Alumni Profile: Megan Baxter (2023-2024)
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE AT OXFORD?
Prior to arriving to Oxford University I already had a tremendous passion, and strong foundation in clinical genetics and research. I had previously completed an undergraduate degree in Genetics, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, attended Medical School and had completed a Masters of Medicine (clinical epidemiology). At the time I was working as a junior doctor and was unsure how I could fit my passion for research into clinical practice. I was also unsure how best to utilise my core genetics knowledge. I chose this specific course as it combined and built upon all my previous skills, passions and experience. Each of the individual three terms of the course have a specific target and focus, and develop a unique skill set, beginning with core knowledge, followed by elective modules and then finally a thesis project. Overall this masters provided me the opportunity to consolidate and learn new skills from incredible lecturers, teachers and peers in a centre of excellence.
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE FOR YOU?
The opportunity to learn from such a diverse range of fellow student and lecturers in a centre for excellence.
Privilege to join Professor Jenny Taylor’s Translational Genomics research group, in which today I still have active ongoing projects.
Attending numerous college and Clarendon scholar events including the rowing at Summer Eights
Attending talks and conferences. For example, attending Festival of Genomics conference with the course. (Last year during the course, I had the opportunity to attend the Festival of Genomics conference. This year I had a poster at the Festival of Genomics.)
WHICH SPECIFIC ADVANCED ELECTIVE MODULES DID YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?
For my elective modules I completed A1, A3 and B1. Being a clinician, the modules I selected had significant direct clinical applications and provided me an incredible insight into active and ongoing research and the direction of future personalised clinical therapies.
The B1 module, Genomics in Clinical practice was my favourite module of the course. Every single lecturer in the B1 module was an incredible consultant who is combining research with clinical practice. It was so inspiring and provided me a huge amount of insight as to what is possible.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MSC RESEARCH PROJECT AND HOW IT CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF GENOMICS AND RESEARCH SKILLS.
I am very passionate about rare diseases. More than 1 child in every classroom on average is affected by a rare disease, most of which are genetic in origin. My project within the Taylor lab group looked at skeletal disease gene identification. I had previously been involved in disease gene identification projects but this project allowed me to take a step back and rather than focus on a single gene, focus on the mechanism and processes involved. Working methodically through the research process I gained a confidence that has allowed me to continue to pursue projects that I am interested in and a desire to look at bigger overall processes.
HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE BENEFITING YOUR FUTURE CAREER OR ACADEMIC PURSUITS?
Currently I am the Skeletal Dysplasia Clinical Fellow at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. This job is incredible as it gives me the opportunity to work as a sub-investigator on active ongoing achondroplasia clinical trials. This masters course allowed me to expand and solidify my Genetics knowledge. I can see that I am already applying the knowledge I learned in this course to clinical practice. I also have the opportunity to continue and build upon research skills and the project I began during my master’s project.
IF YOU COULD OFFER ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CONSIDERING THE MSC IN GENOMIC MEDICINE AT OXFORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A single year course passes so quickly and it is quite easy to focus on future deadlines and goals and what comes next. Studying at Oxford University is such a privilege and there are so many opportunities both within the course, through the colleges and within the Oxford community. The course is defined by the 3 key Oxford terms. The Hilary and Trinity term provide greater opportunity for choice and allow you to build on personal passion and interests but in order to make the most of these opportunities the initial foundation knowledge built in Michaelmas term is critical. The thesis project is only a short project but allows the potential for individual project choice – as such reach out to potential supervisors early and be honest about the skills you would like to learn and what is important to improve your research skills.
Taking the ‘risk’ to apply and come to Oxford can seem like such a daunting process. It is involved and really requires you to reflect on what is important and what is important to you. Going through this process was critical in shaping who I am today and I personally feel the skills I learned during this process have helped path my direction. It is scary to chase your dreams, but I am so grateful I chose to apply.
It is so important to focus on the present and enjoy this experience – studying at Oxford truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.