As a doctor, Lorena Cornejo Gonzalez began her online course in Clinical Nutrition to understand more about how lifestyle medicine can support those with chronic diseases.
But during her studies, she became the patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2023.
Family, faith and the support of the University helped to get her through the dark times and despite extensive treatment including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, Lorena was able to continue studying and will collect her Masters in Clinical Nutrition on Monday.
As an online student she was able to complete the course remotely from her home in Chile.
Lorena said: “Everything in my life and studies was going well until February 2023. I was in the middle of the Clinical Nutrition for Disease Prevention course and Applied Statistics course when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a mother of two little children, my life fell apart.
“But God gave me strength for continuing my studies and I was able to finish both courses with A grades in the middle of the chemotherapy treatment. In September 2023 I enrolled on the evidence-based health course, which started one week after my surgery, and I completed it along with my radiotherapy treatment. I did my research project during my recovery.”
Lorena is now getting back to clinical practice with a focus on nutritional assessment and nutritional diseases. She credits embarking on her Masters programme with helping her to overcome the challenges she faced.
“I had felt stuck in my professional life. Studying again helped me to realise that I am still able to study and improve,” she added.
“Even though I am a cancer survivor, I still have dreams. I would like some day to complete a PhD programme in a nutrition-related field.
“I’d advise anyone who feels the same to make the most of what the University offers, especially the high-quality teaching staff, asking questions and resolving doubts with the help of experienced professionals.”