I am a senior registrar and academic working in neurosurgery. I spend 50% of my time in clinical neurosurgery at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, with a special interest in brain tumours and traumatic brain injuries. The other 50% of my time is focused on research in neurosurgical patients, around clinical trials, older people and traumatic injuries. 

I have previously led on the Dex-CSDH clinical trial which was a national, multi-site randomised controlled trial of dexamethasone for patients with Chronic Subdural Haematoma. Following this I was a co-applicant on the DENS trial, for older people with cervical fractures randomising to early or late removal of a collar and am the PI of this study in Plymouth. 

I also helped design and am a co-applicant on the RESTART-tICH trial which is due to commence next year as a multi-site UK trial randomising to early or late recommencement of blood thinners (DOACs) after a traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. 

I continue to conduct research in the field of Chronic Subdural haematoma including development of a core outcome set, qualitative research on patient pathways and recovery and am part of a national working group developing guidelines in this area (ICENI). 

• Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS)
• Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS)
• European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)

I am currently the national associate sub-specialty lead for neurosurgery at the Royal College of Surgeons which involves helping to support and promote academic activity and clinical trials throughout neurosurgery in the UK. I am also the local PI for the DENS trial in Plymouth and Co-PI for the MAST trial.

I am a founding member and co-chair of the International Collaborative Research Initiative on Chronic Subdural Haematoma (iCoRIC) study group; www.icoric.org

Previously I have been the trainee representative on the specialty advisory committee (SAC) for Neurosurgery (2018-20) and chair of the British Neurosurgical Trainees Research Collaborative (BNTRC) in 2017.

I am interested in teaching medical students, junior doctors and allied health professionals on any areas relating to neurosurgery, neuroanatomy or research in this field. I am also a mentor for academic trainees and students interested in a career in neurosurgery and support projects and publications. 

In addition to my passion for neurosurgery, I am a mother and a passionate advocate for the role of women in neurosurgery and academia. I have been invited to be part of an equality and diversity task force led by the EANS to help improve recruitment and working standards for diverse groups within neurosurgery. I think the establishment and availability of good role models in the field is essential and am always happy to be contact by students or colleagues with similar interests.