Learning Grant supports student success at international medical conference

Patrick Oliver (Clinical Medicine, 2022) recently presented at the Annual Congress for the Association of Anaesthetists and won a prize in the category of Original Research. Patrick’s travel, accommodation and conference registration were sponsored by the Green Templeton Learning Grant – a fund created through the generosity of the college’s supporters, which helps students access academic and professional opportunities.

Patrick’s presentation summarised a systematic review comparing the effects of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) versus inhalational anaesthesia (IA) on bladder cancer surgery outcomes. His research assessed intra-operative factors such as blood pressure and heart rate, post-operative outcomes ranging from nausea and vomiting to metastases and mortality, and markers of cancer pathophysiology.

During the presentation Patrick explained how TIVA reduces intra-operative physiological disturbances during bladder cancer surgery and shared early evidence suggesting that TIVA may also reduce drivers of cancer pathogenesis. More generally, his work contributes to the collective understanding of how anaesthetic choices can influence cancer surgery outcomes.

Patrick reflected, ‘I am incredibly grateful to the supporters of Green Templeton who made my attendance at this conference possible. It enabled me to present work I am passionate about, develop skills in articulating research to a large audience, and learn practical techniques through workshops. Without the generous financial support through the college, none of his would have been possible’.

Patrick has also recently presented other research at the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM), working with Rob Conway, until recently a Doll Fellow at college.

The college would like to thank all those supporters whose generosity makes opportunities like this possible. Every year, Learning Grants enable Green Templeton students to present research, attend international conferences, and enhance their studies.

If you would like to support the Green Templeton Learning Grant and help more students like Patrick access these experiences, please find out more or make a gift online.

If you’re a student receiving similar funding and would like your story to be featured, please get in touch with Annabel Lockie.