Student profile: Dorina

MA Public Policy and Management

Dorina Tocaj
Doctor and Health Promotion Specialist, USAID funded project, Albanian Ministry of Health

Why return to study?

I have completed university studies in Albania as a medical doctor in 2001. I have been working since then in the primary health care level and in the NGO sector active in improving the quality of primary health care services. Even though my background is medicine, I felt that I needed more information and deeper knowledge on management and public policy in order to work in this area. That is why I decided to return to study again and that is why I have chosen Masters in Public Policy and Management.

Why the University of York?

Because based on my research it is one of the best in this particular field.

How have you found the programme?

I think that I did the right choice to conduct my studies at the University of York. All the professors / tutors I have had the chance to interact have shown a high professionalism and have been great facilitators for students. Because of their academic and human support I could manage to do a full time job and studies in parallel. I think as well that the resource materials provided to the students were very informative.

Support for students

I have been supported greatly by the tutors and the central team. I couldn’t make it if I didn’t have the support and the kind understanding from the York team. I appreciate mostly the human aspect of it. I felt I was part of the York family because everybody was so supportive and encouraging even in difficult moments I have had during my studies.

Interaction with other students

This has been one of the best learning experiences I have had, even because of the fact I could learn so much from the other students coming from different countries and different backgrounds.

Funding

I have self-funded my study. I am working full time in a USAID funded program in Albania and so I could fund studies myself.

Finding time to study

It has been a challenging task to combine work and life with studies, but I have been very much supported from my colleagues and family members.

The future...

I believe the programme has made a big difference: I think my judgement, and the way how I see and analyse issues in the health sector has changed and I believe for better. I feel that now and in the future I can give a better contribution in improving the quality of health services provided in every level. I think I can contribute as well in the process of identifying issues, developing policies and field strategies as well as in measuring their impact.

Advice to someone considering applying...

It has been a wonderful experience for me; I have gained precious knowledge which is impacting positively my work and my life in general. There is seriousness, professionalism, well understanding and a strong encouragement for students from the York central team.

Public Policy and Management

Our PPM programme addresses how public policy is a made, implemented and evaluated, and the key issues of managing public services. Its focus is especially on how policy processes and the delivery of services are linked.