EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 EDITION 15 · JANUARY

RENews fromMED University’s Y School of Medicine Newyddion o’r Ysgol Feddygaeth, Prifysgol Caerdydd

Inside… Life Sciences Challenge Searching out the truth C21 Comes of Age

DIAGNOSE THE PAST, RESEARCH THE PRESENT, REPAIR THE FUTURE Welcome Making an Impact: Motivational Welcome to the fifteenth edition of ReMEDy and my first foreword as the recently appointed Dean of Medicine. Interviewing – Helping People Change

2014 promises to be another busy Stephen Rollnick on ‘Motivational Research on the best way to encourage patients to change their lifestyle or and exciting year for the School as we Interviewing’ and the positive effects become more firmly embedded into the this research is now having on policy medication use has a long history, with mixed results. People don’t respond structure of the College of Biomedical and practice across the world. uniformly well to being advised to change. In response, Stephen Rollnick, a and Life Sciences, begin work on our In this issue, we once again highlight Professor of Healthcare Communication and clinical psychologist with many post-REF Research Strategy, and the ten ways in which the work of the years of experience in service provision, co-founded a specialist method, C21 programme takes its final steps School impacts society through its Motivational Interviewing (MI). towards validating years three and four Professor Stephen Rollnick research, learning and teaching and of the new MBBCh. innovation and engagement activities. Matthews. Outstanding academic This edition focuses on our students We also gain an interesting insight MI is defined as worldwide, embracing guidelines and on brief performance of our medical students and our main feature highlights into the work of the Curriculum “a collaborative, policy documents in many countries MI has had a direct and and the teaching excellence of some some of the exciting innovations, Team in the Institute of Medical goal-oriented style and continents. measurable impact on the delivery of of our staff were also celebrated at of communication brief intervention in emergency room such as case-based learning and the Education. The team provide the day- Between 2008 and December 2012, the sixth annual Student Achievement with particular settings in North America from Bethel, harmonisation programme, that will to-day support to the undergraduate Motivational Interviewing in Health Day in November. Congratulations attention to Alaska to Bayamon, Puerto Rico to ensure our medical students are fully Medicine Programme, working Care by Rollnick, Miller & Butler sold to all who won awards including the language Yale, New Haven and Boston Medical prepared to embark on their future closely with students, academics and 71,748 copies and was translated into Professor Helen Sweetland who won of change. It Centers. The benefit to patients emerged medical careers of choice. hospitals around the country, amongst 11 languages, prompting Jim Nageotte, the Lifetime Achievement award. is designed from our numerous controlled trials. many others. Senior Commissioning Editor at Guilford Fifth year student, Dylan Roi provides to strengthen Implementation of this respectful and I hope you enjoy reading this first edition Press to note: “Rollnick & Butler’s Cardiff a personal insight into his GP training Finally, this issue celebrates recent personal effective intervention now extends way of the New Year and I wish everyone a research provided the fuel for a book placement in Germany and the activity that has taken place within motivation beyond the boundaries of our work happy and productive 2014. that has surpassed all expectations. benefits of the ERASMUS programme. the School, including the first ever Life for and here in Boston to many scores of It continues to find avid readers from This edition’s ‘Making an Impact’ Sciences Challenge event organised Professor John Bligh commitment to a specific goal thousands of patients across the USA across medicine and related professions, story highlights the work of Professor by Drs Angharad Watson and James Dean, School of Medicine by eliciting and exploring the person’s and in other countries.” and has established itself as the primary own reasons for change within an source for teachers and practitioners Stephen’s current work includes atmosphere of acceptance and wanting to learn about the application supporting programmes aimed at compassion.” (Motivational Interviewing: of MI in different healthcare settings.” pregnant teenagers, children with Helping People Change. William R C21 Update HIV-AIDS in Africa and medication Miller, PhD, Stephen Rollnick, PhD. Ken Resnicow, Professor of Health In September 2013, the C21 team experiences to prime them for Project Manager, Dr Sam Hibbitts, adherence in different areas. Stephen Guilford Press, Sep 2012, 3rd Edition.) Behaviour and Health Education, School busily prepared for the intake of first learning in the workplace. Director of Student Selected is a co-founder of PATA (Paediatric of Public Health, University of Michigan and fifth year students to the newly Components (SSCs) and Sara In 1993 Stephen, now joined by Aids Treatment for Africa) and of the Case-Based Learning comprises used Cardiff health care textbooks, and revamped MBBCh. The team also Whittam, Provision Professor Chris Butler and others, Motivational Interviewing Network a series of typical patient case the agenda-setting and importance- worked to complete the proposal for Development Manager. Ria’s role embarked on a twenty-year health of Trainers (MINT), an international scenarios throughout the life of the confidence strategies within them, in Phase Two of C21 to be submitted is to project manage the design behaviour change research programme, network for trainers. course for students to consider in the training of trainers within AETNA, a to the Programme Approval Panel, and implementation of the new leading to a range of specific small group sessions. Their learning company with over 36 million members. Stephen, who is about to retire, for validation of years three and undergraduate medical curriculum brief consultation strategies being is reinforced by seminars, lectures, The focus was on behaviour change comments: “MI is really just a vehicle four of the MBBCh. The Programme and Sam’s role is to oversee the developed, tested and published in dissection, clinical skills practice among members with a chronic disease. for improving practice, and it’s tough Approval Panel will meet in February development, implementation, papers and textbooks for clinicians: and patient-focussed learning in Professor Resnicow notes, “The impact on the front line of care. MI involves 2014 to consider the proposal, and assessment and quality assurance the community. Community-Based t“Pros & Cons” The patient describes of Rollnick and Butler’s seminal research the use of active listening to promote this will be the final stage in obtaining of SSC projects. Sara is heading Learning supports Case-Based the benefits and drawbacks of change in Cardiff goes beyond the private sector behaviour change. Paradoxically, this approval for the Programme. up a five year project, funded by the Learning by providing students and is all but immeasurable. Leading US saves time in busy practice. Getting this Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, which t“Importance & Confidence” Specific Back in September, year one with real patient experiences which government and professional bodies, e.g. message across is not easy. That’s a supports the C21 vision to ‘produce, questions to address the “why” and students embarked on the Platform reinforce the relevance of the basic the American Medical Association, the matter of changing hearts and minds of attract and retain the best doctors “how” of change for Clinical Sciences module, which sciences. There are six cases in year American Academy of Pediatrics, and the practitioners. MI gains its traction from in ’ by aiming to increase t“Elicit-Provide-Elicit” A new builds on knowledge from A-level one and eleven cases in the new year US Preventive Task Force, have adopted services and systems that all too often the number of applications from framework for exchanging science subjects and prepares two (2014-15), and each case has healthcare MI for the prevention and view listening to patients as a by-product Welsh speakers and develop the information with patients students for Case-Based Learning. an associated community learning management of chronic disease.” of some more worthy activity. The day opportunities for students to access Meanwhile, year five students have session at the campuses of Newport, t“Agenda-setting” A method for MI is no longer needed would be one their learning and support through Dr Edward Bernstein, Boston Medical been engaging with their Preparing Merthyr, Bridgend and Cardiff. deciding with patients which to celebrate. Until then, researchers the medium of Welsh during their Center, utilised the healthcare strategies for Practice module and their behaviour change to focus on have the opportunity to explore and The C21 team are delighted to medical training. evaluated in Cardiff for very brief electives. Preparing for Practice demonstrate what effective practice in introduce and welcome three new The impact of the above Cardiff emergency room consultations with builds on students’ prior clinical promoting change looks like.” appointments: Ria Poole, C21 research on clinical strategies is very patients with alcohol and drug problems. diverse and widely disseminated Dr Bernstein notes, “Rollnick’s research

2 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 3 Student Meet the team: The Curriculum Team Achievement Day Training Opportunities The Curriculum Team provides the year. One of the main challenges who has done much to improve the In November the sixth annual Student the day-to-day support to for the Curriculum Team is juggling process in recent years. Larry is Achievement Day was held in the the forward planning of the C21 moving on to another role soon and in Europe Michael Griffith Education Centre. the undergraduate Medicine Programme (new curriculum) with the will be greatly missed. The aim of the day is to recognise Programme, working closely here and now. Other responsibilities of the Curriculum outstanding performance, academic Dylan Roi, fifth year medical undergraduate gives a and otherwise, by medical students An important function of the Team include troubleshooting, with students, academics and in years one to five, Intercalated personal account of his experience of undertaking a hospitals around the country, Curriculum team is to be the first timetabling, room bookings, students and Post Graduate students. GP placement in Germany. point of contact for undergraduate communications and travel. The In addition, awards were presented amongst many others. medical students, who often require team also contributes to placements, to a number of academic staff How many degrees allow you to travel which can sometimes be taken for guidance, advice and support on a admissions and open days for There are approximately 300 students members who had made a significant wide range of issues. Each of the Year prospective students. There is no with your knowledge and skills in the granted in day-to-day practice. in each of the 5 undergraduate years contribution to teaching. Coordinators has moved into their roles day-to-day routine in the office – each same way medicine does? That’s one of the MBBCh Medicine course, which Awards for students included the On an individual basis it is a real boost within the last eighteen months, each day has a different layout and different of the questions I asked myself before is made up of lectures, small group nominees for the Dean’s list, which of confidence to know you can integrate bringing experience from outside of people to work with. There is always a embarking on this journey. After a few teaching and clinical placement around is typically comprised of the six- rapidly and function within a team of the University and the desire to provide great deal which needs to be done, but years of studying I am finally enjoying the country. With up to 1000 students seven students who performed best people far from what you are used to. great customer service, something that it is that challenge which provides the a taster of this privilege. During eight on placement at the same time much in the examinations for each of the we hope is coming across to students. enjoyment and satisfaction of working weeks earlier this year I undertook Being in a new clinical environment is required by way of organisation five undergraduate years. This is a in the Curriculum Team. fantastic achievement given that encourages you to reflect on your and support in order to ensure the Assessments provide the Curriculum my GP placement in a small German the average year size is approaching Team with perhaps the greatest Alongside the day job of coordinating town on the Baltic Sea, Heringsdorf. own practice while learning alternative smooth running of the programme. three hundred. Other awards were The Curriculum Team is lucky to have a challenge throughout the year. the five years of Undergraduate After a few letters and meetings with ways of dealing with clinical situations. given for outstanding performance staff in charge of Familiarising yourself with other health fantastic group of local Undergraduate Working alongside a core group Medicine, the team also has in particular subject areas. Managers around the country who also of hard working academic staff, a responsibility for organising a number the ERASMUS program (European systems is a great way of discovering play a huge part in the organisation huge amount of manpower, beyond of events and servicing a number Recently graduated Louise Paramore, Community Action Scheme for the further opportunities in terms of who won the Individual Contribution what most people would imagine, of committees within the School, Mobility of University Students) I was training, research and work, as well and day-to-day management. Prize for the entire University, again With countless people involved in goes into the planning, scrutiny, including the Board of Medical saw this achievement recognised. put in touch with the University of as expanding your network of contacts Undergraduate Medical Education the organisation and execution of exams. Studies, the Curriculum Management Greifswald. Both sides were helpful and abroad, both social and professional. Staff awards included Teaching Curriculum Team assumes the role of All of this comes before the vigorous Group, the Student Progress supportive of the project and its goals. sitting between all of the stakeholders Quality Assurance checks, which the Committee, the Student-Staff Panel Excellence awards to Dr Steve Riley It is a luxury we ought to embrace to and Dr Liz Metcalf, and a hugely and pulling the different elements Curriculum Team undertakes under and the C21 development groups. The main obstacle that comes to mind have the right to practice, once qualified, popular award for Professor Helen is the language barrier, but medicine throughout the EU, and further afield. together, under the guidance of the guidance of Dr Larry Raisanen, The Curriculum Team can be found on Sweetland who was presented with is in many ways a language of its own, I can only recommend this kind of Academic Year Directors and the Vice the 5th floor of the Cochrane Building. the award for Lifetime Achievement, Dean, Professor Helen Sweetland. suitable recognition for one of the hence you may adapt faster than you experience, no matter what training level think. As some Welsh speakers may you are at. There are many opportunities Each year of the Undergraduate rocks of Medical Education at Cardiff Medicine course is supported by University over recent years. Professor have experienced though, being fluent available within the context of ERASMUS; a Year Coordinator, with a team Kamila Hawthorne described how in a language and leading a consultation and if there isn’t a project to your liking of three clerical officers providing Professor Sweetland had provided in it are two different skills. It puts the go out and create it, you will most likely “leadership not only within Cardiff focus on some communication skills find people willing to support you! further support. The Year one but across Wales whilst also making Coordinator role is vacant at a significant contribution as a Breast the time of writing, with Adam Surgeon at Llandough Hospital”. Hammond doing a great job of filling in, while Lisa Davies coordinates year two, Andy Edwards year three, Jon Childs year four and Becky Masefield year five. The addition of years one and two into the Curriculum Team is the result of a recent re-structuring between the School of Biosciences and Medicine. Although each member of the team has a defined role there is a great team atmosphere in the office and, under the leadership of Martin Hughes, the group will often pull together to overcome many of the larger tasks throughout From left to right: Sarah Kincaid, Lisa Davies, Alex Lamprey, Jon Childs, Becky Masefield, Andy Edwards. Adam Hammond,

4 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 5 C21 Comes of Age

more using the technique of ‘Case- Lesley Griffiths, on February 1st 2013. Keir Hardie Health Park provides Plans are also in progress to build Based Learning’. In small groups, led The £34m state-of-the-art building was purpose built, modern facilities for an Academic Centre building, on the Start of the by a facilitator, students will base their funded by the Welsh Government, three General Practices, dental Health Park site so that in 2014-15 C21 Programme learning around clinical cases. They and will help to address some of the clinics, outreach clinics for children’s students from both years 1 and 2 will be guided to investigate the related health inequalities for people living health services, gynaecology and will be able to use these facilities. After three years of planning, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, in Merthyr Tydfil. The Health Park is mental healthcare. There are also The academic centre will have links the new C21 programme pharmacology, social and psychological the only one of its kind in Wales and facilities for social services, voluntary to several other schools in Cardiff aspects that will be linked to the case. started with an intake of brings together health, wellbeing and services, district nurses, dieticians and University and other academic Each case will cover two weeks and social care services under one roof for physiotherapy services so these are institutions in South Wales. It will be 300 nervous, but excited all students will spend one day a week the first time. brought out of hospital and closer to a centre of learning and research, year one students on the based in one of the hospitals in South people’s homes. to help train the next generation of East Wales or the new Health Park in Dr Chris Jones, chair of Cwm Taf Health 23rd September 2013. health professionals for Wales. Most students have already passed Merthyr Tydfil. Students will start to Board, said at the opening: Each week, sixty first year students the main formal assessments, The first week was a mixture of develop clinical history and examination will have the opportunity to be part so can concentrate on using and talks and fun events to help them skills and practical procedure skills of this new era of healthcare delivery ‘Harmonisation’ increasing their knowledge in the “Keir Hardie Health Park is get to know each other, staff and in the clinical skills centres. They will in Wales. They will experience the programme – clinical environment. Students are also the environment they will be living spend some of the day visiting and a platform to launch a 21st excellent facilities of the Health Park contributing to the NHS, by working on and working in for at least the next talking to patients in general practice, century attack on the inverse at first hand, as they will be based year five an audit or service improvement project outpatient clinics and specialist teams five years. On the second day they 1 there for their clinical activities. They which should provide information to in hospitals and the community. These care law and uniquely brings The new ‘Harmonisation’ programme were challenged to think about will be able to develop clinical skills help clinical teams improve the quality opportunities will include physiotherapy together all the elements for year five, also started in early and debate, ‘what makes a good and engage with a wide variety of of patient care. As the Francis report service, addiction units, sexual health September, with students spending doctor,’ with inspiring talks by two of health and social care to clinical activities that are going on all (2013)4 reminds us, medical students clinics and community mental health eight weeks in general practice or consultants, two senior nurses and support people and help the time within the Health Park and and trainee doctors have an important teams for example. The clinical with acute care teams in hospitals a patient representative. the local community. role to play in recognising and reporting opportunities will be related to the case them develop healthier lives. throughout Wales. Students have where there may be problems in the they are studying at the time. With these opportunities, Professor Helen Houston, who has worked alongside Foundation doctors quality of care being provided and the future of healthcare for worked as a GP in this area for and consultants to assess acute hospitals should actually seek that One of these venues is the Keir Hardie many years, is leading the academic admissions and manage their care Platform for Clinical citizens of Merthyr Tydfil feedback from students. Health Park, Merthyr Tydfil, which team and is very excited about the in a fully supported environment. was opened by the Welsh Government borough can be improved Students have been expected to Sciences – year one 2 opportunities that these facilities The rationale behind the Harmonisation Minister for Health and Social Services, and new challenges met.” work on different shifts so that they will provide to support the first year project is to ensure that students The real work began with a busy are fully aware of how hospitals students to learn about the health are well prepared for the Foundation programme of practical sessions in the operate at different times of the day problems and needs of this particular Programme and life as a doctor. The anatomy centre and clinical skills centre; and night. Each week students have area of South East Wales. It is hoped need for this has been further reinforced small group working, plenary lectures presented their cases for discussion and Friday sessions, ‘ask the expert’. that the excellent modern facilities by Professor David Greenaway’s recent at a ‘My practice‘, group, which The schedule has been hectic for all and opportunities to meet inspirational review; ‘Shape of training’,5 in which has been facilitated by a senior who are involved but the enthusiasm people such as Dr Julian Tudor Hart will he proposes that GMC full registration clinician. They have also engaged with and the engagement of the students encourage the students to see what should take place at the time of simulation sessions, using acute case has impressed the staff. With so many can be achieved by clinical research graduation, rather than at the end of the presentations, to ensure that group sessions, key staff members in daily clinical practice, to improve first year of the foundation programme. all students have an understanding already know who most of the students the health of the local community. Sir Cardiff School of Medicine is leading the of how to deal with these are so that is a major improvement. Mansel Aylward, chairman of Public way in preparing students for this first situations. Key researchers, including Professor Health Wales, grew up in Merthyr and transition of their medical careers. Paul Morgan, have been challenged has also had a vision to improve the and impressed by the students’ probing quality of healthcare for the people of questions in these sessions. his home town.3 Integrating Science and the Life Course - 1. Dr Julian Tudor Hart who was a GP in the Valleys for 30 years, pioneered the use of the term ‘inverse care law’ in an article in the year one and two Lancet in 1971. This states that, ‘the availability of good medical care tends to vary inversely with the need of the population served’. With some grounding in basic sciences, 2. http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/healthandsocialcare/2013/130131keirhardie/?lang=en students will build on this knowledge, 3. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/keir-hardie-health-park-opens-2504390 throughout the course and in years 4. The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry. Robert Francis QC. Feb 2013 one and two, they will start to learn 5. Shape of Training report. Prof David Greenaway. Oct 2013

6 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 7 7. Time to Change Wales 10 Ways MEDIC is Making an Impact Time to Change Wales is the first national campaign, led by MIND Cymru that aims to address the stigma and discrimination faced by those that have a The School of Medicine has a successful track record of contributing to society mental health illness. Mental health problems are common, perhaps even more so in those who work in medicine. Many feel unable to disclose they have a through its Research, Learning and Teaching, and Innovation and Engagement mental health problem because they feel it will affect their career prospects, activity. Efforts by many staff and students highlight a rich variety of ways in which and this includes medical students (as evidenced in a recent GMC Report). the School is engaging and benefitting society. Here are just ten recent examples: On 22nd November, the School of Medicine signed the Time to Change Pledge 6. New hope for in a public demonstration of its support of the aims of Time to Change Wales, for the School of Medicine and Cardiff will then study samples from humans dialysis patients’ as as part of the celebration for the Student Achievement Day. The School of 1. Supporting the and Vale University Health Board is who are genetically predisposed to “Immune-fingerprints” Medicine will work with Time to Change Wales to complete an action plan, look now head of the National Institute developing cardiovascular disease or at policies and work place culture and use their resources to create an open needs of MS patients for Social Care and Health Research dementia with the aim of discovering discovered and supportive environment. We appreciate that it takes small steps, but this is a start towards a time when both students and staff can learn and work in a and their carers (NISCHR). In this role, Jon will work new lipids that are involved in the Professor Nicholas Topley and towards NISCHR’s aim to stimulate disease processes themselves,” says supportive and open environment. A new study funded by the MS Dr Matthias Eberl have discovered a and reward excellence and innovation, Professor O’Donnell. Trust will explore the transition from novel way of significantly accelerating improve the research environment and relapsing-remitting to secondary the detection of bacterial infection invest strategically in the future. progressive multiple sclerosis to using the patient’s own immune system. inform the production of content of 3. International award support programmes for patients Current diagnostic tests are often and carers, as well as educational for fertility researcher delayed by days and can lead to packages for clinicians. Led by Drs Dr Michail Nomikos, Institute of treatment failure and sometimes Fiona Wood and Kate Brain, based even death. Dialysis patients with at the Cochrane Institute of Primary Molecular and Experimental Medicine, has received the prestigious 2013 chronic kidney disease rely on fast Care and Public Health, the study and accurate diagnosis of infection will run until November 2014. Investigator Achievement Award at the annual meeting of the American Society so doctors are able to administer the correct antibiotic treatment to ensure for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The formation of a laceration (illustration by Marc Smith, Forensic Medical Photographer a fair chance of recovery. This new Dr Nomikos, received the accolade and Illustrator, WIFM. proof-of-concept research shows that Professor Mike Owen and Time to for his breakthrough study on a sperm patients’ unique immune responses Change Wales Programme Manager, protein called PLC-zeta. Dr Nomikos 5. Teaching resources to infection can be used accurately Antony Metcalfe showed for the first time that this from the Wales Institute to detect which organism is causing protein could be used in rescuing the infection within hours. Together with problem of male infertility, when a of Forensic Medicine commercial partners, the Cardiff group The programme is available at: man’s sperm is unable to activate the The Wales Institute of Forensic is using these insights, which they call 9. Beating bipolar female egg. Many infertile couples www.beatingbipolar.org Medicine (WIFM) recently ‘immune-fingerprints’, to inform the disorder may eventually be able to have babies supplemented its support of development of a point-of-care test. as a consequence of this remarkable undergraduate medical education People suffering from bipolar disorder 10. Healthy habits scientific advance. with a suite of resources on Learning 8. Medical Students can now access a unique on-line reduce dementia risk Central (currently Years 2 and 5) linked programme designed to help manage making a difference A study, which monitored the 4. ¤3M boost to gain to the internet. their condition. 2. Two members of new understanding of Cardiff University medical students healthy habits of 2,235 men over There are resources supporting the are changing the culture of the NHS, Developed by Dr Daniel Smith and a 35-year period, has found that MEDIC academic staff the role fats play in heart Year 2 Student Selected Component one patient at a time. For the past Professors Ian Jones and Nick Craddock, exercise significantly reduces the risk appointed to high profile (SSC) in forensic pathology, and year, members of the School of the on-line website Beating Bipolar is of dementia. disease and dementia curated collections of themed the first of its kind to include interactive Medicine IHI Open School Chapter The study identifies five healthy senior Welsh roles Professor Valerie O’Donnell’s resources for ‘the pathology of material and videos of both patients have been asking their patients, ‘How behaviours as being integral to having Lipidomic Group has been awarded trauma’ – including an eLearning and professionals discussing the best Professor Julie Williams, Head of can I improve your stay today?’ and the best chance of leading a disease- a ¤3M European Research Council package on wounds and injuries approaches to long-term management. Neurodegeneration, MRC Centre acting on it. In addition to winning free lifestyle: taking regular exercise, Advanced Grant to establish a clearer - ‘the medicolegal investigation of on Neuropsychiatric Genetics and the international Permanente Journal Professor Nick Craddock said: not smoking, a low bodyweight, a understanding of the role lipids (fats) death’, and ‘quality and standards Genomics has been appointed Service Quality Award, they have been “We would like to see all NHS healthy diet and a low alcohol intake. Chief Scientific Advisor to the Welsh play in the development of heart in medicolegal death investigation’. spreading the idea to universities mental health teams recommend Government. In this role Julie will disease and dementia. This funding These multi-media resources are and hospitals around the world. Their Beating Bipolar to those who have Professor Peter Elwood, Principal provide independent scientific advice will help the Group determine the total complemented by the website article ‘Medical students as agents been diagnosed with the condition. Investigator of the study said: “The to Welsh Government across a broad number and diversity of lipids in two ‘Forensic Medicine for Medical of quality improvement: how asking However, the programme may also be size of reduction in the instance of spectrum of topics to support decision types of blood cells that help us fight Students’ (www.forensicmed.co.uk). patients a simple question enhances helpful to friends and family to help disease owing to these simple healthy steps has really amazed us and is of and policy making in different contexts. infection and prevent bleeding. For more information, please contact care at the bedside’ is published in them better understand what can the Fall edition of the Permanente often be a challenging condition for enormous importance in an ageing Professor Jonathan Bisson, previous “We hope to find new families of lipids Dr Richard Jones, Clinical Senior Journal. everyone involved.” population.” Director of Research and Development that have never been seen before. We Lecturer in Forensic Pathology ([email protected]).

8 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 9 Jamie Roberts Fiona Lugg Helen Iliff Sara Whittam Since graduating from Cardiff in I’m a final year PhD Student in I am a 3rd Year Medical Student at I’m excited to have recently joined the Medicine, I’ve moved to live in Paris to the Cochrane Institute of Primary Cardiff University. I currently spend Institute of Medical Education as the play rugby for a new club (Racing Metro Care & Public Health. My work my weekdays on placement and my Welsh Language Development Manager 92). I’ve moved to experience a new way is mixed methods focussing on weekends coxing for the University (and not only because I’ve dropped a of life and a new city after growing up the management of childhood Rowing Club. commute to the University of Bristol MEDIC People in Cardiff and spending the last 8 years gastroenteritis. I’ve lived and studied where I used to work...honest!). The first studying in the capital city! I’ve put on in Cardiff for the last 7 years so it phase of my job is working out where hold my medical career for the time being and am focusing on rugby and learning really feels like home now! the opportunities are for us to increase French. I aim to restart my medical the range of opportunities for students career upon retiring from rugby. to complete their undergraduate medical training in a Welsh-language setting. We need to make sure that our future medics embody the Welsh Government’s commitment that Welsh speaking ReMEDy talks to Jamie Roberts, alumnus, patients receive language sensitive services as a natural part of their care. Fiona Lugg, PhD student, Helen Iliff, undergraduate student and Sara Whittam, member of staff, to ask the questions we love to know the answers to!

HI Heroes – Nelson Mandela and What do you listen to first Neville Longbottom. thing in the morning? SW I had tears in my eyes listening to JR Depends what mood I’m in! an interview the other day with Camila Fleetwood Mac / Beautiful South the Batmanghelidjh, founder of the London usual favourites! charity Kids Company - AMAZING - as is anyone who sacrifices selflessly to HI I would run away as soon as the FL BBC Breakfast – although, half help others. Villains? Easy pickings, I What does the School of Which book did you re-read How do you relax? Welsh varsity boat race was over to the time I end up turning it off… know but politicians who don’t seem Medicine need more of? most as a child? Intense political debates at 7am to grasp the real-life consequences of save myself a swim in the Taff. aren’t my thing. their vote-grabbing policies make my JR A bar where they’re allowed to play JR The Guinness Book Of Records! JR Guitar, movies, love eating out with SW When I think of the time I have HI Capital.fm. blood boil. music and have students’ party in! I mates and just laughing all day and spent worrying what other people FL Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights – loved medclub – the I.V lounge isn’t evening! think of me...gah! What a waste! SW 6 Music makes for an eclectic I really wanted a daemon! If you could change one quite the same unfortunately. Other time wasting related regrets alarm call. FL A bit of exercise, a lot of sleep, a thing what would it be? HI James and the Giant Peach. include nonsense such as Angry Birds, FL Organisation! The number of times lot of music and a (responsibly) large the series Lost, Pinterest etc. As a child what did you want JR Free university fees for Cardiff Uni I’ve re-sent “lost” reports…! SW Probably something by Enid glass of wine! to be when you grew up? Blyton. Or Dahl’s ‘The Witches’. students!!! HI Free things to give students. HI I go rowing with my friends from What is your best holiday? the uni rowing club and watch tv with FL People’s negative attitudes to SW As with the University as a whole, Which one question would you JR Can’t really remember! I loved my housemates. change, the unknown and things they a more coordinated and confident really like to know the answer to? computers, sports and science as a JR Travelling California in 2009 – don’t understand. approach to the Welsh language and SW The outdoors does it for me and kid! So jobs in either of those fields I 4 weeks, mustang convertible, the bilingualism. Watch this space! our two dogs get me out in all sorts guess! I’m lucky to have two of them. HI I would be taller. JR When will the Philharmonic bar in Pacific Coast Highway with a good of delightful Welsh weather. Cooking Cardiff re-open (Philly Thursdays were mate of mine – didn’t stop laughing FL A dolphin, then a vet then a nurse SW The lack of appreciation for the What advice would you offer and (or preferably with) 70% dark the best healthcare night out!) for 4 weeks! then a crime scene investigator…! elderly population in the UK. medical students today? chocolate helps too. HI A vet. FL “Why do chairs even exist when FL One with best friends, cocktails, we’re not sitting down?” It’s a quote What is your secret JR To enjoy university life as well If you could turn the clock back, sun and music! SW A vet. Then a librarian. Work from a film but it’s a fair question! ambition? (just between us) as working hard at study. Don’t be what would you do differently? experience in both put paid to those HI Travelling around Australia. that person who spent their whole HI Where is the microbiology lab ideas. JR To become a rock star and play on life studying to gain the extra 1% in where my handwashing practical is JR I don’t live my life that way – I SW Difficult to have a bad one but stage to tens of thousands of people! last June’s trip to the Italian island Who are your heroes your finals if it means sacrificing the tomorrow? have no regrets because at the time, university experience. Go and have a every decision I made was for the right of Ischia was pretty hard to beat for and villains? FL I don’t really have an ambition... SW Why is it that really bad things blast – make friends, make sure you reasons. the combination of food, wine, jaw- truthfully, I just wish for a long and happen to really good people? create good memories from nights out dropping scenery, warm sea... happy life. FL I believe everything happens for JR Heroes – Eric Cantona/Zidane/ and above all enjoy the experiences a a reason and I’m happy with life so Percy Montgomery. No Villains! HI To be able to play an instrument well. degree in medicine has to offer. wouldn’t change a thing in case I bring FL My hero is definitely Hugh Jackman SW To meet Ben & Jerry. Game about the butterfly effect! – what a guy! Villain? Mmm maybe changers. the Joker from Batman?

10 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 REMEDY · EDITION 15 · JANUARY 2014 11

Life Sciences Challenge On Friday September 20th, Cardiff University opened its doors to four teams of bright and talented pupils from local schools to compete in the final of the first ever Life Sciences Challenge. Searching out the truth Over many years the Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine (WIFM) has provided help and advice to organisations highlighting Human Rights abuses, mostly on a pro bono basis. War crimes investigations in Kuwait, Iraq and the Balkans have been supported and assistance given with Death Penalty appeals in the US and Caribbean. Where possible, assistance is also given to families who are not entitled to legal aid, but where investigations of the deaths of a family member involve complex pathology and clear public interest issues. Recently, WIFM has assisted with two There were two competitions, one Haydn Ellis Building for an afternoon of important inquiries involving air crashes through the medium of English, and competition and conversation with Cardiff in Africa where there has been a need the parallel Her Gwyddorau Bywyd, University scientists and researchers for independent review of pathological through the medium of Welsh. Schools at an exhibition of their cutting-edge evidence. The first was the Kenyan had been invited to take part in the research. After two exciting finals, Commission of Inquiry into the death of the spring, and early heats had taken place with questions on topics ranging from Internal Security Minister, Mr. George Saitoti, during the summer term, involving genetics to geology, the winning teams who was killed in June 2012 in a helicopter year nine and year ten pupils. The were Whitchurch High School and Ysgol crash near Nairobi. Mr. Saitoti had been successful finalists were teams from Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe. Following prominent in his fight against Al Qaeda- Whitchurch High School and Cardinal the event, Angharad commented: “It has affiliated Shebab insurgents in neighbouring Newman Catholic Comprehensive, and been a great experience organising this Somalia and had announced his candidacy for the 2013 presidential elections. Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe and challenge. All pupils excelled, showing Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw. off the breadth of their knowledge and The second was the Hammarskjold their excellent problem solving skills. The Challenge is a head-to-head Commission, set up to re-investigate the I hope to see the Life Sciences Challenge panel quiz, with questions set by PhD evidence surrounding the death of the become an ongoing annual event.” students and post doctoral researchers second United Nations Secretary-General, from across the Schools of Medicine, To finish off proceedings, Dr James Dag Hammarskjold, in a plane crash at Biosciences, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Matthews and Professor Julie Williams in Ndola, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), in 1961. Hammarskjold has been regarded Optometry and Psychology, organised her new role as Chief Scientific Advisor as the finest of the United Nations’ leaders by Dr Angharad Watson and Dr James for Wales, presented trophies and prizes and his death came as he tried to negotiate Matthews, School of Medicine. to the competing students. The winning a peaceful outcome to the “Congo crisis” teams each received a cheque for £150 Earlier rounds had taken place in the where the process of African decolonisation to be spent on science at their schools, competing schools, but the four final was leading to intense tensions between as well as individual prizes for the pupils. teams were invited to the brand-new colonial powers, the US and the USSR. There has always been concern that his death was no accident and the Commission ReMEDy Correction Edition 15 was formed to re-evaluate “new” evidence From ReMEDy Edition 14 – In the feature ‘Teddy Bear Hospital: making clinical care more cuddly’, it has been brought to the editor’s attention that a Teddy Bear Hospital Society did operate in Cardiff and review the evidence given to the initial between 2005 and 2008. No offence was intended by the original article. Rhodesian and United Nations inquiries.

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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