Chevening Scholar, Dr. Reem Alazawi from Iraq, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Oral Surgery at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom

My name is Reem Alazawi. I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq. I work as a senior house officer in maxillofacial surgery. I graduated from Mosul University College of Dentistry. Growing up in a country affected by war shaped my personal and professional journey. In 2014, during my fourth year at Mosul University, I lived through the ISIS conflict. During this time, I witnessed numerous trauma cases, particularly gunshot wounds and road traffic accident injuries involving the face and neck. I also observed the significant gender gap in the surgical fields. These experiences strongly influenced my decision to pursue a career in surgery.

To build on this foundation, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Oral Surgery at the University of Leeds. I selected this programme because of its strong clinical training, research focus, and emphasis on patient safety and multidisciplinary care. I wanted to gain internationally recognised expertise that I could later transfer to healthcare systems in conflict-affected and resource-limited settings.

Chevening Scholarship Details

Receiving the Chevening Scholarship was a pivotal moment in my journey. It is a fully funded UK government scholarship that covers my tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Beyond financial support, Chevening represented recognition of my leadership potential and my commitment to creating positive change. It provided me with access to a global network of professionals and reinforced my responsibility to use my education to contribute to healthcare development, capacity building, and women’s representation in the surgical fields.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was also offered the Fulbright Scholarship in the same year. However, I chose to decline it to accept the Chevening Scholarship, as it aligned more closely with my academic goals and was relevant to my career path.

Educational Background

I graduated with Upper Second Class and completed my internship in Baghdad. At the same time, I volunteered with several non-governmental organisations and later became the Chair of the Dental Education Committee at the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) Iraq chapter. Over two years, I trained and supported medical and dental students by organising educational workshops, establishing peer-learning groups, and leading oral health awareness campaigns that reached schools and underserved communities. These roles strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my commitment to improving access to quality healthcare through education.

I later worked as a Senior House Maxillofacial Officer at Al-Karkh General Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, where I gained hands-on experience managing complex maxillofacial and trauma cases in a high-pressure clinical environment. This role further confirmed my passion for oral and maxillofacial surgery and highlighted the need for advanced surgical training and evidence-based practice.

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

I found out about the scholarship very late, with only two weeks left before the deadline. At first, it felt overwhelming and chaotic, but I was deeply determined. I kept telling myself, “Either this year, or this year.” Giving up was never an option. I immediately started researching everything I could. I read every article and guideline on the scholarship website, learned from previous scholars’ experiences, and tried to understand exactly what was expected. At the same time, I contacted several universities, explored different programmes, and attended interviews where required. Those two weeks were intense, but they taught me how focused and resilient I could be under pressure.

For language requirements, I took the IELTS exam. The university I chose had a higher score requirement, so I had to sit the exam twice. Preparing again while working on applications was exhausting, but it was worth it. Each attempt pushed me to improve, and I believe that persistence truly makes a difference.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it was honest, reflected motivation, purpose-driven, and deeply rooted in real experience.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would definitely start earlier, so I could have more time to think, plan, and prepare. Finding out about the scholarship just two weeks before the deadline was really intense and stressful, but it taught me a lot about determination and focus. If I could do it over, I would also take a step back to enjoy every part of the journey, celebrating the small wins along the way instead of rushing through it.

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

My advice to anyone applying for a similar scholarship is to treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could truly change your life. Give it your all, invest your time, energy, and determination into every part of the process. Believe in yourself, because nothing is impossible when you commit fully, and this could be the step that transforms your future.