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Research has completely changed the way I see medicine

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woman looks out onto River Mersey at Albert Dock with modern buildings in the background

Throughout her time at the School, Meera Shankar has been a passionate advocate for clinical research, seizing opportunities to get involved in projects within our local network, earning herself a number of high-profile accolades, publications and appearances. As she looks ahead to graduation this summer, Meera shares her ambitions to continue to balance her clinical practice with academia in the future.

An analytical mindset

Research has completely changed the way I see medicine. It’s made me approach patient care with a much more analytical mindset, constantly questioning, “What’s the evidence behind this?” or “How can this be optimised?” Beyond that, research has been an incredible gateway to opportunities I could never have imagined - from winning top prizes at prestigious international conferences, to publishing in high-impact journals, all of these milestones only reinforced my passion for academia.

A woman stands in front of a conference program board.

I am fortunate to have been invited to give a TEDx Talk on public health literacy, selected for research fellowship positions at some of the world’s leading academic hospitals in the United States, and most importantly, meet some truly inspiring academic surgeons who shaped my aspirations.

None of that would have been possible without diving into research early on, thanks to the support the School gave me, and it’s something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

I’m particularly passionate about supporting those who feel research is out of reach. As a member of the INSPIRE committee, I help promote research engagement among healthcare students and make research more accessible. We organise events to help students navigate various aspects of research, whether it’s the Research and Scholarship component of the course, finding the right intercalation opportunity, or support for conference attendance.

Family portrait

Real-world impact

I will always be proud of my very first project, ‘Women in Surgery: Perceptions, Actions, and Experiences’. What made it special was that it was not only a topic I was truly passionate about, but that it gave me the opportunity to speak to surgeons and trainees and identify key enablers to help women progress in surgical careers which made it feel incredibly personal and meaningful. It was the first time I saw how research can be a tool for advocacy and real-world impact.

I was exposed to how transformative reconstructive surgery can be at a very young age from personal experiences and recognised early on how impactful this can be in restoring quality of life after cancer. At the same time, I witnessed how significantly access to this care varies: while some patients receive timely, life-changing surgery, others face barriers that leave them without options. This disparity is something I have felt strongly about changing for as long as I can remember.

A group of ten students celebrating a special occasion.

During medical school, I actively sought opportunities to explore breast reconstruction, and Liverpool proved to be an excellent place to foster my interest in the field.

I was able to work closely with plastic surgeons who cared for a diverse group of patients from all walks of life, further shaping my understanding of the real-world challenges in reconstructive care.

Now, I am incredibly grateful to have received job offers in the United States to pursue a research fellowship after graduation, allowing me to continue my work in improving access to reconstructive surgery. Long-term, I want to combine clinical practice with academic plastic surgery, using research and innovation to challenge the status quo and ensure that every patient who needs reconstructive surgery has the opportunity to receive it.

Meera with her friends formal evening wear, smiling and posing together at a glamorous event.

Bringing it all together

Year 5 has been an incredible year of consolidation, bridging the gap between medical student and doctor. The transition has been both exciting and challenging, pushing me to apply everything I’ve learnt in a more hands-on, practical way. The best part has been the increased responsibility: feeling like an integral part of the clinical team, contributing to patient care, and being trusted to make decisions under supervision. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come since first year, from passively observing to now clerking patients and formulating management plans.

There’s a real sense of purpose in knowing that the skills we’ve developed will soon translate into independent practice as doctors.

I am completing my SAMP at Alder Hey Children's Hospital with the paediatric plastic surgery team. Having had a great experience at Alder Hey last year, I was keen to return and further develop my understanding of paediatric plastic surgery. SAMP seemed to be the perfect time to immerse myself in this area, allowing me to gain hands-on experience, and explore the complexities of plastic surgery in children, from congenital conditions to trauma and burns.

A creative break – painting pottery and sharing laughs with friends.

Interestingly enough, my favourite placement isn’t surgery! My time at Marie Curie Hospice was one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Dr Helen Bonwick made sure we not only learnt about the medical aspects of palliative care but fully immersed ourselves in the holistic approach to patient care. I gained a deep appreciation for end-of-life care, the emotional and psychological needs of patients and families, and the value of truly listening.

It was an experience that reshaped my understanding of what it means to be a compassionate doctor and reminded me that medicine is just as much about humanity as it is about science.

The city itself is such a big part of the student experience at Liverpool. It's vibrant, full of life, and offers an amazing blend of culture, making it an exciting and fulfilling place to study and live. What’s great about Liverpool is that there’s always something for everyone - whether you're into Taylor Swift concerts, football matches, or something in between. There's never a dull moment!

Meera Shankar watching Taylor Swifts her UK Eras Tour

Everything the city has to offer, combined with the fantastic academic opportunities, gives Liverpool its distinct edge. It’s a place where you feel supported, both academically and personally, and makes for a well-rounded, dynamic student experience. It has certainly left its mark on me!

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