Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham and CCLG member, talks to us about her work
Q: Tell us a little about your career so far…
A: This August marked my seventh year out of the clinical training programme, having graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2009 and starting my paediatric training in the East Midlands in 2011. I’ve an interest in childhood cancer diagnosis, paediatric emergency medicine, public health and medical education
From 2015, I spent three years as the HeadSmart Fellow working on the award-winning HeadSmart (brain tumour) awareness campaign, which sparked my interest in the early diagnosis of other cancers. I’m currently an NIHR (National Institute for Health Research) Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, undertaking a PhD in childhood cancer diagnosis. I also dabble clinically in the Children’s Emergency Department and am completing a diploma in public health.
Q: Tell us about your work…
A: My PhD has three parts. The first is a national observational study called the Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study (or CCD Study for short). We’re collecting data on all new diagnoses of childhood cancer over a two-year period across the UK in order to understand referral routes and the time it takes for diagnosis. The second part is developing clinical guidelines and decision support tools for healthcare professionals for suspected bone and abdominal tumours, and the third part is understanding the public perception of childhood cancer through a series of focus groups.
Q: What inspired you into research?
A: Two incredibly important people. The first is Dr Damian Wood, a paediatrician with whom I did a special study module in my fifth year at medical school. He taught me that much can be learnt through pure observation and that completing the research cycle is important in order to make real change. And, of course, Professor David Walker, whose work has made such an impact on children with brain tumours, especially through translational research and awareness. He’s taught me to never give up, and that collaboration is the key to success.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: Working with children is such a privilege. They always put a smile on my face and that’s why I do what I do!
Q: What part of your work’s potential impact are you most excited about?
A: I’m really excited to see the results of the CCD Study and to finally have a national picture of how and where children and young people are diagnosed across the country. Data drives change, and so once we understand this, we can target areas that need to be improved through whatever means we need to. We know that the earliest possible diagnoses have the best outcomes, and so the impact of making national policy changes to ensure early diagnoses, is the most exciting for me.
Q: What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
A: The proudest moment so far was probably securing my current fellowship. Hearing that the NIHR panel agreed that this was a crucial piece of work to fund was a big step forward for childhood cancer research.
Q: Do you have a message for children with cancer and their families?
A: I’m so sorry that you’re having to go through this, but every single one of you inspire me daily with your positivity, courage and strength. I know that those involved with childhood cancer research will not stop trying to understand this illness, to ensure other children and young people will have better experiences going forward.
