On Saturday the 19 October IGHI Health Policy and Digital Health Leadership students and staff enjoyed a day out in Hyde Park and South Kensington, for the IGHI Education Wellbeing Walk.
A group of 18 staff, students, families and partners were treated to a fantastic walk and historical narrative by Teaching Fellow and SWIPE co-founder Joe Kerr. Joe was a fantastic narrator, engaging the group on the history of Imperial and other great institutions dedicated to art and science, that together established Abertopolis over 170 years ago. It was a fascinating, light-hearted time, including a 90 min talk in the park, and concluding with lunch at the nearby Queen’s Arms pub.
We asked Suchita Joshi, current MSc Health Policy student, to share her thoughts about the event:
What did you think of the IGHI Education Wellbeing Walk?
I attended with my partner, who is not a student, and we both found the event fantastic. Joe was incredibly engaging, and his ability to convey complex historical narratives—while openly addressing the colonial and imperial legacies—was truly refreshing. History often glosses over uncomfortable truths, but Joe didn’t shy away from highlighting where problematic core beliefs underpin some of London’s monuments and developments. It was eye-opening to examine parts of London and the campus, noticing architectural details we would have otherwise overlooked. I had no idea how influential the Great Exhibition was in shaping London’s role as a hub for science and culture.
Do you think attending these kinds of events has an impact on your experience of being a student and your learning?
Absolutely. I love learning, and I find it incredibly enriching and energising to hear people speak passionately about their subjects. It helps to contextualise what we study within the broader academic landscape. Sometimes, I don’t feel as much like a student as I’d expect, as my work can often be all-consuming. However, stepping away from work to attend an event like this on a Saturday helped me regain perspective — something I always find beneficial for restoring balance. I would like to say that Joe made it very comfortable to explore our own thoughts on what he was sharing – again, it was nice to use a different part of my brain, to be more curious and questioning.
Would you recommend this event or wellbeing walks like this to your peers?
Yes, I would recommend this event to my peers… One key takeaway for me was the importance of being bold in pursuing innovation, particularly in healthcare. Although Joe didn’t mention it directly, the talk also reminded me of how incredibly privileged I am to be part of Imperial and its rich, living history. Also, I really want to learn more. With more time, I would loved to hear more about the thinking behind the architecture and how it links to the political positioning of the time.
Read more about Student Wellbeing in IGHI Post-Graduate Education
Find out more about Digital Health Leadership Programme and the Health Policy Programme