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LOCATION

John Radcliffe Hospital

Philomena Leahy

MSc (Res) student

After completing a BSc (Hons) in Human Biology at the University of Hull, I went on to study MSc by Research in Cardiovascular Sciences whilst at the University of Birmingham. This work focussed on the long-term fate of the neoaortic root following the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great vessels. 

I am currently an MSc by Research student within the Oxford University Global Surgery Group (OUGSG) headed by Professor Kokila Lakhoo. My research focuses on the provision of paediatric surgery in low-income and middle-income countries.

I believe surgical care represents an indispensable component of a resilient, functional health system. It is ethically unacceptable that billions of children in low-income and middle-income countries do not have access to this.

The work I am doing within the OUGSG will provide valuable information on the current standard of, and access to, children’s surgery across the globe, including areas of specific need, which can assist decisions on priorities as we advance. Research into this is essential to emphasise the importance of developing, implementing and sustaining partnerships in global children’s surgery to challenge the current injustice in the surgical standards available to children worldwide.