One of the most valuable aspects of the MTI scheme is the immense clinical experience you gain. Every day is a chance to gain new experience and knowledge. As an MTI trainee there is ample opportunity to build links and networks with colleagues from different sectors, which could lead to future collaborations between countries for the betterment of all. On my return to Sri Lanka, I intend to share my experience as an MTI trainee to drive improvements in the field of microbiology.

Dr Chathuri Gunasekera Microbiologist, ​Sri Lanka

Virology is an emerging field in Pakistan and as a Virologist I aspired to enhance my professional skills in Clinical Virology. With the infection training arena having changed entirely in the UK over the last decade, entry into UK training for professionals with advanced careers in their home countries - like myself - would have been very difficult without the MTI scheme. Having returned from my time at STH, I identified core areas where Clinical Virology services could be improved in my home country. I am the third virologist residing in Pakistan to have attained the FRCPath in Virology through examination. This would not have been possible without working at STH through the MTI scheme.

Dr Sabeen Khurshid Zaidi Virologist, Pakistan

Since I returned to Sri Lanka, I have been awarded board certification by the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka and now have a permanent post in a Teaching Hospital in Southern Province of Sri Lanka. I enjoy my work, with the challenges facing me with the limited facilities we have here. Using the knowledge and experience gained in Manchester, I am trying to do my best to develop my local Microbiology diagnostic facilities.

Dr Shalika Palangasinghe Medical Microbiologist, Sri Lanka

Four years ago I made life changing decision. I left my established career to embark on another path. I wanted to become a clinical microbiologist, utilising up to date knowledge and practice to achieve a goal of transferring knowledge and practices to my hospital. It was a difficult adaptation which included training, many hours of studying. I embarked on this new journey by pursuing the FRCPath in Medical Microbiology.

Dr Reham Abdelmonem Medical Microbiologist, Egypt

Using my experiences from Manchester, I would like to develop new strategies for microbiology education in my home country and find ways to spread the importance of microbiology in clinical diagnostics. I am proud of the path I selected and I am enthused to study further. I am determined to continue with my education and would like to attempt the FRCPath examination.

Dr Estefania Ochoa Medical Microbiologist, Ecuador

Realising my passion for gynaecological pathology, the consultants at QEH went out of their way to maximise my exposure in this speciality. This experience has given me confidence in reporting the gynaecological cases that I now encounter in my day-to-day practise in Sri Lanka. I am also working towards computerised report generation and a more efficient specimen storage system based on my QEH experience.

Dr Gayani Ranaweera Gynaecological Pathologist, ​Sri Lanka