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For Dr Jonathan Graham, one diploma with RCPI/iheed quickly turned into many. What started as a way to build confidence early in his medical career grew into a journey of ongoing growth and discovery. From Geriatric Medicine to Dermatology, Paediatrics, Women’s Health, and more, each course added something valuable to his practice.
In this interview, Dr Jonathan shares how the flexibility, real-world relevance, and supportive learning environment of RCPI/iheed programmes helped him become a more confident, capable doctor — and why he kept coming back for more.
Can you tell us a bit about where you are in your medical career and what motivated you to pursue further training?
I’m a young doctor, still in the early stages of my career, and like many others starting out, I’ve been trying to build confidence, clinical structure, and real-world knowledge in areas that matter most in practice. Over the past few years, I’ve completed postgraduate diplomas with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI)/iheed in Geriatric Medicine, Dermatology, Paediatrics, and Women’s Health/Gynaecology. I’m currently midway through the Infectious Diseases diploma and have recently started Occupational Medicine as well.
How have these diploma courses impacted your development as a clinician?
The opportunity to complete these courses has been a huge help to me. They’ve allowed me to gain clarity and confidence in areas I wanted to strengthen, and I’m genuinely grateful for the path they’ve offered, especially at a time when finding the right direction in medicine meant a lot.
When I enrolled in my first diploma, I wasn’t expecting to go any further than that. But the experience surprised me — in a good way. The material was relevant, practical, and focused on real-life clinical problems. It didn’t feel like academic theory for its own sake. It felt useful — the kind of teaching you could actually bring into work the next day.
What has stood out to you across the various diplomas you’ve taken?
Each programme since then has added something meaningful to how I think and how I would like to practise. Whether it was reviewing material I hadn’t looked at in a while, or learning something new altogether, each course helped me feel more grounded and capable. I wasn’t doing these diplomas for the sake of it — I was doing them because I genuinely wanted to become a better clinician.
How has the structure of the courses supported your learning?
One of the things I appreciated most was the flexibility. I could log in when it suited — whether that was early in the morning, late in the evening, or even while sitting in a café. If I missed a session, I could rewatch it. If I preferred to read through a module, that was available too. It never felt like pressure — it felt like support. And when you’re busy, that kind of structure makes all the difference.
Did the format of the courses affect how engaged you felt?
It made the learning more personal. You’re not being told what to do or when to do it — you choose how you learn. That made me want to engage more. It felt like I had control over my own development, and that meant a lot.
How would you describe the quality of the content and teaching?
The quality of the content has been excellent — practical, clear, and relevant to daily medicine. It’s not just theoretical information, but real scenarios, explained in a way that helps you apply what you’ve learned.
The tutors have also been brilliant. They’re not just knowledgeable — they’re good at teaching. Approachable, clear, and relatable. I’ve done plenty of courses before where the material was good, but the teaching style made it difficult to follow. That wasn’t the case here — the way these modules were delivered made the content easy to absorb and remember.
What’s your experience been like with the support team at RCPI/iheed?
The support from the RCPI/iheed team has been exceptional. There was a time I missed an assignment deadline due to clinical demands, and they were kind and understanding. No judgment — just helpful, human support. That really stood out.
Have you noticed changes in how you practise medicine as a result of these courses?
These diplomas have made a genuine difference. I’ve noticed it in how I structure my thinking, how I approach uncertainty, and how I manage complexity in clinical practice. I feel more grounded in my decision-making and more secure in areas where I used to feel unsure.
Beyond the clinical benefits, have the courses influenced how you feel about your career in medicine?
These courses helped me get back to what I enjoy about medicine. Learning not just to pass exams or tick boxes, but because it makes you better at helping people. Patients don’t ask about your CV. They just want someone who will listen, who’s kind, and who knows what they’re doing. These diplomas helped me move closer to that.
Would you recommend these diploma programmes to other doctors?
I would recommend them to any doctor, especially if you want to build confidence in a specific area or if you just want to feel more in control of your development. Everyone in these courses is working, balancing things, and trying to improve. It’s a very supportive and realistic environment.
Looking back, what’s meant the most to you personally throughout this journey?
What’s meant the most is that sense of direction and structure. I’ve done these diplomas not to collect qualifications, but to genuinely improve. That’s changed how I learn and how I think.
I’ve become more confident, more calm in clinical settings, and more able to bring clear reasoning to what I do. These courses came at the right time for me, and they’ve helped me stay focused on becoming the kind of doctor I want to be.
Closing Note from Dr Jonathan
I’m genuinely thankful to the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and iheed, both for the quality of the training and for the opportunity to share this experience. Being asked to contribute to this interview has meant a lot. It came at a time in my career when I was working hard to build, to reflect, and to move forward. These programmes have helped me do that. I’m proud to be part of the RCPI/iheed learning community, and I really do appreciate everything they’ve given me.
Clodagh Conway, Director of Academic Affairs at iheed, shared her congratulations:
"How wonderful to see one of our students return again and again to learn and grow with us. What better testament to iheed's mission? Congratulations to Dr Jonathan on his amazing journey with RCPI and iheed. I'm delighted to hear him mention the flexibility and support we work so hard to provide our students on their learning journey. With so many RCPI awards achieved, Dr Jonathan represents the dedication and commitment of all our students, as well as their ambition to improve healthcare outcomes across the globe."
Ready to take your medical career to the next level? Join Dr Jonathan on his educational journey and start your own path to professional growth today. Explore our range of RCPI online diplomas and find the perfect programme to enhance your skills, boost your confidence, and make a real impact in your practice.
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