Student Spotlight: Meera Shankar

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Student Doctor Meera Shankar arrives at the Royal Society of Medicine

Student Spotlights pass the mic to our student doctors, to hear their take on their School experience and shine the light on a particular role, team or pathway through the School of Medicine. 

Fourth year Student Doctor Meera Shankar impressed judges at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, winning best podium presentation at their recent Research Symposium. Her interest in surgery has also led her to talk about her overseas elective research at the Royal Society of Medicine conference. Meera reflects on her win, her passion for surgery and her interest in surgical academia.  

“In September, I was invited by the Royal Society of Medicine in London to speak at their ‘Current Challenges in Surgery’ conference about my research during my overseas elective in India in 2022. During my elective, I awarded a bursary from the Society of British Neurosurgeons (SBNS) and was given the opportunity to work with some of the leading neurosurgeons in India and see some rare presentations and advanced pathologies.

I encountered a particularly complex case of chronic calcified subdural haematoma which posed considered challenges in determining the most suitable course of action, particularly whether to operate or not. I presented the case and our recommendations at the Royal Society of Medicine: current challenges in surgery conference.   

The highlight of the conference was being given the platform to present to an audience including renowned surgeons and members of the Royal Society and engage in insightful discussions regarding my case.  

“It was a fantastic opportunity to share surgical experiences and outcomes from different parts of the world and compare to standard practice here in the United Kingdom.”  

 

Attending the conference was such an enriching experience as it was convergence of innovation and ideas within surgery that fostered an environment for like-minded individuals to network, exchange expertise and collaborate on projects.  

“I met people from all over the country and truly valued my interactions with other medical students, trainees and established surgeons in this realm of surgery that I am truly enthusiastic about.” 

 

It was an incredible honour to have been invited to present and meet other students who were to get involved in research and network with some world-renowned surgeons. 

In November, I presented a paper at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. I had worked on a project titled ‘SALVAGE’ on the use of super drainage for DIEP flaps in breast reconstruction and had the honour of being selected from hundreds of applicants for a podium presentation at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Research Symposium.  

There were presentations and posters by doctors and medical students across the country showcasing some remarkable projects of a very high standard. It was quite nerve-wracking to present alongside some incredibly accomplished researchers and compete for the coveted winning prize, but I was confident in my knowledge of the project which is in an area of plastic surgery I am particularly interested in. I decided to give it my best shot and simply enjoy the experience of presenting at RCSEd headquarters in Edinburgh in front an esteemed panel of judges and surgeons. To my complete surprise, I won the prize for best podium presentation!  

“I was gratified to receive several commendations from professors, surgeons and researchers, as well as positive feedback on handling questions from the judges. It was a great privilege to win this award for the University of Liverpool and represent the School of Medicine.” 

 

As winner, I was invited to present at the Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Symposium and attention School of Surgery Dinner that evening. I am especially thankful to everyone who helped me prepare and support me along the way, especially Mr Matthew Fok and Jayden Gittens who helped me with my presentation as well as my friends who instilled confidence in my ability to win this prize. 

Now in my fourth year at medical school, I am starting to realise my deep-rooted interest in the field of plastic surgery and a career in surgical academia. I am a very high-spirited individual and I love being on my feet and working with my hands, which will hopefully come in handy in surgery someday!  

“I am particularly drawn to the field due to its capacity to provide immediate impact and directly change patients’ lives. I can see myself one day hopefully being able to provide free reconstructive surgery for the underprivileged in rural communities of India.”  

 

As this year's President of Liverpool Plastic Surgery Society (LivPlast), I am really interested in academic plastic surgery and love sharing my top tips on how to get involved in research and make the most out of the wonderful opportunities the medical school provides us. I recently ran and taught LivPlast's first event of the year for our new students about how to make the most of first year which was sold out and received overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

These achievements have given me a platform to pursue my ambitions and I am grateful to my friends and family, especially my mother, who always pushes me to strive for excellence in everything I do.” 

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