After winning this year’s Chancellor’s Medal and graduating in Biomedical Science, Maisy reflects on her time working with the Julia Garnham Centre. The centre is a pioneering University of Sheffield genetics facility that tackles NHS backlogs and speeds up blood cancer diagnoses.
Unleashing the next generation of cancer fighters: Launched in 2021, the centre is at the forefront of tackling the backlog of cancer and rare diseases in the NHS. The Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences, offer training and remote work placements for undergraduates and postgraduate students, giving them hands-on experience while directly aiding the NHS. It's a win-win – students gain crucial training, and the NHS gets a boost in its fight against these critical illnesses.
Here's how:
- Decoding the Karyotype: Blood holds the key. By analysing a patient's karyotype (a complete set of chromosomes), Maisy and the student team identify abnormalities that might signal cancer progression. It's like a detective hunt for clues hidden in a patient's DNA.
Maisy commented: “It’s basically ordering chromosomes from patients, mostly from bone marrow, essentially to identify any abnormalities that are evidence of highly progressive disease, because that can indicate that they have a particularly poor prognosis or that their preexisting cancer is getting worse.”
- Fast-tracking Urgent Cases: The NHS currently faces long waiting lists for karyotype analysis. But not here! The Julia Garnham Centre helps to prioritise high-risk cases. By flagging abnormalities, staff and students in the Centre help to fast track patients in a more targeted way.
“In the Julia Garnham Centre we can look at cases straight away, as soon as they are available. We work really closely with NHS staff in the Centre to create genetic data that helps to fast track some patients (with the greatest need), and reduce waiting times for everyone. I feel really proud that my work has helped to reduce NHS backlogs and perhaps even saved lives.”
Beyond Textbooks: This experience goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating with the hospital provides invaluable hands-on training in genetic analysis. Maisy gets to learn from experienced NHS professionals, making her education truly transformative.
“The work has allowed me to gain hands-on training in genetic analysis, something that wouldn't be possible in a traditional academic setting. I’ve asked lots of questions to my NHS supervisors in the centre and the staff have been super helpful. I now feel trained and want to move into the working world of clinical genetics.”
The Takeaway: This story highlights the power of the University of Sheffield’s partnerships. It's also of mutual benefit for students who gain practical experience and for patients who receive faster diagnoses. Maisy's journey is an inspiration for any student passionate about making a difference in healthcare.