Rebecca Marcussen-Lewis
Current Employer/Organisation Name
SOS Méditerranée
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter I have deployed multiple times in the humanitarian sector, in areas of active and recent conflict and along migratory pathways. Initially I deployed in my clinical role as a midwife before progressing into the role of medical team leader, managing multidisciplinary teams and medical activities in humanitarian projects. Additionally, I have been teaching fundamentals of humanitarian medicine, basics of obstetric care to pre hospital teams and casualty care to those wanting to go into maritime search and rescue.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I originally became a midwife to work in the humanitarian sector, as maternal mortality is highest in low and lower middle income countries. I enjoy being able to make a difference in people’s lives and to use the privileges I have been born with to advocate for change and positively influence outcomes.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Meeting other students interested in similar topics and networking within my chosen field.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Due to the program being offered.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The networking abilities afforded by residential courses and feeling more comfortable in unusual environments from the residential courses.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Don’t put yourself in a box. I was the first midwife to undertake this masters and nearly stopped myself so many times. Other people will try to put you in a box or pigeonhole you into certain pathways and expectations. Don’t let them- continue to chase after what you want to achieve and break free of all the expectations both you and others put on you. List the experience not the job title, sell yourself not the roles you’ve been in.
What are your plans for the future?
To continue working in the humanitarian field, potentially more in coordination than active deployments.
