In February 2025, Dr Serena Virdi became the first NBIA Academic Fellow, based at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. This innovative two-year role combines advanced research training with clinical practice, enabling Serena to work towards an MD with Newcastle University while continuing to develop her breast radiology expertise.
Career journey and motivation to pursue the academic fellowship
Serena studied medicine at St George’s University, completing an intercalated BSc in Imaging Sciences, which gave her an early introduction to research.
“I got involved in research projects and even had a poster abstract published, which was exciting,” she recalls.
After her foundation years, she entered radiology training in the Northern Deanery, where she discovered her passion for breast imaging:
“I loved the mix of imaging and patient contact which enabled me to see the impact on patients.”
As her training progressed, Serena wanted to explore research before stepping into a consultant role:
“I wasn’t quite ready to take on a full consultant post. This fellowship felt like the perfect opportunity to gain research experience while staying clinically active.”
Balancing clinical and academic work
The fellowship offers a mix of academic and clinical practice:
“My main focus is on research – data collection, reviewing literature, and developing projects with supervisors. But I also get some clinical time for breast clinics and some general radiology, such as acute CT and reporting.”
This flexibility was key for Serena:
“I didn’t want to lose my clinical skills, and the fellowship allows me to maintain that experience and develop.”
Research focus and projects
Working with supervisors Dr Simon Lowes and Dr Nisha Sharma, Serena identified an important area for development – monitoring response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.
“There’s variation across centres in how imaging is used to monitor patients on neoadjuvant chemotherapy.”
Her work includes a local study assessing the imaging modalities and a national survey to capture current practice across the UK:
“We hope this data will help inform guidelines and improve consistency in care.”
The fellowship has provided new experiences and practical knowledge:
“Before, research for me was mainly audits. Now I’m involved in understanding the process of setting up clinical trials, consenting patients, and managing prospective studies. I’m learning about ethics, governance, and statistics – all skills I can take forward.”
Looking ahead
The fellowship has already shaped Serena’s future ambitions:
“I definitely want research to be part of my future consultant role. It’s shown me how important it is in impacting and improving overall patient care.”
Her advice to others considering an academic fellowship opportunity
“If you’re interested in research, do it! Don’t worry about losing clinical experience – the role is flexible, and the support is fantastic. This is a great way to explore whether an academic career is right for you.”