Eight students from Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) were given the opportunity to complete summer internships, thanks to funding by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Paid internships were advertised to students across all year groups, with an exceptionally high standard demonstrated throughout the 30 applications received. The roles were awarded to Jessica Mtemeri, Rachael Madume, Holly, Hannon, Lois Omotayo, Joseph Oguntimehin, Benjamin Yip, Lucy White and Yasmeen Sawyerr.
The successful internship proposals covered a range of research areas, including vascular surgery, sports science, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The positions began at the end of July and ran for five weeks. For the successful applicants, it represented a unique opportunity to work within a field of research that truly inspires them.
Passion for Research
Yasmeen (Year 4), working at the Vascular Department at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, commented that having allocated time to focus appealed to her most. She said: “While on placement, I struggled to find time for a project alongside my studies. Being able to immerse myself in a research opportunity was ideal. It has allowed me to commit fully to the learning process.”
Holly (Year 3) was equally enthusiastic about the value that this will have on her career, adding: “I wanted to get some experience in academic research as I hope to be involved in the field throughout my career as a doctor. It is an opportunity to hone my skills in the lab and develop scientific writing skills.”
Benjamin, entering his final year at KMMS, has seen his passion for research grow during his time at KMMS. He said: “My interest (in research) has been fueled by my observations during clinical rotations. I have witnessed first-hand how research saves lives, enhances the quality of life, and improves patient care.”
It is these experiences that students gain that help ignite their passion and desire to explore the world of research. Lois (Year 3) spoke passionately about an early lecture with Dr Claire Parkin that prompted her to join a research committee, before ultimately applying for an internship.
New Skills
Regardless of their area of study though, it has been a chance for our students to learn and develop new skills. Lucy, in her third year, said: “during the internship, I have been working on writing a review article, so I am learning lots about search strategies, using databases, thematic analysis and how to write an article from scratch!” Jessica (Year 5) added: “I was able to gain hands-on experience in conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and modelling complex data flows.”
It has been a summer full of professional and personal development for our students, and we are proud of each of them. Research is at the cornerstone of their burgeoning professions and is something we hope will be maintained throughout their careers. Joseph (Year 3) summarised: “It has been a truly rewarding experience to engage with world-class experts in their field.”
A full list of the internships undertaken, and the student’s field of study can be found below.
These opportunities would not have been possible without the funding of the NIHR, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them. Further information on the work they do can be found on their website.
Complete List of Internships
Benjamin Yip – Examining the use of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Contexts – School of Computing (University of Kent)
Yasmeen Sawyerr – Predictors of Reintervention after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) – Vascular Department at Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Holly Hannon – Identifying novel inhibitory and stimulatory receptors associated with IgE-mediated responses in human basophils – School of Psychology and Life Sciences (CCCU)
Lois Omotayo – Investigating the relationship between the endorsement of health myths, altered body perception and health anxiety – School of Psychology (University of Kent)
Lucy White – The use of arts in hospitals – The Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health (CCCU)
Jessica Mtemeri – Modelling personal data flows in the health ecosystem – School of Computing, Cybersecurity (University of Kent)
Rachael Madume – Applying social and behavioural research to enhance cancer prevention, diagnosis, screening, and treatment – CHSS in collaboration with Cancer Research
Joseph Oguntimehin – Examining the effects of expectations on blood pressure response to isometric exercise – Sports Science (CCCU)