Trainee surgeon completes University’s first MD research degree

Oliver Old, a doctor training to be a General Surgeon, with a specialist interest in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, completed a project in collaboration between the University of Exeter Medical School, the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Biophotonics Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Oliver’s thesis, “Detection of Barrett’s neoplasia with vibrational spectroscopy”, focused on methods for early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer - early detection is a vital component of improving outcomes from the disease.

Oliver, 33, currently living in Bristol, said: “My experience at Exeter has been fantastic. Research plays a crucial role in Medicine - this doctorate has confirmed my interest in research and will hopefully act as a catalyst for my career in Academic Surgery.”

Professor Angela Shore, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean at the University of Exeter Medical School said: “I’m delighted to see the next generation of academics emerging from the University of Exeter Medical School. Our ethos prepares our students for rigour in research and nurtures the enquiring mind needed to take on global challenges in healthcare. I look forward to seeing what Oliver and all our other future MD and PhDs will go on to achieve next.”

In 2012, the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD) split into two independent medical schools, creating the University of Exeter Medical School as it is now. All previous MD graduates from the School either began their studies with PCMD or have had shared affiliations elsewhere. The first Medicine undergraduates started at the University of Exeter Medical School in 2013, and will graduate in 2018.