Profile

Sarah Clarke
My CV
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Education:
I went to Alcester Grammar for secondary school and stayed there for sixth form. I then went to the University of Bristol where I studied immunology. I took a year out of my degree to spend a year working at a pharmaceutical company doing research into drug development. I realised that I really liked research that affects people’s health so I went to medical school. I did my medical degree at the University of Oxford. After I graduated I did my first two years of medical training in Leicester before moving to Bristol to train as a paediatrician. I am currently in the second year of my PhD at the University of Bristol.
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Qualifications:
I did 11 GCSES (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, English, Engligh Literature, German, French, History, Geography and Art) and got four A*s, six As and one B. I got a B in German at AS level and three As at A-level in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
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Work History:
I got my first job age 14 and from then until now I have had a lot of different jobs (some more fun than others!):
Baby sitter, Waitress, Shop assistant, Science tutor, Assistant art therapist, Working at music festivals, Research scientist, Paediatrician -
Current Job:
PhD student
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About Me:
I’m a children’s doctor working in the South West of England. I spend my time doing research into illnesses that affect children.
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Read more
I am a paediatrician (children’s doctor) working in the South West of England. At the moment I am taking a break from working in the hospital and am doing a PhD. When I was at school I wanted to be a vet…until I became allergic to most animals. I didn’t think I’d make a very good vet if I was allergic to all my patients so instead I did a degree in immunology to learn more about allergies. After this I went to medical school so that I could do research and understand more about why diseases happen. I now spend my time doing research into diseases that affect children at the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol.
I am not very good at sitting still so have lived and worked all over the UK. I also love to travel and last time I counted had visited 28 different countries across the world. When I’m not working, I really enjoy cooking and trying new food. One of my favourite things to make is sushi.
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My Typical Day:
My typical day ALWAYS starts with a coffee the moment I get to my desk. The great thing about science is that no two days are ever quite the same – my days usually involve some combination of computer coding, going to meetings, chatting to people about my research and preparing talks for research meetings.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I think it is really important that children and young people have the chance to hear more about research that affects them and get hands on with science. I would use this money to put together an interactive activity to take to schools and festivals to explain my work.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Chatty, determined, inquisitive
What did you want to be after you left school?
A vet
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I didn't enjoy geography and used to be told off for chatting
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Embrace - I'm still stuck in the 90's!
What's your favourite food?
Chinese
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To be happy, healthy and humble!
Tell us a joke.
Why can't you trust atoms? Because they make everything up! (...ok ok its terrible)
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My Comments
What is the most common illness children are prone to? (2 comments)
do you have asthma? (1 comments)