Academic Clinical Fellow Testimonials

James Masters, former Warwick ACF, Trauma and Orthopaedics

I was an orthopaedic trainee with an interest in surgical site infection (SSI). Initially I had looked at what could be learnt from the use of novel genomic techniques in the pathogenesis of SSI. Latterly I looked to set up a trial comparing the effect of incisional negative pressure wound therapy on rates of infection in the hip fracture cohort.

Ben Perry, former Warwick ACF, Psychiatry

My research interests lie primarily in the constantly blurring boundary between physical health conditions and psychiatry. This has led to me completing work on the link between diabetes and schizophrenia with regards to inflammation and neuroinflammation; diabetes, depression and ethnicity - again via inflammation and neuroinflammation, and some work on biomarkers in bipolar affective disorder. I also have an interest in the impacts of the Mental Health Act, and have been involved two studies - one quantitative and one qualitative on this topic so far.

CURRENT ACFs

Maria Lange, ACF, Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus

I am an ACF in Endocrinology & Diabetes. My interest for this specialty was sparked at Glasgow University where inspiring endocrinologists opened my eyes to the world of research and my wish to pursue this further has led me to Warwick University (Health Research MSc).

I am fascinated by the complexity of obesity and endeavour to acquire a holistic understanding of its many facets. I am involved in several projects allowing me to expand my skills in both clinical and basic science research. The multi-disciplinary projects range from understanding the impact of mindfulness training on sustained weight loss to analysing AMY1 gene copy number variance and its relationship with glucose metabolism.

Becky MacGregor, ACF, General Practice

I am an Academic Clinical Fellow in the unit of Primary Care and my research focuses on improving women’s health in the community.

My interest in research started during time I spent abroad in my undergraduate career. I worked with an Australian Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care and learnt from him how important research is in establishing best practice, and that research has the potential to improve not only the health of individuals, but also the health of whole populations.

Henry Searle, ACF, Trauma and Orthopaedics

I am an Academic Clinical Fellow in Trauma & Orthopaedics. My research interest was sparked following an intercalated degree in Sports Science Medicine, whereby I undertook a dissertation in meniscal allograft transplantation. This ultimately led me to pursue a career in research and I subsequently applied to the Academic Foundation Programme in Oxford, before joining Warwick University as an ACF.

My research interests are primarily in joint preservation surgery for knees and treatment strategies for early knee osteoarthritis. I am also passionate about sport and I am also interested in the management of sports and soft tissue injuries.

Hannah Nazri, ACF, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

I am an Academic Clinical Fellow in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Warwick. I became interested in endometriosis research in 2015 when I first did my MSc in Clinical Embryology at the University of Oxford. I completed my DPhil thesis on small extracellular vesicles and endometriosis from the University of Oxford early this year. I look forward to working with Associate Professor Erin Greaves on monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in addition to my interest in small extracellular vesicles in endometriosis.

Sophie Candfield, ACF, Public Health

I’m an ACF in Public Health. Previously, as a GUM trainee I developed a good clinical understanding of viral hepatitis, a strong appreciation of inequalities and their role in health and healthcare access. I was initially a fellow working at PHE (as it then was) Health and Justice, where my research explored hepatitis C testing and care within prisons.

Now, I’m working on a scoping review on what can be done to improve healthcare continuity for people leaving prison. Prisons research is a really important area – people in prison are some of the most disadvantaged and unwell in our society. Our goal from a healthcare perspective needs to be achieving mental and physical healthcare parity within prisons, and keeping those gains on release from prison. This will benefit not only those individuals but also society at large – a fact shown very clearly when hepatitis C elimination within prisons is considered – and will save lives.

Susanna Kallioinen, ACF, Clinical Radiology

I am an Academic Clinical Fellow in Clinical Radiology. My research interest is in cancer with current focus on pancreatic cancer. I completed a PhD in molecular biology of cancer and worked in cancer clinical trials prior to commencing a career in medicine. After the Academic Foundation Programme at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust I entered clinical radiology and commenced the ACF. My current research focuses on using machine learning to see whether we can detect pancreatic cancer early on CT images.