As an undergraduate, Meera Shankar has maximised every opportunity for student research, notching up award wins, presentation opportunities and even a research fellowship in NYC in the process.
Most recently, she has had a research paper shortlisted for the ASiT Medal, a prestigious award that will be presented at the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) annual conference in Belfast this March, and has been accepted for a podium presentation at the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery congress in Barcelona in April.
Halfway through her final year as a student doctor, Meera reflects on the encouragement and mentorship that have made the difference to her experience here with us.
Looking back on my medical school journey, one of the biggest highlights for me has to be my elective at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States—the world’s largest cancer care centre.
Liverpool has been incredible in offering students the chance to explore opportunities like this during the Elective study period. The Elective team was so supportive, helping me organize everything and ensuring I could make the most of such an exciting opportunity.
On top of that, I’ve been lucky to connect with doctors in Liverpool who mentored me throughout my journey and encouraged me to pursue my goals.
I was able to get involved in some of the most cutting-edge cases and research in plastic surgery which was an eye-opening experience that challenged and inspired me, not just in terms of clinical skills but also in shaping how I think about innovation in medicine.
It gave me the confidence to pursue further opportunities, including being accepted for a clinical research fellowship in New York, where I have the opportunity to work with leading experts in reconstructive surgery, while also gaining valuable skills that will shape my future career. More recently I was invited for a podium presentation at the World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery - one of the world’s most prestigious plastic surgery conferences.
It is moments like this that make me so grateful for the opportunities and guidance Liverpool provides. The encouragement and mentorship I’ve received here have been invaluable, and they’ve made all the difference in helping me reach exciting milestones.
Hands-on experience at specialist hospitals
One of the things that has impressed me most about the program here at Liverpool is the hospitals we get to rotate through. We have access to renowned specialist hospitals, such as the Walton Centre, Alder Hey and Liverpool Women’s, as well as major trauma units at Aintree and the Royal.
The exposure at these hospitals has helped me become a more well-rounded medical student, and the hands-on teaching in these settings has boosted my confidence and practical skills.
Apart from that, I personally feel what has really benefitted me is the guidance provided by my Academic Advisor who took the time to understand my goals and worked with me to help me achieve them step-by-step.
I’ve been fortunate to be based at Whiston Hospital for my Year 5 acute block rotations, which happens to be Mersey's leading burns and plastic surgery centre. During my time here, I have been able to work closely with the plastics team and lead my own projects, focused on comparing surgical techniques in breast reconstruction.
It was a huge honour to learn that one of these projects has been shortlisted for the ASiT Medal, which is open to all trainees up to consultant level. Being shortlisted for this award is a fantastic opportunity to present my research at the ASiT annual conference, which not only allows me to showcase my work but also provides a platform to learn from experienced surgeons.
Creating your own opportunities
My advice for those interested in research would be to be as proactive as possible. One of the best things I did was to identify areas I was passionate about and then seek opportunities to explore those topics further. I reached out to consultants and mentors in those fields, and they were incredibly supportive and got me involved in research projects.
Don’t be afraid to pitch your own ideas. Research often requires a bit of persistence, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
Be open to learning new skills—whether it’s data collection, statistical analysis, or writing abstracts. The more diverse your skill set, the better prepared you’ll be for future research opportunities.
Liverpool – the perfect student city
What I love most about studying in Liverpool is the city itself. It really is the perfect student city striking a great balance between being lively and energetic without feeling chaotic or overwhelming. The city offers so much to explore, and there’s always something to do, whether it’s enjoying a drink at a new coffee shop or exploring the beautiful parks and waterfronts.
As an international student, my experience has been truly unique. Moving to a new country is always daunting at first, but Liverpool quickly felt like a second home. On top of that, the student community here is incredible, and I’ve made lifelong friends who’ve made my time in the city feel even more special.
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Reflecting back, I’d tell my first-year self not to worry too much, especially since I started during the pandemic. It was an uncertain time, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the start, but I’ve come to realize that it’s all part of the journey as every experience has taught me something valuable along the way.
I’d also tell myself to take time to reflect on what matters most to me as I start navigating adult life. It’s okay to take time to find people and hobbies that you truly connect with and focus on what brings joy and fulfilment which is just as important as academic success.
I am incredibly grateful to have made supportive friends who have encouraged and stood by me through every step of this journey. Finally, I would remind myself: if I ever have more than 3 days off in a row, pack a backpack and make the most of living in Europe!
Discover more
- Interested in studying Medicine at Liverpool? Take a look through our undergraduate programmes that include exposure to some of the UK’s most renowned specialist sites.
- Share similar passions to Meera? Why not check out Liverpool’s plastic surgery society LivPlast or Women in Surgery Society.
- Looking ahead to your Elective this summer or in future years? The Electives area of the student intranet has plenty of inspiration to support your plans.