UCL Medical School is the medical school of University College London (UCL) and is located in London, United Kingdom. The School provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education programmes and also has a medical education research unit and an education consultancy unit. It is internationally renowned and is currently ranked 8th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2020.UCL has offered education in medicine since 1834. The currently configured and titled medical school was established in 2008 following mergers between UCLH Medical School and the medical school of the Middlesex Hospital (in 1987) and The Royal Free Hospital Medical School (in 1998).The School's clinical teaching is primarily conducted at University College Hospital, The Royal Free Hospital and the Whittington Hospital, with other associated teaching hospitals including the Eastman Dental Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Moorfields Eye Hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.
The surgical management of severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains a subject of ongoing discussion among spine-deformity surgeons. While there has been a prevailing shift towards posterior-only fusion (PF) techniques, anterior release with posterior fusion (ARPF) may still be valuable for the correction of large or stiff curves. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of PF and ARPF in a high-volume spinal deformity unit. Patients aged 10–18 years with AIS and a major thoracic curve ≥ 70° (Lenke Types 1–4), who underwent PF or ARPF between 2010 and 2019, with ≥ 2 years of follow-up were included. Correction index formed the primary outcome, complemented by several secondary radiological and clinical measures assessed preoperatively, at first-erect radiograph and final follow-up. Eighty-nine patients were included (PF = 51; ARPF = 38). Baseline characteristics were similar except ARPF patients were younger (13.7 vs 1.4.8, p = 0.001) and less skeletally mature (Risser 0–2: 60.5
To explore men’s assisted reproductive technology (ART) experiences, awareness and concerns about fertility-associated health outcomes, and perceptions of using administrative health records in the United Kingdom (UK) without consent to investigate these outcomes. Over a 2-year period, all adult men were eligible to complete an anonymous online survey distributed via a UK-based fertility charity’s social media. Free-text responses underwent thematic analysis, and categorical responses were analysed with descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. Among 80 participants, most were aged ≥ 40 (66.7
A substantial proportion of patients with colorectal cancer present with or ultimately develop metastatic disease confined to the liver. The management of colorectal liver metastases remains one of the most complex and debated areas in oncological practice, with curative resection feasible in only a minority of cases. However, emerging evidence, most notably from the TransMet study, has reshaped the therapeutic landscape. The demonstration of a clear survival advantage in carefully selected patients with unresectable hepatic disease undergoing liver transplantation represents a transformative advance and challenges longstanding treatment paradigms. This narrative review critically appraises the epidemiological burden of colorectal liver metastases and delineates the key biological and clinical determinants underpinning their development. We synthesise the pivotal clinical trial data establishing the rationale for liver transplantation in this population and define the parameters for appropriate patient selection. The evolving perioperative integration of systemic therapies and the optimisation of postoperative surveillance strategies are examined in detail. Finally, we evaluate the emerging role of liquid biopsy as a precision tool to refine risk stratification and guide management, while addressing the ethical, logistical, and immunological considerations inherent to expanding transplant indications in this setting.
Expanding access to medical education for students from under-represented backgrounds has long been a key policy objective in the UK Government to promote social mobility. Efforts to improve equity in medical school admissions have included contextualised offers and targeted widening participation (WP) initiatives. However, limited research exists on the experiences and progress of students from WP backgrounds once they enter medical school. This exploratory, qualitative study explores the experiences of students from WP backgrounds at University College London Medical School to identify barriers and opportunities for support, ensuring equitable progression. The chosen methodology was a qualitative explorative case-study approach. Eligible students were recruited via email and online platforms based on self-identification. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analysed to identify emerging themes. Five key themes emerged: (1) financial barriers, (2) cultural and social adjustment, (3) access to support systems and resources, (4) navigating university life, and (5) future aspirations and identity. Financial constraints limited engagement in academic and social opportunities. Cultural and social challenges included imposter syndrome, facing stigma and microaggressions, and challenges forming peer relationships. Participants highlighted gaps in targeted academic and wellbeing support, underscoring the need for structured interventions. Challenges students from WP backgrounds experience at medical school, may not be unique to medical students or WP students, yet seemed to be heightened with the two combined together, especially the stigma, perceived differences and imposter syndrome. This exploratory study provides insights into the experiences of WP students at a single, high-ranking London medical school. The findings align with existing literature and suggest that medical schools should continue to develop tailored support strategies to ensure WP students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs autonomic functions, which are ranked among the highest priorities for recovery. The loss of autonomic control, including bowel, bladder, sexual and cardiovascular functions, interferes with rehabilitation and decreases health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Preliminary evidence indicates that non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TCSCS) has the potential to improve autonomic stability in people with SCI. However, the optimal stimulation site for improving autonomic responses remains to be determined. This pilot randomised clinical trial aims to explore the efficacy of non-invasive mid-thoracic and lumbosacral TCSCS (proof-of-concept) for blood pressure stability (orthostatic hypotension and autonomic dysreflexia burden) alongside end-organ autonomic functions (lower urinary tract, bowel and sexual function) and HRQoL.Methods 30 participants with chronic (>1 year) motor-complete SCI (American Spinal Injuries Association Impairment Scale A and B) at or above T6 will be enrolled in this open-label, two-arm randomised pilot clinical trial. Participants will be block randomised into either the mid-thoracic or lumbosacral TCSCS group. Participants will then undergo 8 weeks of TCSCS (3 times per week for 60 min; 24 sessions total) while in a seated position. Post-treatment effects will be recorded following the 8-week intervention and follow-up effects will be recorded 8 weeks after the end of the intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes will assess resting blood pressure, autonomic dysreflexia, orthostatic hypotension and lower urinary tract, bowel and sexual functions as well as HRQoL.Ethics and dissemination This study is approved by The University of British Columbia’s Clinical Research Ethics Board (UBC CREB H22-00365), and by Health Canada for Investigational Testing Authorisations (ITA) for Class II medical devices used in this trial (ITA#346875 TESCoN; ITA#381 154 SCONE). The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, seminars and SCI community outreach.Trial registration number NCT05369520.
