Areeg Elmusrati, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Areeg explains, “I first chose to study at The University of Sheffield when I was looking for a postgraduate course. With internationally recognised academic staff and in particular oral pathologists, it was the only postgraduate course taught in the UK that specialised in Diagnostic Oral Pathology.”

“I was awarded a Masters in Medical Science (MMedSci) with Honors, and was also offered a position as a PhD student, which I accepted without hesitation. My time at The University of Sheffield is not only about continuing education, but it has also given me the opportunity to develop my teaching skills, as I have been given the opportunity to be a teaching assistant and practical demonstrator for undergraduate dental students, and teaching research skills and lab training for postgraduate students.”

Oral cancer is a common cancer worldwide with over half a million patients diagnosed annually. It is amongst the top causes of cancer deaths and can require drastic surgery, causing a huge impact on patient's quality of life. Areeg adds, “I was offered an extension on my scholarship, and a position in The University of Sheffield to continue with the same project on ‘The Role of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Bone Invasive Oral Cancer’. Within several months of starting my PhD, I was successful in publishing my findings in the British Journal of Cancer.”

Areeg is now a final year PhD student and has accepted a staff position as a Post-doctorate Research Associate at the School of Clinical Dentistry. Her future plans are to remain in academia and work on gaining recognition to practice as a dentist in the UK.

“My advice to anyone wanting to study a PhD in Sheffield is that Sheffield is a beautiful city, with a welcoming community and a good place to make friends. There is always something going on and many places to discover!”