From student mentoring to international research stage

Ffion Samuels (Clinical Medicine, 2021) recently presented at the Royal College of Anaesthetists Anaesthesia Research 2025 conference after receiving one of the highest scoring abstracts for her research titled Total intravenous anaesthesia versus inhalational anaesthesia for gastric cancer surgery: a systematic review of intra-operative and post-operative outcomes.

Undertaken through the Academic Match Programme, her research connected Ffion with established researchers and provided early exposure to academic medicine. The programme, which aims to break down barriers to research opportunities and mentorship, is open to all clinical medical students at the college with an interest in pursuing an academic career.

Reflecting on the experience, Ffion said, ‘Taking part in the Academic Match Programme at Green Templeton College has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my time as a student. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has opened up.

‘Thanks in no small part to the dedication and encouragement of (Teaching Associate) Dr Christopher Hillyar, I had the privilege of presenting at the conference. While I won’t pretend I wasn’t nervous stepping up to present on an international stage, the experience proved invaluable. I learnt a lot from the conversations I had and the feedback I received from established researchers.’

This achievement demonstrates the impact of investing time and expertise in students. Thanks to the generosity of our community, both through financial support and mentorship, students gain access to opportunities that will shape their future careers.