Student perspective
Read more student quotes
NDS not only offers a friendly working atmosphere, but also the enthusiasm to drive projects through to completion, to make a clinical difference. - Katie
Katherine Hurst, DPhil in Surgical Sciences
Currently in her final year of her DPhil at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) and a member of Wolfson College, Katie is working towards the crucial understanding of biomarkers within the plaques of peripheral vascular disease. She has been awarded the highly competitive and newly launched Oxford-Wolfson-Marriott-Patel Graduate Scholarship.
"Having worked within the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences as an Academic Foundation doctor, Clinical Fellow and DPhil student, I have developed fantastic working relationships with my seniors and they have willingly supported my academic progress. Under the mentorship of Professor Ashok Handa, and the support of Professor Freddie Hamdy, I have learnt key skills in pursuing an academic surgical career and more importantly how to balance both clinical and academic medicine.
NDS not only offers a friendly working atmosphere, but also the enthusiasm to drive projects through to completion, to make a clinical difference. Studying in Oxford, supported by the UK’s number one research facility is not only a fantastic opportunity, but also an honour as a junior doctor embarking on an academic career.
Within the Department of Vascular Surgery, I am mentored by a clinical lecturer and academic professors, all of whom provide excellent support and teaching. I have access to the Surgical Intervention Trials Unit (SITU) for assistance in clinical studies and trial support, and attend regular teaching provided by the University on a variety of evidence based healthcare topics. Within a growing academic department I feel actively involved in pioneering research, and able to propose and complete new research ideas with guidance and support.
Teaching is also a significant part of NDS, with weekly Surgical Grand Rounds, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching opportunities and academic away days. All of these can be easily accessed.
As a NDS DPhil student, I am currently analyzing potential biomarkers in the development and progression of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAOD). This research has been funded by the Oxford-Wolfson-Marriott-Patel Graduate Scholarship in Surgical Sciences, for which I was awarded in 2017.
Although it is difficult to say exactly what my future holds, I primarily plan to pursue a clinical lectureship during the next stages of my surgical training."