Ayolola Eni-Olotu – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases elective at Alexander von Humboldt Tropical Medicine Institute (IMTAvH), based in the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH) in Lima, Peru

How did you feel about winning the RCPath and the Microbiology Society Medical Elective small grant scheme? 

I was so thrilled and relieved when I found out that I had been awarded the grant for my elective. I was really passionate about making my aspirations to do an infectious diseases elective in Peru a reality, and during my grant application I’d put together a budget, so I knew exactly how helpful the grant would be. Being awarded this grant really made the pursuit of my elective feasible, so I’m very appreciative of the Royal College of Pathologists and the Microbiology Society. In my application, I also detailed how this elective would be useful for my career aspirations of specialising in Infectious Diseases (ID), so being awarded this grant made me feel very supported in my career journey by both organisations. 

What made you decide to do an elective in infection? 

I’ve found infectious diseases fascinating throughout medical school and I have been working towards specialising in it for several years. Due to the nature of this specialty, the presentations you can see vary hugely across the world, so I knew there would be a real value in undertaking an ID placement abroad. While I had studied tropical diseases in university, and greatly enjoyed learning about them, I knew that seeing these conditions and their management in real life would consolidate my learning. Additionally, as I am interested in the overlap between infectious diseases and global health, I knew that seeing the treatment of infectious diseases in another country, with a higher burden of tropical diseases, would provide unique insights. 

What do you hope to do in the future?

I aspire to specialise in infectious diseases and microbiology, and I found this elective extremely encouraging in working towards this aspiration. Infectious diseases is so broad, in terms of the range of pathogens, the different clinical manifestations, and the various opportunities for intervention from global health strategies to antibiotic therapies. There was so much to learn from every case, and I found being involved in the team really exciting. While working towards this speciality, I also hope to obtain a Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, where I can learn more about tropical diseases and health policy. This elective was a useful opportunity to see the real-life implications of these topics, and I was able to pick up key learning points which will be helpful in my further education.

Read Ayolola's full report: 

Jasmine Makker – Leukaemia service at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, USA

 
How did you feel about winning the RCPath and the British Society for Haematology Medical Elective small grant scheme?

I am very grateful to the RCPath and the British Society for Haematology (BSH) for their support for my electives, which have been incredible learning experiences. They will undoubtedly shape my future clinical and research practice.

What made you decide to take an elective in haematology?

I have a keen interest in malignant haematology. The rapid advances in research, both in our understanding of the disease as well as in the development of novel therapeutic options that have significantly improved patient outcomes, have inspired me to be a part of the field and to undertake an elective in the specialty.

What do you hope to do in the future?

I aspire to combine my clinical and scientific interests in immunology and cancer biology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician-scientist.

Ïa Robert-Montaner – Anatomical Pathology Department of Royal North Shore Hospitals, Sydney, Australia

How did you feel about winning the RCPath and the Pathological Society of Great Britain & Ireland Medical Elective small grant scheme?

Winning the RCPath and the Pathological Society Small Grant Scheme was such an honour. The bursary not only provided the financial support necessary to undertake this elective but also opened doors to a transformative experience in Sydney, where I undertook my elective at the Pathology Department of Royal North Shore Hospital. This opportunity allowed me to observe and actively engage with leading experts in the field as well as gaining invaluable insight and practical knowledge. It is a privilege to be recognised by such prestigious organisations.

What made you decide to take an elective in cellular pathology?

I chose to pursue an elective in cellular pathology because our Medical School curriculum lacked exposure to this critical field. Given that every specialty in the hospital interacts with the pathology department, I was intrigued to learn more about their crucial role in diagnostics. Moreover, I am interested in combining my clinical work alongside research, hence pathology seemed like the ideal combination of both. Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with my elective experience, having gained invaluable insight into the fascinating realm of pathology.

What do you hope to do in the future?

In the future, I aim to build a career that combines both clinical practice with research, with aspirations to pursue a PhD and becoming an academic clinician. My journey through Medical School has seen my interests evolve, from infectious diseases to internal medicine. Throughout, I have constantly been interested on patient-centred care and avoiding over-treatment.

As I embark on Foundation training in a few weeks, I anticipate my interests and perspectives will continue to evolve, hence I remain open minded about the opportunities that lie ahead. Over the next few years, I am enthusiastic about completing Foundation Training while engaging in research projects to deepen my understanding and contribute to advancements in healthcare.