Green Templeton hosts student-run cardiology conference
Mahrin Ahmed (Clinical Medicine, 2027) reports
On 18 May 2025, the Oxford Cardiology Society hosted the inaugural cardiology conference at Green Templeton College. The day was a huge success, most notably ending with Professor Robin Choudhury showing attendees the physical thesis from the 1960s of Professor Denis Noble, a pioneer in cardiovascular research. The aim of the conference was to give people an insight into a career in cardiology, and get advice from some of the leaders in the field.
The conference opened with a talk by Dr James Bradley-Watson, a Doll Fellow at Green Templeton College. He provided an engaging overview of subspecialties within cardiology, including intervention, electrophysiology, imaging, heart failure, and Adult Congenital Heart Disease. This was followed by a presentation from Dr Tracey Keteepe-Arachi, a consultant cardiologist based in Oxford. She offered insight into portfolio careers within cardiology, drawing from her own interests in inherited cardiac conditions, sports cardiology, and cardiovascular disease in women. Dr Keteepe-Arachi shared inspiring advice on navigating a successful career in cardiology as a woman, a group historically underrepresented in the specialty compared to other medical fields.
After the talks, attendees enjoyed lunch, providing an opportunity to network and engage with speakers and peers. Midway through lunch, students presented their research posters in a poster competition judged by the speakers. Congratulations to the winner, Eliška Freibergerová (Clinical Medicine, 2025), who presented an excellent poster entitled “Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Is It Closing Time?”
The afternoon began with a presentation by Dr Sunthar Kanaganayagam, Consultant Cardiologist at Imperial College London. He provided an insightful overview of a career in cardiac imaging, complemented by stunning images of the heart and valuable advice on building a strong specialty application for medical students and young professionals. Next, Dr Dan Foran, a DPhil student and BRC Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, discussed a career in academic cardiology and the integration between clinical and academic practice. His passion for the field was contagious!
After a coffee break, the conference concluded with a thought-provoking talk by Professor Robin Choudhury, consultant interventional cardiologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He reflected on the heart as an organ, exploring the art and science of its representation across different cultures and eras.
Overall, the Oxford Cardiology Conference 2025 was a highly successful and inspiring event. Feedback from attendees highlighted the engaging speakers, interesting content, and excellent organisation. The Committee extends its sincere gratitude to the speakers and facilitators, and to donors to the Green Templeton Annual Fund for making this conference a resounding success.
