Lydia Brown
Project: "Prevalence and Burden of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction Amongst Medical Students at the University of Sheffield."
Medical Student Essay Prize Winner 2024
Ms Brown summarises:
“My project looked at how common Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (a group of conditions, which include things such as IBS) are amongst a population of medical students in the UK.
We found that these disorders were really common, with over three-quarters of students affected, and that they were associated with things such as anxiety, burnout, depression and reduced quality of life.
Additionally, this project showed that despite being common, awareness of these disorders is low and they have a big impact on patient’s lives – so hopefully going forward more work can be done to determine how best to improve these symptoms and reduce the effect they have on people’s overall health and wellbeing. “
What did it feel like to win this award?
“I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of this award and it is an honour for my essay to have been chosen.
It has given me confidence in my research abilities. I hope to continue to be involved in research once I graduate, and the support of the Dr Falk/ GUTS foundation has shown me that there are opportunities to get involved in research at many levels, including whilst at medical school – and this will hopefully lay a foundation in research that I can continue throughout my career! I really enjoyed undertaking this research project I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance of my supervisor, Dr Aziz.”
Read more about Ms Brown’s project, focused on the gut, below.
Dr-Falk-GUTS-Awards-Summary-Lydia-Brown (1)
