EDITION 17 SEPTEMBER 2014

RENews fromMED ’s YInside… School of Medicine o’r Ysgol Feddygaeth, Innovation and Prifysgol Caerdydd Engagement Awards

Innovation in Action First for Wounds First for First for the World

DIAGNOSE THE PAST, RESEARCH THE PRESENT, REPAIR THE FUTURE Welcome C21 Update In June, the first group of students Welcome to the seventeenth edition of ReMEDy. completed year 1 of the C21 Programme. More than 270 year 5 students who have also been on the new programme, which has an increased emphasis on preparing for work as a foundation doctor, graduated in July and started work in the NHS in August. 2013-14 has been an exciting and challenging year for staff and students but the feedback from the students has been very positive, with lots of useful comments to help the C21 team to improve the student experience further. The new programme for year 2 students will start at the end of September and we look forward to welcoming new students from our ‘Graduate Entry’ Over recent months many members Keith has now secured the support Feeder streams into year 2 as well. of staff have been recognised for of Welsh Government, all seven local their outstanding contributions in Health Boards and the private sector, Lucy Jawad, now a second year their respective areas of work. Many in taking the work of the wound student, describes how she found her of these awards are highlighted healing research unit to a national first year under the new C21 medical in this edition of ReMEDy. I do, level. The Welsh Wound Innovation undergraduate course. however, wish to congratulate and Initiative Ltd will tackle the challenges “After spending over 100 hours in the highlight a few honours personally. associated with acute, traumatic and dissecting room, bulk buying poly pockets Baroness Ilora Finlay and Professor chronic non-healing wounds and their and finally learning which way to put the Julie Williams have been elected as treatment and prevention, in addition stethoscope in my ears, my first year Fellows of the Academy of Medical to other skin health issues. at Cardiff University under the new C21 Sciences in recognition of their programme, has sadly come to an end. This edition’s ‘Making an Impact’ outstanding contribution to medical story highlights the work of Professors It’s still hard to believe that in just one science. In this summer’s Queen’s Julian Sampson and Jeremy Cheadle year, I have not only worked through birthday honours, Professor Mike in identifying a gene that, when the basic science, which underpins our Owen was also awarded a Knighthood damaged, leads to a risk of over 80% current medical practice, but have also for services to Psychiatry and of bowel cancer. This research has been introduced to patients, taken their Neuroscience. These are deserved had major impact through improved histories and performed examinations. honours and I warmly congratulate genetic counselling, genetic testing I have found C21’s shift away from lectures Ilora, Julie and Mike. and bowel cancer prevention in and emphasis on case based teaching; In the foreword of Edition 16 of colorectal cancer worldwide. has provided me with the opportunity to ReMEDy, I mentioned the Institutional appreciate how basic scientific principles The ‘Meet the Team’ feature provides Review of Cardiff University. This has are relevant to patient cases. Learning in an interesting insight into the work now been successfully completed small groups has allowed friendships to of Professor Phil Taylor’s Myeloid Cell and the full report is available from form and has enhanced our team working Biology Group whose recent research the Quality Assurance Agency website skills as a year group. on tissue macrophage specialisation at www.qaa.ac.uk. In a nutshell, the was published in the prestigious Even though the course has felt stressful University’s academic standards; journal Science. Finally, other features at times, the use of pre-clinical and clinical quality and enhancement of student include taking a look at a couple of teaching methods, combined with the learning opportunities; and the quality friendly and supportive nature implemented ‘first’ events: The All Wales Simulation of information about our learning by C21, has led to a truly rewarding and and Acute Care Teaching Symposium opportunities all meet UK expectations. enjoyable first year here at Cardiff.” and the South Wales Orthopaedics The main feature of this edition of and Training Showcase. We also ReMEDy highlights the innovative celebrate the 2013 Innovation and new initiative in wound healing led by Engagement Award winners. Professor Keith Harding CBE. Building Professor John Bligh on 22 years experience of running a Dean, School of Medicine self-funded Wound Healing Research Unit in the School of Medicine.

From left to right: Sruthi Gnanasubramanian; 2 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 Lucy Jawad; Kirsty Anderson. Making an Impact: Identification of MUTYH, the first gene for recessive predisposition to bowel cancer Research undertaken at the But prior to development of the gene Cardiff School of Medicine has test family members usually had no Guidelines for idea they were also at very high risk.” identified the role of a new management of gene causing an inherited Now, clinicians can use a diagnostic familial colorectal test for particular mutations of MUTYH form of bowel cancer and cancer recommending to screen families of patients with MUTYH gene testing: developed an internationally- bowel cancer, allowing doctors to adopted system of testing to remove the affected part of the bowel UK: Guidelines for colorectal improve genetic counselling before tumours become malignant. cancer screening and surveillance in moderate and high risk groups, Professor Jeremy Cheadle said: “The and medical care. British Society of Gastroenterology. work has had significant commercial The research led by Professors Julian GUT 2010;59:666 - 690. impact. MUTYH gene testing is DOI:10.1136/gut.2009.179804 Sampson and Jeremy Cheadle, now carried out by at least 84 discovered a gene, MUTYH, that, when state and private sector diagnostic Europe: Guidelines for the damaged, leads to a risk of over 80% laboratories in Europe, and at centres clinical management of familial of bowel cancer. The findings allowed in Australasia. In North America, the adenomatous polyposis (FAP). the research team to develop tests to University has taken out patents and Gut. May 2008; 57: 704 - 713. screen relatives for pre-malignant signs has licenced intellectual property PMID: 18194984, DOI:10.1136/ of the disease at which point curative rights to a US company, Myriad gut.2007.136127 (also available on request from HEI) treatment is the norm. The tests have Genetics Inc, generating income of since been licensed and rolled out about a third of a million pounds for North America: American College across the world. Cardiff University in royalties.” of Gastroenterology Guidelines The research has improved genetic for Colorectal Cancer Screening More than 11,000 patient samples 2008 Am J Gastroenterol 2009; counselling, genetic testing and bowel have been tested internationally for cancer prevention in colorectal cancer 104: 739–750; DOI:10.1038/ MUTYH mutation since the gene ajg.2009.104; worldwide, and has led to more was discovered, generating income efficient targeting of colonoscopic of around $5m in licence fees for Australia: Early detection screening screening services to high risk Myriad. and surveillance for colorectal patients. By contrast, family members cancer. Gastroenterological Society who, upon gene testing, are at low The Wales Gene Park and the of Australia and the Digestive risk can be reassured. Technology Transfer team at Cardiff Health Foundation (4th Edition, University provided commercial reprinted 2011, pages 10 and 11) Professor Sampson said: “Cardiff has a assistance via specialist support in http://www.gesa.org.au/files/editor_ very strong record of bringing together the patenting and licensing of this upload/File/Professional/Bowel%20 the genetic sciences and medical genetic information, along with Cancer.pdf applications, which is something of expertise provided by the Institute which we are extremely proud. of Medical Genetics. This work contributed to the award of “Without screening and preventative Professor Sampson added: “The a Queen’s Anniversary Prize to Cardiff surgery, individuals who inherited changes in clinical genetics, bowel University in February 2008 and jointly this faulty gene from their parents screening and treatment practice won this year’s Cardiff University would have gone on to develop bowel based on our research have been Medical Breakthrough Award. cancer,” says Sampson. incorporated into guidelines published The work of Professor Malcolm Mason by specialist societies and expert “The siblings of those affected by this who led an international study leading groups in the UK, Europe, North inherited form of bowel cancer were at to major changes in the treatment America and Australasia.” a one-in-four risk of developing bowel of prostate cancer was the other cancer themselves. joint winner of this year’s Medical Breakthrough Award. This research will feature in the next edition of ReMEDy.

REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 3 Meet the team: The Myeloid Cell Biology Group The Myeloid Cell Biology Group is a relatively small group focussed on understanding the From left to right: Dr. Marcela Rosas, Robert Pickering, Prof. Philip Taylor, Leah Wallace, Dr. Chia-Te Liao, Dr. Selinda Orr. basic biology of myeloid cells, both in normal homeostasis and disease, which is led by Professor Phil Taylor and Dr Selinda Orr. The group was established in 2006 laboratories including with a by Professor Phil Taylor when, under postdoctoral scientist, the sponsorship of Professor Paul Dr Selinda Orr, from the laboratory of Dr Rosas also supports Morgan, he moved to Cardiff from Dr Dan McVicar at the National Cancer many teaching opportunities within the Oxford University during his Wellcome Institute (NCI) (Frederick, Maryland). laboratory, not just with PhD students, Trust Research Career Development but also with undergraduate students Dr Selinda Orr moved to Cardiff as Fellowship (2003-2007). One of the and other visitors. part of the Wellcome Trust Value in primary objectives of the research at People scheme, one of the aims of In 2010, the group were joined by an this time was to dissect how Dectin-1, which is to enable recruitment of International Incoming Marie Curie a recently discovered beta-1,3-glucan up and coming investigators with Fellow, Dr Chia-Te Liao, a nephrologist, binding receptor on the surface of fellowship potential. She completed who is conducting studies on the immune cells, contributes to the and published her NCI postdoctoral changes in myeloid cells’ heterogeneity recognition of invading fungal organisms work on a novel signalling pathway during peritoneal dialysis. The results of and the resulting inflammatory response. downstream of fungal recognition his fellowship underpinned a successful Beta-1,3-linked glucans are fairly receptors in PLoS Pathogens. As application to the MRC for project specific to fungi and hence represent an a consequence of her successes, funding. More recently, a former PhD exploitable avenue through which the Dr Orr was awarded a Wellcome student of Professor Taylor’s has just immune cells can recognise potentially Trust and Royal Society Sir Henry secured, straight from his successful pathogenic organisms. The Research Dale Fellowship. Dr Orr’s research PhD, a prestigious Sir Henry Wellcome Career Development Fellowship resulted remains focussed on the immune Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015-2018). in a number of high impact publications receptors involved in recognition of These studies will be based in Cardiff, on the basic biology of macrophages fungi by myeloid cells, the distinctions but much of the work will be conducted and dendritic cells during inflammation, between the different receptors and at the NCI. particularly in the area of fungal the potential for their manipulation infection. The fellowship culminated in The group are strong believers in the for improved therapeutic outcome. the publication of novel insights into the benefits of Investigator-led curiosity- Dr Orr’s group will be expanding mechanism through which immune cells driven research as a mechanism for during 2014 with the recruitment of a recognise fungi in Nature Immunology. novel discovery science underpinning research assistant and a PhD student. translation and are planning to Subsequently, in 2007, Professor Taylor The work has, throughout this capitalise on recent breakthroughs was awarded a Medical Research time, achieved a consistent and expand their core interests with Council (MRC) Senior Fellowship to publication record in 3* and 4* the establishment of an increasing continue and expand his studies. The REF-rated journals, including number of ‘more directly’ translational continuation of this research involved Nature Immunology, the Journal projects. They were also joined in the study of further related cell of Experimental Medicine, Nature 2013 by two PhD students (Leah surface expressed immune recognition Medicine, Nature Communications Wallace and Robert Pickering) both molecules and the signalling pathways and Science. One of the principal aiming to further our understanding initiated in response to fungi. Critically scientists with first hand involvement of the control of macrophages in their for the research in general, the in much of this work is tissue environments. studies expanded into using large Dr Marcela Rosas. Dr Rosas joined transcriptomic datasets to answer Philip Taylor is a Professor of Translational Professor Taylor at the outset of more fundamental questions about Immunology and Selinda Orr is a Sir his first fellowship in 2004 and she the basic biology of macrophages, Henry Dale Fellow within the School of moved to Cardiff to continue her something for which Professor Taylor Medicine: http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/infect- research in Professor Taylor’s lab, is an avid proponent. This research immun/research/inflammation/myeloid- where she has been an integral as a whole now involved international cell-biology-group/. member of the team ever since. collaborations with several significant

4 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 The first All Wales Simulation and Acute Care Teaching Symposium In June the first all Wales simulation and acute care teaching symposium was held at the Simulation Centre in the Cochrane Building, Heath Park.

The centre was filled to capacity The symposium commenced with Paul described the Agenda-Led with delegates from throughout a thought provoking presentation Outcome Based Analysis (ALOBA) Wales including medical students, entitled, ‘Are the days of the manikin (Silverman et al 1996) debriefing undergraduate managers, academics, numbered?’ delivered by Professor model as a way to ensure learners’ and a wide variety of healthcare Jean Ker, Director of the Dow Clinical concerns and questions are dealt professionals. There was representation Skills Centre, Dundee University and with right at the start of a debrief. from all thirteen hospitals where our also critical friend to Cardiff University’s This model encourages self-problem Year 5 medical students undertake Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. solving, focuses on key learning and their final clinical placements and maximises the group as a whole to Delegates were involved in two undergo acute care teaching. There actively problem solve. workshops which assisted the were also many delegates from post University in brainstorming the A number of educators throughout graduate education who have an important topics; “Harmonisation - Wales whom deliver undergraduate interest in ensuring students continue undergraduate teaching through to teaching presented at this event, to be given opportunities to learn and foundation doctor development” and highlighting the excellent teaching that teach throughout their careers. “Acute Care Teaching – the next steps”. our students receive wherever their ReMEDy readers will be aware that clinical placement is located. Speakers included Dr Paul Frost, Cardiff University has recently launched Undergraduate Lead for Simulation Delegates utilised their networking its new undergraduate programme who outlined the acute care teaching time to share experiences, reflecting which aims to attract, train and retain package that Cardiff University has on the main theme of the day which the very best doctors. Improving the been tasked to deliver throughout was centred around improving quality of patient care is at the . Dr John Dunne, Foundation communications and health care of this programme and within this Programme Director and Postgraduate professionals working together to ensure context it is fundamentally important Simulation Lead for Cardiff and Vale our patients receive the excellent that our graduates feel confident and University Health Board Trust followed standards of care they deserve. The able to care for the sickest patients. with a presentation which provoked final presentation encapsulated this This meeting was an opportunity for us all to consider how to ensure theme and offered a little gentle clinicians and medical educators from harmonisation is achieved for the encouragement, “Interprofessional all over Wales to meet and share good final year medical student through to education – more please!” In closing, practice and to develop innovative becoming a qualified junior doctor in it was great to share the news that solutions to the challenges raised by their Foundation Programme. the College of Biomedical and Life training medical students and newly Sciences are in the midst of setting up qualified doctors to successfully “The art of debriefing” was delivered by an Interprofessional Education Special manage acutely ill patients. communication expert Professor Paul Interest Group which will no doubt Kinnersley, Director of Clinical Skills and ensure the strategic development of this Simulation, Cardiff School of Medicine. vital part of the curricula.

Following the excellent feedback, the Symposium is to be repeated during the same month next year.

Symposium Speakers from left to right: Professor Jean Ker, Director of Clinical Skills Centre and Professor in Medical Education, Dundee University; Dr John Dunne, Foundation Programme Director and Postgraduate Simulation Lead, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board; Dr Paul Frost, Undergraduate Lead for Simulation, Cardiff School of Medicine; Mrs Clare Cann, Senior Clinical Skills (Simulation) tutor, Cardiff School of Medicine; Professor Paul Kinnersley, Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation, Cardiff School of Medicine; Dr Chris Hingston, Simulation Faculty and Consultant in Intensive Care, University Hospital of Wales; Michael the manikin!

REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 5 New Welsh Wound Innovation Initiative to fight “silent epidemic”

Wounds may not be everybody’s cup of tea but for Professor Keith Harding and his dedicated team, the prevention and treatment of wounds has become a professional passion.

With over 22 years experience of and prevention, in addition to other employ 31 people at the outset, and running a self-funded Wound Healing skin health issues. This initiative will over its first five years aims to deliver Research Unit in Cardiff’s School of complement existing clinical, academic at least eleven inward investments to Medicine, addressing the challenges and commercial links in Wales and create a business cluster and up to associated with all types of wounds comprise of two focused components; 45 new jobs, attracting external and providing a clinical service to namely the Welsh Wound Innovation revenue to fund clinical research and Cardiff and Vale and Aneurin Bevan Centre (WWIC) and the Welsh Wound to pay for other contract and University Health Boards, Keith and his Innovation Science Park (WWISP) to commercial activities. colleagues were determined to make deliver health and wealth benefits for their work go ‘National’. To realise this, people living in Wales. On 1st April 2014, Edwina Hart the team recognised the potential AM, Welsh Government Minister for of building on the concentration of The Welsh Wound Innovation Centre, Economy, Science and Transport wound healing expertise that exists in a focus for excellence, provides the commenting on the Welsh Wound Wales and the potential opportunities resources necessary to achieve a Innovation Initiative said: “The and capabilities of developing a novel co-ordinated approach nationally, but development of this Centre of integrated approach to this common also the strategic guidance to ensure Excellence in wound prevention and and expensive problem. Now with delivery of the objectives required by treatment adds to Wales’s strength in the support of Welsh Government, all the stakeholders, including patients. the area of regenerative medicine and all seven local Health Boards and The WWIC will deliver a full range will deliver health and wealth benefits the private sector, the team are in of clinical research and knowledge for the people in Wales.” a position to put Wound Innovation transfer services to the NHS, academic institutions and commercial customers. On the healthcare side, the Welsh on the UK map in driving the Welsh Wound Innovation Initiative will improve Wound Innovation Initiative Ltd. The Welsh Wound Innovation Science the management and delivery of wound Acute, traumatic and chronic wounds Park will have a strong commercial prevention and treatment, enhancing affect millions of patients globally, focus on job creation and business quality of life for patients through particularly older people. Chronic development within the Welsh geography. better diagnosis and treatment. This wounds are frequently long term, It will provide new and existing will result in fewer hospital admissions painful and debilitating, resulting businesses with access to resources, and shorter hospital stays, reducing the in extreme loss of quality of life for which will support their growth and overall healthcare costs for the NHS sufferers. For many patients living with development and the formation of new across Wales. non-healing wounds, amputation of an and useful collaborations in addressing this clinical public health issue. A key output from the Initiative will affected limb may be the only option. be the establishment of a national Chronic wounds, alone, conservatively A unique aspect of the Welsh Wound wound registry in Wales. This registry cost the National Health Service £4 Innovation Initiative is the integration will capture existing information in a billion per year in direct costs alone. of multidisciplinary teams spanning consistent format across Wales and In addition, burns, surgical, traumatic government, academia, health service will include key strategic information and chronic wounds, make up 5% provision and industry, all of which play about wounds, their occurrence, their of the NHS budget. However, the a key role in overcoming the wound treatment, trends etc. This registry issue receives little attention from the prevention and treatment challenge. will also link with other registries media, policy makers and research across Wales (e.g. Surgical Site funding agencies. The development of the Welsh Infection Surveillance, Orthopaedic Wound Innovation Initiative is a real Surveillance). The Welsh Wound Innovation Initiative opportunity for Wales to become a will tackle the challenges associated recognised world-leading nation in this with acute, traumatic and chronic important clinical area. The Centre will non-healing wounds, their treatment

6 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 Since becoming operational, WWII Ltd has signed contracts with five Other WWII Ltd activities: Welsh based SME’s, attracted three inward investments and is recognised and technologies. These services Clinical Trials – WWIC can as the preferred partner in wound can range from full service for start- conduct clinical evaluations from healing to a global pharmaceutical up to small businesses to partial for a simple case study through to full company. WWII Ltd has also signed larger corporations. scale Clinical Research Organisation a Memorandum of Understanding facilitated Randomised Controlled Strategic Forums – WWIC has with Wound Management PTY Ltd in Trials and everything in between. access to a large pool of wound care Australia to encourage collaborative WWIC has on staff a health economist “experts” (academics, clinicians, research and student exchange. and as such can undertake cost- patients, commercial) that can effective studies and evaluations. The official launch of the Welsh be brought together in a bespoke Wound Innovation Initiative will take mixture to evaluate both product Education and Training – place on 10th September 2014 and marketing platforms etc. This WWIC can provide education and presided over by Mark Drakeford allows early testing to provide early training, which are both clinically and AM, Minister for Health and Social feedback saving time and resources patient focused. WWIC’s new facility Services. Commenting ahead of the being wasted on areas not of based at the entrance to the Royal launch, Professor Harding said: Glamorgan Hospital in Pontyclun, interest or with no perceived value in allows education and training to be the market place. “It has taken a lot of work patient based. WWIC has tailored Customer Events – WWIC can 1, 3 and 5-day courses but can do and effort by a large team host bespoke customer events for bespoke events, including product or to get us to this point. companies. This can even allow company focused events. the partnering company to present Now we are effectively Consultancy Services – WWIC WWIC as its centre of excellence established we can get has the ability to provide consultancy – which is of significant value for down to the real job in services in all aspects of wound care SME’s within Wales. to include academic, clinical and hand of meeting the needs Clinical Innovation – WWIC commercial areas. WWIC has access can provide the resources to of this ever increasing to a comprehensive consultants start-up’s or larger organisations population of patients, bank, which allows significant to develop and evaluate product breadth and depth of coverage. saving the NHS money and or technology concepts at an early positioning Wales at the Clinical Development – WWIC stage. This can include connecting can provide the environment for the potential interested partners. forefront of this growing clinical development of products healthcare issue.”

Signing of MOU with Wound Management PTY Ltd. Left right from back to front: Sally Rees-Mathews, Research Occupational Therapist; Ceri Harris, Clinical Nurse Specialist, UHW; Evelyn Frowen, Associate Clinical Nurse Specialist – Community (Cardiff); Helen Crook, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Llandough; Dr Aled Jones, Research Fellow; Dr Rhiannon Harries, Research Fellow; Janet Ryzy, Practise Nurse (on attachment); Wendy Davies, Lecturer, Practitioner Wound Healing Research Unit; Professor Keith Harding, Medical Director, WWII Ltd.

For further information, please email: [email protected]

REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 7 10 Ways MEDIC is Making an Impact The School of Medicine has a successful track record of contributing to society through its Research, Learning and Teaching, and Innovation and Engagement activity. Efforts by many staff and students highlight a rich variety of ways in which the School is engaging and benefitting society. Here are just ten recent examples: 4. Award for Bipolar 1. Medical Women’s Education Programme Federation President Cymru (BEPC) Elected This ground-breaking education Dr Sally Davies, Clinical Geneticist has programme for people with bipolar been elected the new president of The disorder developed by members of the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF). University-based National Centre for The Medical Women’s Federation Mental Health (NCMH) team received promotes the personal, professional the trophy for Innovation in Healthcare and educational development of at the BMJ awards ceremony in May. women in medicine and women’s BEPC is a psychoeducation course health issues. Founded in 1917, the designed to teach people with bipolar MWF is an independent educational disorder more about their condition, charity whose members are from every and equip them with the tools they level of the medical profession. The need to help manage their illness. MWF campaigns and has input into national and local health politics, many of which will affect the future of a predominantly female medical workforce. “We are absolutely delighted to have won this prize” said NCMH Director As well as the availability of life-long networking opportunities, the MWF will Professor Ian Jones. “The quality of provide resources, grants, prizes and elective bursaries to students and junior the other nominees on the shortlist doctors. To find out more please visit: www.medicalwomensfederation.org.uk was extremely high, so it’s a real honour to accept the award.” 2. New test predicts 3. Medical Students – survival in blood cancer Our Ambassadors in 5. Cutting-edge patients the Community clinical centre opens A test, which accurately predicts the Three Year 3 students Hugo Trevelyan The Bill Mapleson Centre opened prognosis for patients with the most Thomas, Antony Wilby and Oliver Post in May and is a partnership common form of leukaemia, has spent their six-week Student Selected between Cardiff University and been developed. Chronic Lymphocytic Component (SSC) engaging with the global medical products Leukaemia (CLL) affects white blood year 5/6 pupils conducting a fun and company Flexicare. The Centre, cells in the bone marrow, causing a interactive workshop session in Cardiff in Mountain Ash, is named in range of problems with the immune Primary Schools. The sessions, which honour of Professor William system. It is diagnosed in over 4,000 mainly focused on healthy eating and (‘Bill’) Mapleson, who worked in people a year in the UK and is currently the heart and circulation system, were academic anaesthesia at Cardiff incurable for most patients. originally set up by Matthew Baldwin, for over 60 years. Matthew Wheeler and Michael Booth Professor Chris Pepper, who leads the as part of their Year 3 SSC project Professor Judith Hall from the research at the School of Medicine, in 2011. School of Medicine said: “The said: “For the first time, confident Bill Mapleson Centre provides predictions of clinical outcome can Hugo, Anthony and Oliver have been a cutting-edge clinical space – be made for individual CLL patients at praised for their enormous enthusiasm working with industry for the good diagnosis based on accurate analysis whilst leading these workshops, the of patients. A state of the art of the length of telomeres in cancer pace and pitch of the sessions and for cells. This should prove enormously physics laboratory for equipment the outstanding hands on activities. development and testing, together valuable to doctors, patients and Indeed, feedback received from their families and there is no reason with a clinical simulation suite teachers and pupils demonstrate the for teaching and a space for why there should not be widespread effectiveness of this SSC project in innovation make this a unique implementation of this powerful combining medical education with enterprise facility. It will help the prognostic tool in the near future.” successful community engagement. medical community and industry for years to come – a fitting tribute to the work of Bill Mapleson.” 8 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 6. Medical experts 8. BMA/BMJ Award Winners recognised for Cardiff School of Medicine came away with multiple honours at the recent excellence in research BMA Cymru Wales/BMJ Awards 2014. Professor John Bligh, Dean of Medicine and architect of the C21 MB BCh programme, received the Outstanding Baroness Ilora Finlay and Professor Achievement award in acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work Julie Williams were both recognised for underpinning his exceptional contribution to medical education. their contribution to the advancement of medical science by election to the The much-coveted title of Clinical Teacher of the Year was awarded to Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Dr Elizabeth Metcalfe. Dr Nicola Leopald received the prestigious Rising Sciences in May this year. Star award. The School of Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement award went to Helen Sweetland, Director of the Institute of Medical Education. Second year Academy Fellows are elected for medical student Mustafa Abdimalik was also the recipient of the BMA Cymru excellence in medical research, for Wales Sherman Foundation Fund award. innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their conspicuous service to healthcare. Baroness Ilora Finlay of Llandaff is Professor of Palliative Medicine, a Consultant at the Velindre Cancer Centre and President of the British Medical Association. Professor Julie Williams is current Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales and is one of the UK’s leading figures in Alzheimer’s research and plays a key role in the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Dr Liz Metcalfe receiving Clinical Teacher of the Year award, Genetics and Genomics as Head of the BMA Cymru BMJ Awards 2014 Neurodegeneration section. 7. Kick-starting schizophrenia research 9. Scientists decode 10. Knighthood for The discovery of over a hundred genetic world’s most complex genetics pioneer risk factors linked to schizophrenia human virus Professor Mike Owen has been awarded provides vital new clues in understanding a Knighthood in the Queen’s birthday Researchers from the School of what causes the condition. honours for services to Psychiatry Medicine and Harvard University and Neuroscience. Professor Owen In the biggest molecular genetic study have provided the most detailed is a leading expert in the genetics of of schizophrenia ever conducted, understanding of the world’s most psychiatric and neurodegenerative the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium complex virus. Cytomegalovirus – or disorders. He has published over 500 (PGC), led by Professor Michael CMV – is the most complex virus known scientific papers and identified novel O’Donovan from the MRC Centre to man. Most people will, in their lives, for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and genetic risk factors for a number of become infected by CMV and, being a disorders including schizophrenia, Genomics, combined all available herpes virus, infection lasts a lifetime. schizophrenia samples into a new, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, single systematic analysis. A study in the leading science journal Cell Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder describes how cutting-edge ‘viromics’ (ADHD), and Dyslexia. Professor O’Donovan now hopes the technology has tracked more than 150 wealth of new findings will help kick- Professor Owen’s recent research viral and 8000 cell proteins through the activities have focused on the start the search for new treatments course of a four-day CMV infection. for patients and their families who are translation of genetic findings into benefit for patients through research even now still stigmatised and blamed “This new technology is phenomenal. on disease mechanisms, classification for the condition. Never before has an infection been analysed in such detail” said Professor and diagnosis as well as public He adds: “The key challenge now is Gavin Wilkinson. “The dataset provides engagement and communication. to translate these new insights into a fantastic resource that will inform the the biological basis of schizophrenia, development of vaccines and antivirals. into new diagnostic tools and novel The technology allows us to look at treatments for patients and finally put the effect of the virus on virtually every an end to the 60-year-wait for new protein in the cell.” treatments for sufferers worldwide.”

REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 9 Gunjan Sharma I’m a second year medical student at Cardiff University. I’ve come all the way MEDIC People from Northern Ireland, but would love to travel back to my home country, India, where I would like to work temporarily in the future. The thought of intercalating has been floating ReMEDy talks to Ronak Ved, alumnus; Gunjan Sharma, inside my mind recently, particularly in undergraduate student; Emma Woods, postgraduate Neuroscience or Psychology. student and Sue Cody, member of staff, to ask the questions we love to know the answers to!

SC Without sounding (too) cheesy, my What do you listen to first husband Bernard is my hero – he needs an thing in the morning? award for putting up with me for 32 years (and counting)! He is the rock of the family GS I wake up very early (4am) so I enjoy and we don’t tell him often enough. I try the sound of nothingness. I love the peace not to see anyone as a villain – though Billy and tranquility in the mornings before Ray Cyrus comes as close as they get! everyone starts their day. RV Hero – My Dad; met every cliché for EW I am usually up and out in the a supportive parent that you can think of. mornings so I don’t really have time to Hero – Steven Gerrard – The never-say- listen too much. However, the train ride die attitude, commitment to improve and RV I’ve always wanted to find a niche to work is usually very loud with people passion for what he does, (albeit what in life/medicine wherein ‘going to work’ either shouting or snoring. he does is kick/chase a ball around a becomes a misnomer. SC It depends whether my daughter cordoned-off field…). Villains – whichever I’d love to be able to look forward to Heather is in the car – she has complete teachers taught me to write – anyone doing my job – something that makes control of the radio and CDs until I drop who’s read my entries in notes will tell ‘Sunday blues’ become a thing of her at the bus stop! Otherwise it’s Chris you that they failed… spectacularly… the past. At present, I think clinical Evans on Radio 2 or my iPod. neuroscience/academic neurosurgery are the most likely fields in which I might RV Sadly, usually my alarm clock. If you could change one thing what would it be? find such a career. As a child what did you want What does the School of to be when you grew up? GS Apathy - I think it’s very easy to become detached from the world Medicine need more of? around you and just take the backseat. GS I was an ambitious writer growing up, A bit of enthusiasm can go a long way, GS Possibly a greater awareness of and used to write a lot of short stories. I whether it’s for politics, healthcare or research opportunities, and a greater didn’t like the idea of being confined inside just your next lecture. collaboration with students from other my mind though, so I decided to convert it courses. I was fortunate enough to work EW All the wars going on at the moment into a hobby rather than a career. in a lab with other science students, and are terrible. I would probably put an end speaking with them about their projects EW A Vet. to them if I could. made me view the content from my SC I was convinced I was going to be a SC I’d bring back the death penalty lectures with a broader perspective. librarian in Barry Library, and worked in – there’s not enough reason not to my school library for a few years to gain commit serious crime now. One of my Student Selected Components experience! (SSCs) also involved working with nursing RV See above – my handwriting. staff, which was an entirely different RV Fireman Sam. Perhaps this was learning experience from what I was used subconsciously behind my decision to What is your secret to, and a lot of fun. study/work in Wales… ambition? (just between us) I also think we should be given more opportunities to receive teaching from Who are your heroes and villains? LS I would love to learn different other students. Some of my best languages. I’m a bit of a travel freak, teaching has been from older medical GS My heroes are definitely my parents. and love learning about different students on placements – it’s a very I think the journey they’ve been through cultures. It’s such a different experience informal but fun way to learn. to live and work in a different culture is when you can converse with people in EW Holidays and social events that incredible, and I am very grateful for the their native tongue. include vino!!! experiences I’ve been given because EW To own a dog kennel for mistreated of them. I can’t think of any villains - dogs. SC Space! Every building that goes up possibly Mr Burns from The Simpsons? seems to be at full capacity a week after SC I’d like to be able to play a musical it’s opened. EW Firstly, my family and secondly, David instrument really well – my step daughter Attenborough and Stephen Hawking are Amanda plays saxophone, daughters RV Passionate tutors – especially with my celebrity heroes, due to their dedication Pippa and Heather had drum and guitar the move to small group teaching. to their cause. Villains are anyone who lessons, but it’s a skill I don’t have. An inspiring teacher in a small group cause harm to others or get on my nerves.

10 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 Emma Woods Sue Cody Dr Ronak Ved I graduated from Glamorgan University I work in the MEDIC Deanery as PA I graduated in July 2013. I’m now in 2009 with a BSc in Forensic Science. to the Dean, the School Manager nearing the end of my F1 year working I then went on to complete my Masters Louise Shelley, and Val O’Donnell, in UHW. I decided to choose a rotation Degree in Tissue Engineering at Cardiff, Dean of Research. I have also been a that included two general jobs, followed graduating in 2011. I am currently magistrate in Cardiff for 9 years. by the speciality which I’m interested studying for a PhD in the Institute of in. My first four months as a doctor Nephrology, Cardiff University. My Sue pictured with granddaughter Megan. research focuses on fibrotic progression were in care of the elderly. Next came in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). work in vascular surgery. These jobs Following my PhD research, I hope to included general medical and surgical remain in academia. on-call shifts respectively. This was helpful when it came to my current F1 job in neuroscience, where I cover both neurology and neurosurgery patients.

tutorial can make or break the students’ SC Who bought me the Uriah Heep poster chances of taking anything worthwhile as my ‘Secret Santa’ present last year! from the session. I was overwhelmed that someone had made such an effort and it’s on my study SC Probably not leave school after wall. Much appreciated, whoever you are. O levels, because higher education is What advice would you offer so much harder to do later in life when medical students today? RV How will ‘Game of Thrones’ end?!? family and other interests take over. RV So much… But I’d definitely try to RV Work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy How do you relax? do a bit more with the longer holidays medical school too; it has the potential during pre-clinical years at medical school to be the best or worst half-decade of – travel more, learn a new language or your life… make it the former! GS I either curl up with a nice book and a cup of tea, or go out for a ride on my musical instrument – use the time to gain Which book did you re-read motorbike and get an adrenaline rush. some non-medical skills and experiences. most as a child? EW Taking my two basset hounds for a walk helps me relax; although, so does What is your best holiday? GS The Harry Potter series. I was part the occasional glass of vino. of the generation of kids who grew up SC I read a tremendous amount, GS I travelled to Spain for two weeks with Harry, and Hogwarts became my play Spider Solitaire on the laptop and made the decision to only speak in second home, especially during the when others are watching TV (to their Spanish during that time, despite my school holidays. annoyance) – not enough relaxation time mediocre GCSE language skills. It was to be had though! a unique learning experience: I gained EW All the Enid Blyton books, especially a lot of confidence and my language the Secret Seven series. RV By not thinking about medicine. skills skyrocketed. Plus, it stimulated my SC I’ve never been one to re-read a Sports, drinks, films, socialising – doesn’t interest in learning new languages. matter what you do; if you enjoy it book as there are so many in the world EW Once, I went on holiday to Greece to get through, but I’ve read ‘To Kill a enough to stop you burning out, you have to try to keep doing it as a junior doctor. with all my family. We had a great time; Mocking Bird’ 3 or 4 times, mainly at the vino and feta were top quality. the end of a holiday when I’ve finished On-calls sometimes get in the way, but everything else. I’ll probably go back to with the newfound monthly present you’ll SC Everyone who knows me would expect read some classics with granddaughters start finding in your bank account, in me to say Barbados (and the family Niamh, Megan and Courtney if they’ll sit some ways it can be even easier to do ‘significant birthday’ holiday in 2012 still long enough to listen! new things and meet new people. certainly rates as No.2) but a break on the Isle of Wight when we went over ‘for RV Probably ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’. That If you could turn the clock back, lunch’ after seeing the Mary Rose and ending got me every time (*sniff*) … what would you do differently? ended up staying for 4 days sticks in my mind. The girls couldn’t believe we’d Which one question would you find somewhere to stay and we had to really like to know the answer to? GS Possibly stop spending so many shop for clothes etc. Totally spur of the hours in front of the TV and do moment, great weather, great memories. something productive. I never really GS What is consciousness? appreciated the free time - although it is RV Two weeks ago 7 of us, all junior EW Am I ever going to win the lottery? nice to just do nothing sometimes. doctors from the same year at Cardiff, went to Spain for our best friend’s stag do. EW Life is to short for regrets, so nothing. How do we know it was awesome? We can’t remember most of the weekend…

REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014 11 Innovation and Engagement Awards 2013 In autumn 2013, four competitive awards of £500 were presented to members of staff and students in recognition of their outstanding commitment to innovation and engagement activity. Here is a list of our 2013 winners:

Dr Andrew Carson-Stevens, Clinical The MCPCRC and the WCTU have Lecturer in Health Care Improvement, undertaken a sustained programme Cochrane Institute of Primary Care of work to actively include members and Public Health won the staff award of the public as ‘Research Partners’, for Innovation. As Faculty Lead for the introducing and practising an innovative Stephanie Connaire with Professor Ian Weeks, Dean of Clinical Innovation, Institute for Healthcare Improvement model of public involvement in research. School of Medicine (IHI) Open School, Andrew has led Martin Ezan, an Occupational Health two international projects for students MSc student won the student award Stephanie Connaire, fourth year and junior healthcare professionals: for Excellence in Innovation. His medical student won the student namely, ‘Check a Box. Save a Life’ and unique study comparing needlestick Excellence in Engagement award for her ‘Ask One Question’. safety culture between healthcare work in establishing the Cardiff University Jessica Baillie, Marie Curie Palliative workers in the UK and Ghana, found Paediatric Society (CUPS). This Society Care Research Centre (MCPCRC) led room for improvement in occupational provides events and activities to develop a strong application on behalf of staff health provision in Ghana and showed interest and encourage students to from the MCPCRC and Wales Cancer firm evidence for establishing a new excel in the field of paediatrics. The Trial Unit (WCTU) winning the staff service in occupational health. Martin multidisciplinary nature of the society award for Excellence in Engagement. has been invited to help set up this is an innovative concept, currently not service in the Eastern region of Ghana. adopted by any other university. WelshBone – South Wales Orthopaedics Training Showcase 2014 WelshBone is high impact, valuable and rewarding nailing, compression plating, external an organisation specialty. It also highlighted the fixation and cemented hip replacement, established by excellent Higher Surgical Orthopaedics and launched the South Wales the Orthopaedics Training Programme (ST3 –ST8) offered Orthopaedic Research Network (SWORN), Training Registrars by the Welsh Deanery. a platform for academics and junior in Wales to inspire clinicians to collaborate with medical At WelshBone, it is believed that the and promote students for simple biomechanics and best way to learn is by doing and getting education in Trauma and Orthopaedics. bioscience research. Further details can your hands dirty, it is also one of the Orthopaedics is an extremely fun and be found on the Welshbone website core principles of SWOTS. After a quick rewarding career, therefore it is highly (www.welshbone.co.uk). morning coffee and a welcome lecture, popular and the competition to get into all candidates were “plastered” with a Paul Lee, MBBch MRCS MFSEM the specialty is fearsome. below elbow back slab to experience the MSc PhD, Founder and President of With support from the Royal College loss of function without their dominant Welshbone said: “You can’t fall in love of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the British hand for half a day. This provided a with your work unless you experience it Orthopaedic Trainees Association good opportunity for the candidates and enjoy doing it.” and Cardiff School of Medicine, to demonstrate their natural gift of “It was great fun hosting the first SWOTS. Welshbone successfully hosted its first dexterity and multi tasking skills, when We felt that we achieved our aim and South Wales Orthopaedics Training trying to balance a plate full of noodles inspired young talent to pursue a career Showcase (SWOTS) in Cardiff in May while drinking a hot beverage with the in Orthopaedics. Looking forward, we will 2014. This event demonstrated that non-dominant hand! make SWOTS an annual event and would Trauma and Orthopaedics is not just With help from industry, SWOTS also like to see you in 2015.” about “hammers and drills”, but a offered Saw Bone workshops in IM

Editor: Sarah Hatch, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN The Editor wishes to thank all contributors to this edition of ReMEDy. The Editor reserves the right to edit contributions received. Whilst care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information, this cannot be guaranteed. Views expressed in ‘ReMEDy’ do not necessarily reflect those of the School. Feedback and items of interest relating to the School are welcome and should be sent to [email protected]

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12 REMEDY · EDITION 17 · SEPTEMBER 2014