Thomas Carr

I wanted to join the Summer Internship Programme to gain practical research experience and learn more about antibiotic resistance in healthcare professionals. As a medical student, I was keen to develop my research skills and gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based healthcare, while experiencing what it’s like to contribute to a real research project.

My internship focused on a meta-analysis investigating antibiotic resistance among healthcare professionals. Through the project, I developed valuable skills in data extraction, data analysis and scientific writing, including contributing to different sections of the research paper. The experience strengthened my understanding of research and evidence-based medicine, which will support both my studies and my future career in medicine.

One of the highlights of the internship was gaining hands-on experience of conducting a meta-analysis. I particularly enjoyed developing my skills in data extraction and analysis, as well as learning how to write scientific research sections, including the methods section. It also deepened my understanding of antibiotic resistance and gave me valuable research experience that will contribute to my portfolio as I work towards a career in surgery.

Like many research projects, there were challenges along the way. Learning to use unfamiliar platforms such as Jamovi and StatsDirect pushed me outside my comfort zone, while having to revisit and amend parts of my analysis helped me develop resilience and patience. These experiences taught me how important it is to be adaptable and confident in problem-solving when things do not go exactly as planned.

Looking ahead, my goal is to become a surgeon, with a particular interest in orthopaedic or cosmetic surgery. I am passionate about combining clinical practice with research because I believe research is fundamental to improving patient outcomes, developing new treatments and advancing surgical practice. I hope to continue developing my research skills throughout my medical training and contribute to evidence-based improvements in healthcare.

Ultimately, I want to become a well-rounded surgeon who not only provides excellent patient care but also contributes to research and innovation within the field.

I would definitely recommend the Summer Internship Programme to other students. It was a valuable and rewarding experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence. Alongside practical research skills, I learned the importance of resilience, patience and being willing to learn from mistakes. Most importantly, it gave me a much greater appreciation of research and how it can make a real difference to patient care and future healthcare practice.