Hilary Shepherd, medical student, won The Walton Centre Bursary

The Walton Centre welcomes medical students each year, who look to gain experience in a Trust specialising in neurology, neurosurgery, spinal services and pain management. 

Hilary Shepherd was a chemistry teacher, before deciding to go back to university to become a medical doctor. 

Hilary said: “Though teaching is a profoundly rewarding career, I found that I felt more at home on a ward than in a classroom. At times, being a teacher was isolating, whereas being part of a busy hospital with each day being completely different from the next drove me to want to re-train.” 

Prior to starting medicine, Hilary undertook a master’s in biomedical sciences and translational medicine, where she worked on collaborative project between The Walton Centre and University of Liverpool LiMRIC centre. This project looked at ways to screen for and detect Parkinson’s Disease earlier.  

Hilary continued: “One of my family members’ was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. I saw how the disease advanced, which spurred my interest in exploring what was happening biologically, so I could better understand why such symptoms were manifesting.” 

Following this, while in her first year of medicine at the University of Liverpool, an exciting research opportunity through the INSPIRE programme became available with one of The Walton Centre’s Movement Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease specialists, Consultant Neurologist Dr Antonella Macerollo. 

Hilary explained “I started the research project in 2019, and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, The Walton Centre supported me so I could complete the analytics safely at home. This experience led to my first ever publication!” 

Whilst subsequently completing several research projects, the opportunity to apply for The Walton Centre Studentship bursary became available, which Hilary won. The funding enabled her to develop as a researcher and to enhance her skillset further in preparation for a future career in clinical academia.  

Hilary continued: “I was awarded the bursary after an interview where I had to demonstrate my past, current and future commitments to my chosen research area. I used part of the money to attend and present a poster at my first in-person international conference in Copenhagen, which is something I would never have been able to do without The Walton Centre.” 

Whilst at the Trust, Hilary was also able to achieve several publications, including her first article and book chapter as first-author, whilst continuing her studies in medicine.  

Hilary said, “I have recently taken a year out due to having my son, however I have been supported throughout by The Walton Centre to participate in projects when I can. I really appreciate these opportunities, as it allows me to develop my skills further while, taking the year away from my studies. I hope to continue to integrate research alongside my clinical career and to one day pursue an academic clinical fellowship post.”