Medical Student Thomas Zhang Wins First Prize at Scottish Universities Neurology and Neurosurgery Conference’s Poster Competition
At the recent Scottish Universities Neurology and Neurosurgery Conference (SUNN-C), medical student Thomas Zhang won first prize in the poster competition with his entry “Stroke, Small Vessel Disease, and Occupation: Systematic Review and Data Analysis.”
Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) affects the brain's arterioles, venules, and capillaries. It is a common neurological condition, and while the exact causes are not well understood, several risk factors have been identified. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, smoking, ageing, and genetic predisposition. Occupation, however, is an understudied risk factor. Thomas’ project questioned whether exposure to high-risk substances occupationally may increase severity of small vessel disease in workers.
The systematic review showed limited knowledge on stroke subtypes and occupation. Thomas concluded that exposure to high-risk substances occupationally may be associated with higher SVD severity. He recommends that further research should consider challenges in accurately measuring exposures and investigating midlife exposures.
Thomas said: “I enjoyed meeting with like-minded people, listening to experts in neurology and neurosurgery and interacting with surgical drills and tools.
The poster reflects what I've achieved so far in terms of my research. I aimed to make it as clear, engaging and visually appealing as possible. I believe these to be key values when communicating our work with the outside world.
I am delighted to win 'best poster presentation' at the conference. Furthermore, I am proud to have inspired others to pursue their own scientific goals. I hope to move onwards and upwards!”
Click here to download Thomas' winning poster:
