Co-Chairs
Dorin
2nd Year Cardiac Science STP
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
My advice: Don’t hesitate to network early, ask questions and use every avenue of support on offer. Focus on your individual journey as everyone starts from a different place. Be curious, be patient with yourself and take every opportunity to learn. always keep the patient and service top of mind; this will help your professional growth.
Secret London Recommendation: The Point, Greenwich for beautiful views of London
Filip
2nd Year Biochemistry STP
Charing Cross Hospital
My advice: Don’t let your first months determine the course of your STP journey. 3 years is a long time and the first few months make up only a fraction of that – take that time to get on your feet as best you can, be curious and discover London !
Secret London Recommendation: Exmouth Market – pedestrian street in Central London with some of the best bars, cafes and restaurants London has to offer. It has a great atmosphere and feels like you’re in a European side street but in the heart of London
Buddy Scheme Co-Leads
Sarah
2nd Year Cardiac Science STP
Barts Health NHS Trust
My advice: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to know everything straight away !
. Secret London Recommendation: Richmond Park is my favourite place to escape the hustle and bustle of London without actually leaving
Sophie
2nd Year Cardiac Science STP
St George’s Hospital
My advice: Make contacts with other people on the STP – it really helps being able to talk to people in the same boat as you, especially during exams and stressful periods to not feel alone
Secret London Recommendation: Herne Hill market and Brockwell Park
Case Club Lead
Paola
3rd Year Haematology and Transfusion STP
Royal London Hospital
My advice: pick up a hobby! The STP is very intense and takes a lot of your time. So pick up an activity that you truly enjoy and allows you to destress. Be nice to yourself and you will excel in your role!
Secret London Recommendation: PaStation in Goodge Street – the best pasta you can fine in London for a very reasonable price !
Events and Communications Lead
Izzy
3rd Year Clinical Biochemistry STP
Charing Cross Hospital
My advice: Believe in yourself! It is easy to doubt your abilities or fall victim to imposter syndrome. I hope that my role in the network will allow friendships and working relationships to develop. The programme can be tough, it is important we have one another for support!
Naomi
3rd Year Cardiac Science STP
St George’s Hospital
My advice: ensure you make time for yourself within the STP ! It is easy to get caught up in comparing yourself and your timeline to other trainees, but making time for your own hobbies and passions allows you to remember that there is more to life than just studying ! And you can’t show up to work as the best version of yourself unless you cultivate this outside of work too.
Secret London Recommendation: The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park has one of my favourite pub gardens in London – it feels like you’re in a whimsical treehouse, plus they also do insane Thai food!
Representative for Local/National Meetings
Angel
3rd Year Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology STP
University College London Hospitals
My advice: Starting the STP can feel like a lot at first; new workplace, new people, university, competencies, assignments and trying to figure out how everything works. But you’ll settle in much quicker than you think, and having other trainees around makes a huge difference. Ask questions, talk to other trainees, share resources, go to STP events and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some of the best parts of the STP are the people you meet along the way
Secret London Recommendation: As a London-based trainee, one of my biggest recommendations is to make the most of living in London outside of work. Always check for discounts before booking anything. You’ll be surprised how many attractions, restaurants, cinemas and activities have student or NHS discounts.
Pre-registration Clinical Scientist Co-Leads
Elena
Pre-registration Clinical Scientist in Cancer Genomics
Royal Marsden Hospital
Sharon
Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist in Cancer Genomics
Barts Health Trust
My advice: Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, connect with other pre-regs and trainees, and above all, stay organised with your portfolio!
Secret London Recommendation: Visit the Tower of London
Jess
3rd Year Cardiac Science STP
St George’s Hospital
My advice: Master your time management as early as possible
Secret London Recommendation: Tooting Market – it might be quite far out for some people but it’s so quirky and fun, definitely worth the trip !
ETP Co-Leads
Prince Wiafe
BSE-accredited Echocardiographer
St Mary’s Hospital
My advice: Back yourself and stay consistent. Ask questions early, keep your portfolio ticking over little and often, and don’t struggle in silence. Support is part of the training.
Awele Nwabuoku
BSE-accredited Echocardiographer
University Hospitals Dorset
My advice: Always remember it is doable, and you’re not alone. Draw strength from past trainees’ experiences. Take a break when it gets overwhelming and seek help when needed. You’ve got this!
The London HCSTN 