What does it mean to you to have won this award?
Winning this award is a real honour, and for me it reflects the shared commitment of colleagues across the MBBS to putting student support at the heart of the programme. It is a team effort and I’m especially proud that the award recognises the work we have done to move towards a more proactive, embedded approach to academic support, so that students feel guided and supported throughout their journey, from entry to graduation. There’s still a lot to do, and we continue firmly as a team on this mission.
What’s next for you in this area?
The next step is to keep building on this work so that academic support is even more consistent, visible and joined-up across the MBBS. Personally and as the Academic Support Lead, I wish to continue strengthening support from the earliest stages of the programme, making sure students are equipped not only to respond to challenges, but to develop the skills, confidence and sense of belonging that help them thrive.
What do you see as the strengths of our Faculty? What makes us distinctive?
One of the Faculty’s greatest strengths is its genuine commitment to students, combined with a strong culture of collaboration across teams. What makes us distinctive is the way we bring together academic excellence, innovation and student support, with colleagues working closely across disciplines and services to create an environment where students can succeed and feel valued. I am very proud of our student support team for the MBBS; it is a wonderful group of people with experience, dedication and passion for the job.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I’d tell my 18-year-old self not to worry so much about having everything planned out, but to still have some sense of direction, keep my eyes open to opportunities, and learn from the people around me. I wouldn’t have believed that I’d end up where I am today — and I’m not sure she would have taken me seriously anyway! I’d simply say: be open to where the journey takes you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
From a student support point of view, one area I’m particularly keen to develop further is how we support neurodivergent students throughout the MBBS. We already have plans in place and are beginning to shape this work, with a focus on making support more proactive, inclusive, and responsive to different ways of learning. It is an important area, and one that deserves thoughtful attention, so I would simply say: watch this space.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
Outside work, much of my time is spent running after my children — sometimes quite literally! I also enjoy playing the piano, reading a good book when I get the chance, and spending time with and looking after my family. That said, work does have a habit of creeping into my free time, so finding the right balance is still very much a work in progress!
Who inspires you most and why?
I’m most inspired by people who manage to balance demanding careers, multiple responsibilities, and a busy personal life while remaining calm and grounded. I particularly admire those who have achieved a great deal but remain humble, generous, and unassuming about what they do. There is something very inspiring about people who have gone far, yet still make time for others and never lose sight of who they are.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My role as Director of Student Support within the MBBS is one of several roles I hold, alongside my work as a clinician (rheumatologist), researcher, and advocate collaborating with European teams and patients to improve the lives of people with rheumatic diseases at EU level. What I value most across all these roles is the people I work with. Their commitment, ideas, and shared sense of purpose drive everything we do. For me, the most rewarding part is working together, united by a common goal, and seeing what we can achieve as a team.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Spring
Favourite London restaurant: Happy
Favourite book: The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read
One thing you could not go a day without: A hug from my children