LLM in Medical Law

Chris Moller, UK

LLM in Medical Law 2008-2009

"My background is in criminal, mental health and human rights law. As a barrister I represent people detained in psychiatric institutions at Mental Health Tribunals. Issues of consent and autonomy are fundamental.

The LLM in Medical Law provides an opportunity to consider medical ethics in a wider context. Studying at Queen Mary, University of London is an inspiration. Seminars are well-structured, interactive and always fascinating. Written materials are excellent. All the lecturers are first rate.

Professional and cultural diversity contribute to the freshness of discussions with other students.

Currently my time is split between representing clients at hearings and reading for my degree. Juggling various deadlines is usually not a problem as the timetable is fixed early. t has been good to use knowledge gained on the LLM in my paid work.

After completing the LLM in Medical Law my intention is to develop a practice in medical and regulatory law. Everything I’m learning will be of use in my future career: facts, ideas and research skills. QMUL is an exciting place to study with great facilities and people."

Diana Carolina Rivera Drago, Colombia

LLM Medical Law 2009-2010

"I graduated from the Law School of the Externado University of Colombia in Bogota in 2006. Between 2006 and 2007 I worked as a lawyer in Colombia in both the private and public sector.

In 2008 I came to London to work and improve my English and in 2009 I received an Externado University’s scholarship to study an LLM at Queen Mary, University of London. I am doing my LLM in Medical Law.

One of the classes I am attending is ‘Consent in Contemporary Medicine’ taught at Queen Mary. It is an absolutely interesting and innovative course with excellent material and great interactive lectures and debate. During the course we have seen very controversial subjects (as the right to decide about our own body, the right of autonomous decision making in reproduction, etc.), which are fundamental aspects in every individual’s life.

It is important to mention that all the other lectures are fascinating, the professors are very supportive and stimulating and that it is fantastic to have doctors, nurses and even philosophers as classmates. I am having a wonderful academic experience which I absolutely recommend.”

Juliet Opoka Angwech, Uganda

LLM Medical Law, 2009-10

"I hold a bachelors degree from Makerere University Kampala and a post graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre Kampala. I have worked as a humanitarian lawyer with the Norwegian Refugee Council and in private practice as well. I joined Queen Mary after being given a scholarship by the Department of law. I have enjoyed my stay at Queen Mary, loved the class interactions, the discussions during the seminars were great, my lecturers could be easily reached and the students are warm and very friendly. I particularly enjoyed the huge range of International backgrounds that characterise Queen Mary’s student body that exposes one to various learning experiences from the different backgrounds.”

Linda Strazdina, Latvia

LLM in Medical Law 2008-2009

"I completed my legal education (LLM and LLB) in 2008 in Latvia. However, before I started my professional career I decided to study something different.

During my basic law studies my interest in medical law was growing as I have written a couple of course papers relating to patient’s rights. While working in a non-governmental organisation – the Latvian Patients’ Rights Office - as a volunteer lawyer-consultant, I realized that my knowledge in this field of law was just basic. Health law is new field of law and covers a lot of interesting and still unresolved issues. Therefore, I decided to broaden my knowledge in medical law in the UK.

As I was awarded the LLM scholarship, this gave me a wonderful opportunity to specifically study medical law.

I do not regret any hour spending time in the School of Law and going in depth into different aspects of consent, medical aspects of intellectual property and medical negligence. Being in London and in this University, I expanded my vision of law and it gave me a possibility to look to medico-legal issues from different angles. I was impressed by Professor Rachael Mulheron in Advanced Medical Negligence. She is so brilliant and a guru in her field; that inspires me to conduct further research into medical negligence. The University offers an excellent environment and library resources for its Master students. In addition, all the academics are professional in their field. That ensures a first class education. Therefore, I would recommend the School of Law to everybody who wants to continue their studies in law."

Spyros Karanikolas, Greece

LLM Medical Law 2008-2009

"I graduated from the Law School of the National and Capodistrian University of Athens in Greece in 2005. Since 2006 I am registered in the Greek Bar of Athens as a barrister. In 2007 I was awarded the School of Law’s scholarship at Queen Mary University and began a PhD.

During the LLM in London I attended the class of advanced medical negligence taught at Queen Mary. It was a highly interesting and motivating course with excellent organization and great lectures. During the course I was taught very tempting subjects (as the right to inform the patient of medical risks, failure to diagnose etc), which indeed deal with the every day life of individuals. It is notable that the structure of the course was based not only on lectures, but on our participation which made it more fascinating as well as stimulating. I would strongly recommend the course to whoever is interested in the field of Medical Law. "