Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Members of the Oxford and Thames Valley MDS Patient Support Group, which provides support to those affected by Myelodysplastic Syndromes, visited the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) on Friday 29 September. The visit was hosted by Dr Lynn Quek and members of Prof Paresh Vyas' research team at the MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, who are members of the Radcliffe Department of Medicine. Their research is supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.

The visit started with a series of short presentations on current research in haematological cancers at the MRC WIMM, including efforts to improve patient care and recent advances in genomics and stem cell biology. This was followed by a lively question and answer session, and a tour of research facilities.

Nurse Kirsty Corzier, who leads the patient group said: “These visits are vital in helping patients/relatives fully understand, feel informed and appreciate where advances come from in relation to their disease, even if they are not yet feeling their direct impact”.

Feedback from the visit was very positive. “The best part for me was undoubtedly the input from Dr Quek and her colleagues, which fascinated both my daughter and me”, said one of the patients “We talked of little else for the rest of the day and still do! The laboratory visit was also most interesting.”

The researchers involved also benefited greatly from this experience. As Dr Quek explained, “visits such as these are also an opportunity for research scientists to exchange ideas with patients and involve them in the process”.

We want to hear about your news!

Publishing a paper? Just won an award? Get in touch with communications@rdm.ox.ac.uk

 

Similar stories

New study reveals role of lymphatic system in bone healing

Bones were thought to lack lymphatic vessels, but new research from the Kusumbe Group published in Cell not only locates them within bone tissue, but demonstrates their role in bone and blood cell regeneration and reveals changes associated with aging.

Anjali Kusumbe receives Women in Cell Biology Early Career Medal

Founded in 2015 to mark the 50th anniversity of the founding of the British Society for Cell Biology, the award recognises outstanding early career biologists.

New Studentship honours Enzo Cerundolo

A new Studentship has been announced in memory of the late MRC HIU Director and MRC WIMM Group Leader.

Doug Higgs awarded the 2023 Genetics Society Medal

The award recognises Professor Higgs' major contribution to our understanding of how mammalian genes are switched on and off, and using haematopoiesis as a model to understand how genes function.