Areeg Elmusrati, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Areeg explains, “I first chose to study at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ when I was looking for a postgraduate course. With internationally recognised academic staff and in particular oral pathologists, it was the only postgraduate course taught in the UK that specialised in Diagnostic Oral Pathology.â€
“I was awarded a Masters in Medical Science (MMedSci) with Honors, and was also offered a position as a PhD student, which I accepted without hesitation. My time at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ is not only about continuing education, but it has also given me the opportunity to develop my teaching skills, as I have been given the opportunity to be a teaching assistant and practical demonstrator for undergraduate dental students, and teaching research skills and lab training for postgraduate students.â€
Oral cancer is a common cancer worldwide with over half a million patients diagnosed annually. It is amongst the top causes of cancer deaths and can require drastic surgery, causing a huge impact on patient's quality of life. Areeg adds, “I was offered an extension on my scholarship, and a position in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ to continue with the same project on ‘The Role of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Bone Invasive Oral Cancer’. Within several months of starting my PhD, I was successful in publishing my findings in the British Journal of Cancer.â€
Areeg is now a final year PhD student and has accepted a staff position as a Post-doctorate Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Associate at the School of Clinical Dentistry. Her future plans are to remain in academia and work on gaining recognition to practice as a dentist in the UK.
“My advice to anyone wanting to study a PhD in Sheffield is that Sheffield is a beautiful city, with a welcoming community and a good place to make friends. There is always something going on and many places to discover!â€