Blending Medicine With Technology
From Engineering to Medicine at 28
Preparing for My 2027 MBBS Scholarship Journey in China
By Tlokotsi Potloane
In 2026, at 28 years old, I made one of the most defining decisions of my life: preparing for the 2027 international MBBS intake at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China.
For many people, changing academic direction at 28 may appear risky. For me, it feels intentional.
This journey is not about abandoning engineering or technology. Instead, it is about combining everything I have learned in Artificial Intelligence, systems engineering, and innovation with a long-term mission in healthcare.
The deeper I researched global healthcare trends, the clearer one thing became:
The future of medicine will increasingly depend on technology — and Africa will need professionals capable of understanding both.
Journey Summary
- LGCSE Top 7 Student
- Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence Studies
- Data Analytics & Visualization
- Blockchain & FinTech Research
- Software Engineering
- Healthcare Technology Interest
- AI-Assisted Diagnostics Research
- Medical Informatics Interest
- Preparing for 2027 MBBS Intake
- Targeting Chinese Government Scholarships
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Applicant
My Academic Background
My academic journey began in 2017 when I completed my LGCSE examinations and achieved recognition as a Top 7 student in Lesotho.
That achievement became one of the first indicators that discipline and academic focus could open international opportunities.
From 2018 to 2021, I pursued a Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering, graduating with a 68% average across three academic years.
During that time, I developed skills in:
- Systems Engineering
- Software Development
- Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
- Blockchain Systems
- Technical Infrastructure
- Analytical Problem Solving
What started as a passion for technology slowly evolved into an interest in healthcare innovation.
I became increasingly fascinated by:
- AI-assisted diagnostics
- Telemedicine
- Medical Informatics
- Intelligent healthcare systems
- Healthcare digitization
That curiosity eventually grew into a serious decision to pursue medicine.
Why Medicine After Engineering?
People naturally ask:
“Why leave engineering for medicine?”
The truth is, I am not leaving engineering behind.
I believe medicine and technology are becoming inseparable.
Across Lesotho and many parts of Africa, healthcare systems continue facing:
- Shortages of medical professionals
- Rural healthcare inequality
- Limited specialist access
- Delayed diagnostics
- Weak digital health infrastructure
At the same time, healthcare globally is rapidly evolving through:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Smart diagnostics
- Digital health systems
- Medical robotics
- Data-driven healthcare
Rather than seeing engineering and medicine as separate worlds, I now see them as complementary tools capable of solving major healthcare challenges.
That realization is what pushed me toward pursuing an MBBS degree.
Why Shanghai Jiao Tong University?
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is globally recognized for excellence in:
- Research
- Engineering
- Innovation
- Medicine
- Artificial Intelligence
The university’s English-taught MBBS program runs for six years and attracts international students from across the world.
What makes the university especially attractive to me is its environment of scientific and technological innovation.
For someone interested in both healthcare and emerging technologies, it represents the type of ecosystem where those disciplines intersect meaningfully.
Scholarships I Am Targeting
- SJTU Scholarship
- Shanghai Government Scholarship
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Strong applicants may receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipends
- Accommodation subsidies
- Medical insurance support
Complete Application Preparation Checklist
- Valid Passport
- Professional Passport Photos
- LGCSE Certificate & Results
- Diploma Certificate
- Official Academic Transcripts
- English Proficiency Documentation
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Professional CV / Resume
- Recommendation Letters
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Birth Certificate
What I Must Do During 2026
- Improve English proficiency
- Prepare for scholarship interviews
- Build healthcare-related exposure
- Strengthen my personal statement
- Organize a professional application portfolio
- Apply early once applications open
The Emotional Side of This Journey
Preparing for an international MBBS scholarship at 28 comes with:
- Uncertainty
- Financial pressure
- Fear of failure
- Global competition
- Self-doubt
But it also brings clarity.
At this stage of life, I no longer view education simply as obtaining qualifications. I view it as positioning myself for meaningful long-term impact.
Final Reflection
This experience has taught me that career paths do not always move in straight lines.
Engineering taught me systems thinking. Technology introduced me to innovation. Medicine is now shaping my mission.
And while the journey ahead remains uncertain, one thing has become very clear to me:
Africa’s future healthcare systems will need professionals who understand both medicine and technology — and I hope to become one of them.
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