Areej Almutairi is pursuing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh to improve the early identification of stroke during emergency calls. We spoke to her about why she chose Edinburgh, how she balances PhD life, and her advice for future students considering the journey.

When Areej Almutairi talks about her PhD at the University of Edinburgh, her enthusiasm is impossible to miss. Originally from Saudi Arabia, she came to Scotland on a scholarship with a clear goal: to make a difference in how stroke is identified during emergency calls.

“From my background as a paramedic, I’ve seen how in emergency care, you can intervene and find a lot of solutions to improve the patient’s care,” she says. “But I think what is lacking currently in the literature is the identification form of that. So the first step when we are recognising what is going on with the patient.

“And one of the most complicated cases is stroke. Because technically you cannot identify stroke unless you are in the hospital with a bunch of machines and a bunch of tests going on. So I thought, well, let’s think about it. Let’s see how we can use the data, how we can ask the staff there so we can perhaps form a strategy plan so we can improve and help patients’ care.”

Her research is carried out in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, bringing together data, expertise and frontline experience to tackle a challenge that has global implications.

Finding the right place

For Areej, choosing Edinburgh was about much more than academic prestige – though that played a part too.

“I love Edinburgh. I mean, who doesn’t love Edinburgh? I think it’s the most beautiful place I have ever visited in my life,” she says. “But more than that, the University has a very prestigious reputation, and also my supervisory team is well known in the research area.

“My supervisory team is really amazing. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be a student with them.”

She also appreciated the structure of a three-year PhD, which meant she could complete her degree and move forward with her career without the long timelines she had seen elsewhere.

Life as a PhD student

Settling into PhD life has meant creating her own routine – one that balances hard work with self-care. Her mornings often start early with prayers and a workout session, followed by a focused day of study either at home or at the Usher Institute, where she has a desk and community of peers.

“I try to work six or seven hours a day so I can finish my tasks without feeling overwhelmed,” she says.

“After finishming my work, I like to socialise with friends or spend time on video calls with my family back home. And the last hour of my day is always for myself – no phone, no screens, just reflection.”

That space to pause and recharge, she says, is what helps her stay grounded amid the pressures of doctoral study.

Areej is carrying out her research in collaboration with the Scottish Ambulance Service. Photograph: Andrew Perry

Facing challenges, finding purpose

Like every PhD student, Areej has faced challenges along the way. But she sees them as part of the journey.

“I enjoy leading my project and taking responsibility for it. Whenever I face an obstacle, I treat it as a challenge – how can I solve this, what can I learn? And then you get a big sense of achievement from solving it.”

Her experience in Scotland has also given her new insights into international healthcare. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 focusing on improving healthcare systems among other issues, and she hopes to bring what she has learned in Scotland with her when she returns to Saudi Arabia.

“After doing this this project in Edinburgh, then I can carry it out in Saudi Arabia and maybe we can achieve similar results. So I think this is the most fun part about it, and this is the thing that’s kept me going with my PhD, no matter the difficulties I faced.”

Advice for future PhD students

Looking back, Areej describes her journey so far with honesty and encouragement.

“Doing PhD is a big achievement in your life,” she says. “Coming here from a completely different background, living alone, fully dependent on myself – it wasn’t easy, honestly. But I’m so proud that I’m respecting my own goals, respecting my own emotions and getting to have this experience.”

And what would she tell future PhD students like her?

“You’re going to face a lot of days when you’re confused. A lot of days when you’re very happy for your progress. A lot of days when you’re frustrated. Just don’t take anything for granted. Just experience the journey.”

Start your own journey

Looking to follow in Areej’s footsteps and start your own PhD journey? Take a look at our information pages for prospective PhD students:

PhDs at the University of Edinburgh

(Main photograph by Andrew Perry)