Your Name ELENI TZATZO
Programme of Study and Course Provider MASTERS IN HAEMATOLOGY- UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH
Dates covered by this Report OCT 2025-OCT 2026, THIS COURSE IS AIMED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 YEARS TILL 2027.
To help ensure the continued success of the ELF Fellowship Programme, we ask all recipients to complete an Evaluation Report at the end of their course, or on a yearly basis for courses which last longer than one year.
Your responses will be used to help us understand the impact of the Fellowship Programme, to inspire future Fellowship applicants and to update the charity’s supporters on the use of their donations. If you have been supported by a named donor, we will also share your Report with them, involving you where possible. Please bear this in mind when writing your answers, as the more detail you give, the more we can inspire others.
If you prefer your Report is not shared publicly, is anonymised or redacted in any way, please note this in the final section. We may still ask if we can use individual quotes from your report, but will only do so with your knowledge and agreement.
1. How did you make the decision to study this course with this particular provider? We are interested in knowing what helped you to make the decision to apply, and where and what to study?
My decision to continue studying my Master’s degree in Haematology was strongly influenced by my clinical role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Haematology, where I am regularly involved in the care of patients with complex haematological malignancies and disorders. As my role evolved, I recognised the increasing need for advanced scientific knowledge to support clinical decision-making, patient education, and multidisciplinary team working. This highlighted the importance of undertaking postgraduate study that would allow me to bridge advanced theory with specialist clinical practice.
The choice to study Haematology specifically was driven by my professional commitment to this specialty and my desire to deepen my understanding of disease pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment modalities, including transfusion science and laboratory–clinical integration. I wanted a course that was academically rigorous, research-informed, and directly relevant to specialist practice within the NHS.
Selecting this particular provider was influenced by its strong reputation in biomedical and clinical sciences, the relevance of the course content to contemporary haematology practice, and the flexibility of delivery, which allowed me to balance full-time clinical work alongside academic study. The structure of the programme supported critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and professional development, all of which align closely with my CNS role.
An important factor in enabling me to pursue this qualification was the support of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund, which has funded the last two years of the course. This financial support made it possible for me to undertake postgraduate study while remaining in clinical practice, and it reflects a shared commitment to improving specialist knowledge, patient care, and outcomes in haematology.
Overall, the decision to apply was shaped by a combination of clinical experience, professional ambition, the suitability and reputation of the course provider, and the invaluable funding support received, all of which have allowed me to develop both academically and clinically within my chosen specialty.
2. How important was it that financial support was available to you? Do you think you still would have undertaken the course if you had not received this Fellowship?
Financial support was extremely important in enabling me to undertake this course. As a full-time Clinical Nurse Specialist in Haematology, the financial commitment associated with postgraduate study—including tuition fees, study resources, and reduced flexibility for additional paid work—would have been difficult to manage without external support. The Fellowship significantly reduced the financial burden and allowed me to focus fully on both my academic studies and my clinical responsibilities.
The availability of this funding was not only a practical enabler but also a strong source of motivation and validation. Knowing that the Exeter Leukaemia Fund was investing in my professional development reinforced the value of the course and my commitment to applying the knowledge gained directly to patient care and service improvement within haematology.
Without this Fellowship, it is unlikely that I would have been able to undertake the course at this stage of my career. While I may have aspired to complete the Master’s degree in the future, financial constraints would almost certainly have delayed or prevented me from enrolling. The Fellowship therefore played a pivotal role in making postgraduate study achievable and in supporting my development as a specialist practitioner.
3. What was your overall impression of the course (or the course to date, if applicable)? What are some of the key learning points?
My overall impression of the course has been highly positive and academically rigorous, providing a strong integration of advanced scientific theory with its application to clinical haematology practice. The content has been challenging yet highly relevant, encouraging critical thinking, independent learning, and the application of evidence-based knowledge within a specialist clinical setting. The course has met my expectations in terms of depth, relevance, and intellectual challenge, while remaining directly applicable to my role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Haematology.
One of the most valuable aspects of the course has been the development of a deeper understanding of haematological disease mechanisms, including malignant and non-malignant disorders. This has enhanced my ability to interpret laboratory results, understand diagnostic pathways, and explain complex disease processes and treatments more clearly to patients and families. The emphasis on transfusion science, haemostasis, and diagnostic technologies has strengthened my clinical reasoning and confidence when contributing to multidisciplinary discussions.
My key learning points include the importance of:
Integrating laboratory science with clinical decision-making, particularly in diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of haematological conditions.
Critical appraisal of research and guidelines, supporting evidence-based practice and service improvement.
Understanding emerging diagnostic and monitoring techniques, such as advanced immunophenotyping and molecular approaches, and their impact on personalised patient care.
Reflective practice and professional development, recognising how advanced education directly improves patient communication, safety, and outcomes.
Overall, the course has significantly enhanced both my academic knowledge and clinical practice. It has strengthened my confidence as a specialist practitioner, improved my contribution to the multidisciplinary team, and reinforced the value of continued professional development in delivering high-quality, patient-centred haematology care.
4. What will the impact be on your career and/or on the experience of your patients?
The impact of this course on my career and on the experience of my patients has been, and will continue to be, significant. As a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Haematology, the advanced knowledge and critical skills gained through the Master’s programme have strengthened my clinical confidence and professional credibility, particularly within multidisciplinary team discussions and complex case management. This has enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully to clinical decision-making and service development.
From a patient perspective, the course has improved my ability to explain complex diagnoses, investigations, and treatment options in a clear and accurate way, supporting informed consent and reducing anxiety. A deeper understanding of disease pathophysiology, diagnostics, transfusion practice, and emerging therapies has enabled me to provide more personalised, evidence-based information and anticipatory guidance throughout the patient pathway.
The programme has also enhanced my skills in critical appraisal and research literacy, allowing me to evaluate guidelines, interpret new evidence, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives. This supports safer practice, improved patient outcomes, and the ongoing development of haematology services. Patients benefit from care that is informed by current evidence and delivered by a practitioner with specialist scientific insight.
In terms of career progression, the qualification supports my continued development as an advanced specialist practitioner and strengthens my role within haematology nursing. It opens opportunities for leadership in education, research, and service improvement, while reinforcing my commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Ultimately, the course enables me to translate advanced scientific knowledge directly into improved patient experience, safety, and outcomes within haematology services.
5. Please indicate if you prefer any of this report to be anonymised or not shared publicly.
I am happy for this to be shared.