With the Turner-Warwick lectures for 2020 recently launched, we spoke to some of the winners from the 2019 lecture scheme to find out more about their experiences with the scheme and what advice they'd pass on to this year's round of trainees.
Dr Zenas Yiu gave his winning lecture 'An investigation into the association and prediction of serious infection in patients on biologic therapies for psoriasis' in Mersey. Dr Charlotte Boughton became the Turner-Warwick lecturer for the Eastern region with the talk titled 'The artificial pancreas for hospitalised patients with diabetes'. Dr Amit Sud was awarded the Turner-Warwick lecture for London and presented 'Cancer genetics – a voyage of discovery'. Each of the winners presented their lectures at their regional Update in medicine conferences.
'It is a great opportunity to gain experience in presenting your work and adapting your talk for a broad range of clinicians, so go for it!' – Dr Zenas Yiu
Why did you apply for the 2019 Turner-Warwick lectures?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'The Turner-Warwick lectures were a great opportunity for me to present my research findings to a broad physician audience. It was also a pleasure to share some of the advances in the treatment of psoriasis with a non-dermatological physician audience.'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'It seemed like a really good opportunity to share my clinical and research interests with the wider medical community and to gain experience in giving lectures.'
Dr Amit Sud: 'I applied because [the scheme] represented an opportunity to learn (from preparation, presenting and receiving questions); to contribute and engage with the RCP; it represented an opportunity to communicate scientific research.'
How did you prepare for your lecture presentation?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'I ran through my presentation several times in other international meetings and in the local meetings, so I made sure I knew my slides!'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'I practised the lecture in front of a few non-medical and non-specialist colleagues and tested out the interactive parts to ensure they were suitable.'
Dr Amit Sud: 'Preparation involved some thought into the topic including constructing a narrative while making it relevant to the audience; preparation of the slides; practise, practise, practise.'
What were the easiest and most difficult parts?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'The easiest parts were preparing the technical parts of my talk, as this was part of my PhD research. The most difficult part was trying to translate some of these more technical parts to language that would be accessible and relevant to the general medical clinician audience.'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'Preparing a talk on a subject that interests and excites you is easy, but selecting the relevant information and pitching specialist research to a general medical audience was more challenging. I also find presenting with confidence requires experience, which is what I hoped to gain from participation in this scheme.'
Dr Amit Sud: 'I'm not sure I can give an 'easy' part! However, I enjoyed giving the talk, receiving feedback and collating work from others and myself to construct a talk (with an opportunity to think). The difficult part was trying to ensure my talk was relevant and useful for the audience.'
What would you say to others who are thinking of applying this year?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'It is a great opportunity to gain experience in presenting your work and adapting your talk for a broad range of clinicians, so go for it!'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'I would definitely encourage others to apply — this was a very positive experience for me and a great opportunity to practise delivering talks to a general medical audience and raising the profile of my clinical research.'
Dr Amit Sud: 'Apply! Not only is it an honour to give a talk in Dame Turner-Warwick's name, but it's an enjoyable experience,and one which I learned a great deal from.'
What has winning the scheme in your region meant to you?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'It is a great privilege and honour for me, and also for UK dermatology and dermatological patients, as the completion of my project was only possible through the involvement and time of many dermatology patients and their recruiting research teams.'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'This achievement was recognised by colleagues locally and raised the profile of the research work that we are doing. I was approached by several people after the talk who were interested in collaborating in the future, which was an unanticipated bonus!'
Dr Amit Sud: 'It has given me experience of delivering a lecture to a large audience and an opportunity to reflect on my research.'
What have you gained from taking part in the scheme?
Dr Zenas Yiu: 'It was a fantastic experience to talk to so many clinicians interested in the adverse effects of biologics used for psoriasis, and it was a pleasure to obtain feedback from clinicians from a varied background.'
Dr Charlotte Boughton: 'This scheme has given me valuable experience in delivering talks to a general medical audience and allowed me to build my confidence. I will certainly look out for similar opportunities in the future.'
Dr Amit Sud: 'Presenting to an audience that I would not normally reach through other opportunities has been invaluable.'
More information about the Turner-Warwick lectures
The Turner-Warwick lecturer scheme for trainee physicians celebrates the life and achievements of the RCP’s first female president, Dame Margaret Turner-Warwick. The scheme provides the winning trainees with the opportunity to present a lecture to peers and senior colleagues at their regional update in medicine conference.
Applications for 2020 are now open and abstract submissions, as well as declarations of interest, are welcome. Complete information about the scheme can be found on the dedicated Turner-Warwick lectures webpage.
