in 2020, I was not adequately prepared in terms of fulfilling some of the requirements, including the English language Test. However, that time helped me explore different institutions throughout out UK, understand admission requirements, and identify the type of course I was interested in. Moving forward, I took the IELTS (7.5 overall score) and applied to several potential institutions, successfully securing acceptance letters from more than five universities. But my passion for palliative care and the academic excellence of the University of Liverpool ultimately motivated me to choose it.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I first came across the Chevening Scholarship in 2019. Looking at its requirements, such as the English language test, I never thought I would win this award, mainly because I was uncertain whether I could pass the IELTS test. Fortunately, Chevening dropped the English language requirement the following year, which empowered me to give it a try. Surprisingly, on my first attempt, I was shortlisted for an interview without receiving any guidance from Chevening alumni or others with experience. However, the outcome of my interview was negative because I could not effectively present myself beyond what I communicated in my essays. I learned from my shortcomings and managed to connect with Chevening alumni. With the extensive effort I put in, I was confident I would become a Chevening Scholar after attending the interview. Finally, my hard work and the support of the Chevening community paid off, and I was selected on my third attempt.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think ‘‘being myself'’ and telling my story with utmost honesty and clarity played a crucial part. Learning from others is indeed part of life and can be helpful during your application process, too. But this doesn’t mean you should copy and paste things or do it the way someone else did. Be yourself, and you will be able to unleash your potential and unlock the gates to opportunities you have dreamed of.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Be consistent when narrating your story. Do not exaggerate or downplay your achievements or the challenges you have faced. Get organized and seek the assistance of alumni or individuals who are familiar with the application process. Walk the talk- let the personality described in your application shine during the interview as well. Success does not happen overnight, so be patient when things are not going your way. Do not say, ‘‘I have done my best’’; there is always room for improvement. Reflect, learn, and continuously upgrade yourself. I would like to conclude my advice with a poem taken from Levi Tafari's book entitled Being Human.

Look Within

They say that seeing is believing – but that is foe,

Because looks can be deceiving, as we all should know

Your heart and soul reveal your personality –

Your measure, your worth, your essence is the key

So, expand your mind, journey, and explore

It is not about DNA, it is your persona, it is your core

Anga Uwadhash,  YNWA !