Research Officer

Parisa Zamani

My vision as research officer for Paediatric Society would be to provide a wide variety of accessible research projects for students. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to organise these opportunities, but how invaluable they are in teaching essential skills clinically and academically. The society’s current scheme is fantastic and the opportunities have been really interesting, but I would love to liaise with more clinicians and scientists to explore whether it’s possible to expand it and create more chances to participate. I suspect remote projects will be more common after COVID, therefore I’d like to consider using my contacts at other hospitals like GOSH to find more available projects. I’d also like to consider liaising with other societies to arrange possible ‘crossover’ projects, as this will widen the students being recruited. I’d also like to run some events surrounding academia, such as how to write reviews and how to get published, as this is something I feel students benefit from. This year, I also completed a module in reproductive physiology, giving me contacts with scientists in the area of neonatal medicine who I could potentially discuss projects with, to provide scientific projects as well as clinical projects.

I believe my previous experiences have prepared me to take on this role and to be an asset to the committee. I have designed a gastroenterology pilot study at the Evelina, and I have also completed a surgical urology audit, which provided me with a breadth of knowledge on different paediatric subspecialties, as well as with an array of contacts within the department. During intercalating, I researched the assessment protocol of post-COVID patients, which I went on to present at an international conference and am in the process of submitting to journals, which has given me insight beyond completing projects. My time as treasurer of Gastroenterology Society and volunteer’s officer at KCL Marrow has allowed me to enhance my communication and organisational skills, which I will carry into this role. Overall, my passion for paediatrics, my experience with research and my range of contacts make me suitable for this position.

Maryam Ajmal

Hello! I’m Maryam, a third year medical student at King’s College London. My aim as your Research Coordinator is to revive your zeal of conducting paediatric-related research projects/audits!

Given the current pandemic, I can understand, first-hand, how challenging it can be to get involved with research projects. However, having participated in two research projects this academic year, I want to facilitate likewise opportunities for you!

With my organised, dependable and approachable nature, I am well equipped in fulfilling the various expectations which may come with this role. Furthermore, having participated in research projects myself, I have plentiful tips to offer, to smoothen your journey in paediatric research.

In the coming academic year, I aim to:

• Liaise with doctors to facilitate research/audit opportunities for you

• Advertise these research/audits opportunities well in advance, to ensure you have enough time to get involved

• Offer research masterclasses, to help equip and support you better in your research

• Offer follow up support, to help troubleshoot any possible issues with the research project, should there be any

I am excited at the prospect of the opportunities ahead which can fulfil your ambition of conducting research, and I am committed to making these opportunities accessible for you!

As a former member of Charity Week London, I have plentiful experience in liaising with relevant parties, to help facilitate events. I will use my ability to remain dedicated, well-organised and approachable, to liaise with doctors conducting research projects/audits.

As a GKT Mental Health Representative, my role entails communicating and conveying the opportunities to the public. I will utilise the skills derived to communicate with relevant members and advertise these opportunities in advance.

Mentoring and guiding peers as a Welfare Rep, I have developed the communication skills to mentor those wishing to conduct paediatric-related research projects/audits. Having conducted two research projects, I’m aware of the process and will channel this knowledge into facilitating the research journeys. Furthermore, having presented at three academic conferences and securing a third-place prize at one, I’m aware of the requirements of a high quality research project, and will translate this into advice for my peers.