A medical student who has spent a year researching palliative care, some of which was at LOROS has received an award for a paper she wrote using her experience of the Hospice.
Lucy Taylor, 22, who is studying medicine at University of Leicester, took a year out to do research and as part of that spent time at LOROS.
Encouraged by Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Research Lead at LOROS, Professor Christina Faull, who supervised her, Lucy went on to write a 2,000 word essay, which was then chosen as the winning entry by the Royal Society of Medicine.
“I didn’t think I would win because I felt like what I was saying was just stating the obvious,” said Lucy, who spent time with the research team at LOROS, as well as experiencing the services the Hospice provides first hand by working as a Health Care Assistant on the ward.
“I had a few ideas in my head about what to write, so Christina encouraged me to go for it.
“I used my experience of LOROS and what I’d seen when working on the ward at Leicester Royal Infirmary.”
The essay had an assigned title of ‘Innovation in Palliative Care: What’s Next?’ which was part of the Palliative Care Section prize giving.
Lucy’s award and £500 prize, half of which she donated to the Hospice, was presented to her in front of 300 people at a ceremony at London.
“Everyone at LOROS was very supportive of me; the CEO John, event came down to hear my speech and see the prize giving.”
Lucy, whose main focus during her year out was discussing do not resuscitate orders with minority groups, said she enjoyed the time so much that she now wants to do a PHD in research.
“I find research really fun and interesting,” she said.
“Plus, I feel that research plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of Hospice care.
“I feel very lucky anyway to be able to pursue a career in medicine and hopefully being awarded this prize will open lots more doors for me.”
Professor Faull said: " Lucy is a real star.
“She is passionate about people getting the best care when they are living with advanced illness and that doctors are well trained to support them. She has been a wonderful student to work with and is a future leader in research in palliative care . I feel very humbled both by her enormous talent but also her dedication and the values that drive her to be the best doctor she can be and to make a real difference to patients."
LOROS offers a range of education courses and research opportunities. To find out more visit loros.co.uk/education
