Meet the new ECMC Paediatric Drug Development Clinical Fellows

Meet the new ECMC Paediatric Drug Development Clinical Fellows, Dr Rhian Thomas and Dr Tanveer Ahmed Shaikh. Rhian and Tanveer recently joined the ECMC Paediatric Network to take part in 12-month fellowships at Southampton ECMC and UCL/Great Ormand Street Hospital ECMC. The aim of the Fellowship is to provide the fellows with the opportunity to work in paediatric ECMCs within the oncology and haematology drug development team to gain exposure to children undergoing participation in early phase trials.

 

Dr Rhian Thomas, Southampton Paediatric ECMC

What are you excited about working in the ECMC Network?

I’m thrilled to be joining the ECMC network.  It is a great opportunity to learn more about early phase clinical trials in paediatric oncology and to become involved in trials for children with relapse and refractory neuroblastoma looking at potential new exciting therapies.  

 

Why do you want to work in the paediatric space?

Since medical school, I’ve always wanted to be a paediatric doctor as I enjoy working with children and their families. One aspect of medicine I particularly enjoy is building relationships with patients and their families, and this is particularly important in paediatric oncology.  I completed a clinical fellowship post in paediatric oncology after finishing my foundation programme. This job was challenging at times but also very rewarding. After experiencing a variety of other specialities during my 5 years of paediatric training, I was drawn back to paediatric oncology and wish to pursue a career in this speciality. 

 

How does this fellowship fit in with your future goals/ambitions?

My goal is to become a paediatric oncology consultant and plan to apply for paediatric oncology sub-speciality training. By completing this fellowship, it will enable me to develop my research skills and become involved in early phase clinical trials. These skills are important as so many of the children we care for with cancer are involved in clinical trials with more and more potential treatment options becoming available. 

 

Dr Tanveer Ahmed Shaikh, UCL/Great Ormand Street Hospital Paediatric ECMC

What are you excited about working with ECMC Network?

I am excited in general about the opportunity to work as an ECMC Clinical Fellow in early-phase trials. This role offers an unparalleled chance to engage with a network of colleagues who share my passion for advancing cancer treatment, and to learn from senior professionals who have already made significant contributions to the field. Working within the ECMC network excites me because it bridges the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge research, allowing me to witness firsthand how experimental therapies evolve into standard care. Having gained extensive clinical experience at one of the world's busiest cancer hospitals, I have a deep understanding of patient care but have often wondered about the journey of these treatments from the lab to the clinic. The ECMC network provides the perfect environment to explore this, fulfilling my interest in research and enhancing my ability to contribute to the development of new, life-saving therapies. Ultimately, the goal is to help a child with cancer win their battle, and I believe that working within the ECMC network will provide me with the tools and knowledge to make that possible.

 

Why do you want to work in the paediatric space?

My passion for working in the paediatric space has been clear since the early days of my medical career. I've always found a natural connection with children, quickly becoming the go-to person for paediatric examinations and procedures. This affinity is deeply personal—having been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma during adolescence and treated in a paediatric oncology unit, I spent a significant time surrounded by children facing similar challenges. This experience instilled in me a profound empathy and a strong desire to give back. My journey through treatment not only shaped my understanding of the medical field but also inspired me to pursue a career in paediatric oncology, where I can combine my clinical skills with a personal commitment to helping young patients. I believe that working in this field allows me to not only care for children but also to be a source of support and understanding, guiding them and their families through one of the most challenging times in their lives.

 

How does this fellowship fit in with your future goals/ambitions?

This fellowship is a pivotal step in my journey towards a career in Paediatric Oncology. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen my research foundation, which is crucial for making meaningful contributions to the field. By engaging with leading experts and expanding my professional network, I will enhance my research acumen and learn to approach complex challenges in childhood cancer with a more analytical and solution-oriented mindset. This experience will equip me with the skills to ask the right questions and pursue practical solutions to some of the most pressing and unsolved mysteries in paediatric oncology. Ultimately, this fellowship aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of advancing treatment options and improving outcomes for children battling cancer.