Wednesday, 05 July 2023
A fourth-year medicine student at the University of Nottingham has gained a top prize in the prestigious Dr Falk Pharma and Guts UK Charity Awards 2023.
Rebecca Angus won the Medical Student Essay Prize for her research project, which examined the link between alcohol consumption and patient outcomes following gastrointestinal surgery.
The project, entitled ‘A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between alcohol consumption and postoperative outcomes in gastrointestinal surgery’, was carried out whilst Rebecca was studying for her medicine degree at the university’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Rebecca demonstrated all the facets of an excellent research trainee.
Rebecca received her award and £1,000 prize, at the annual meeting of the British Gastroenterology Society (BSG). The ceremony took place during a special dinner at the Hope St Hotel, Liverpool with the awards presented by the President of the BSG, Professor Andy Veitch, and attended by other illustrious names in gastroenterology medicine along with the CEO of Guts Charity UK.
The national Dr Falk Pharma and Guts UK Charity Awards are dedicated to encouraging research and promoting patient care in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Since 2007 they have rewarded more than 140 dedicated young healthcare professionals, including medical students, junior doctors, nurses and dietitians. This year for the first time, pharmacists have also been recognised.
Speaking about the research she undertook Rebecca said: “We know that alcohol misuse heightens the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and increases the likelihood of surgical intervention. Understanding the association between alcohol consumption and surgical outcomes has the potential to improve patient care and optimize recovery.
“We carried out a systematic review and an analysis of 26 relevant papers across nearly 800,000 patients, divided into those who drank alcohol or not before their operation.
“We found that high pre-operative alcohol consumption was associated with an increase in the odds of 30-day mortality with a higher increase in those undergoing colorectal compared to upper GI surgery. Additionally, we found an increase in the risk of leakage from the bowel and surgical site infections.
“These findings significantly contribute to the growing body of evidence illuminating the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on post-operative outcomes. They support existing recommendations for pre-operative care pathways that include screening and abstinence programmes and highlight the urgent need to reduce alcohol consumption to mitigate mortality risks in surgical patients.
“Being involved in this research project as a third-year medical student opened my eyes to the world of research, something that I had not previously recognised. I have gained an appreciation for the power of evidence-based medicine in guiding clinical decisions and improving patient care.”
Dr David Humes, Clinical Associate Professor in GI Surgery at the University of Nottingham, and research supervisor the project, comments: “Rebecca demonstrated all the facets of an excellent research trainee, being highly focused on the research question and undertaking the work to the highest standard. We hope this will be the first of many contributions she makes scientifically as she progresses through her training.”
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More information is available from Adam Mallaby, Media Relations Manager in the Press Office at The University of Nottingham, on +44 (0)115 748 5719 or by email at adam.malaby@nottingham.ac.uk
Adam Mallaby - Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Maternity Cover)
Email: adam.mallaby@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 5719
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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