Student Spotlights pass the mic to our student doctors, to hear their take on their School experience and shine the light on a particular role, team or pathway through the School of Medicine.
INSPIRE is an Academy of Medical Science programme designed to engage student doctors with undergraduate research and networking opportunities - through research focused events and activities, funding for societies and finanical support for conferences, research projects and activities around intercalation and academic training.
In the summer of 2021 Year 5 student doctor Steven Toh was awarded a prestigious INSPIRE Summer Studentship to support his vacation research. As INSPIRE is relaunched (link) for the 2021-22 academic year, we caught up with Steven to find out more about his experience on the programme.
What made you choose Liverpool to study Medicine?
I am currently in my fifth and final year of study. I chose Liverpool to study Medicine as it has unrivalled access to a range of tertiary specialist hospitals and expert clinicians from which I could gain clinical exposure from during placement.
In addition, the School of Medicine trains us not only to be competent doctors but also to genuinely care for our patients and engage in research to keep up with the rapidly changing world of healthcare.
Why were you interested in taking part in the INSPIRE programme?
I was interested in taking part in the INSPIRE programme to build on my research abilities and further my involvement in academia. Being awarded a summer studentship would provide me with the financial support to direct my undivided attention towards conducting research in a topic of interest during the summertime. I would also be able to work alongside Mr. Matthew Fok, who has been an inspirational mentor to me, on research that could guide national policy changes and improve the existing NHS system.
How was your experience during the programme?
I had an enjoyable experience working on my project titled “a network meta-analysis of neoadjuvant short course versus long course chemo-radiotherapy in rectal cancer” during the summer of 2021. I worked under the supervision of Mr. Matthew Fok, a senior surgical registrar within the Mersey Deanery, who has been very supportive towards my personal development. Under his tutelage, I learnt how to conduct a rigorous systematic review and network meta-analysis with the aim of improving patient safety and treatment.
How has the Summer Research Studentship helped support your studies and future plans?
The Summer Research Studentship has given me the opportunity to explore my research interests and deepen my involvement in academia.
This experience has been invaluable in my development towards being an academic clinician and demonstrates my commitment towards conducting research in my current academic foundation training application.
I look forward to publishing this paper within the 21/22 academic year, present the team’s findings at major national/international conferences, and contribute to the current evidence base guiding clinical decisions in the treatment of rectal cancer.
Do you want to step into the spotlight?
If you would like to feature in the spotlight series, or nominate someone to share their story, drop us a line at mednews@liverpool.ac.uk.
Discover more
- Student doctors looking to take part in the programme can find more information on the INSPIRE pages of the School's student intranet.
- Find out how you can become an INSPIRE Student Research Advocate for 2021-22 to promote and organised student-led research.
- Are you a keen researcher? How about joining the Liverpool Research Society or UoL Student Surgical Research Society?
- Follow the School of Medicine on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for the latest student stories.