Be confident and your own biggest cheerleader

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, and why you chose pancreatic cancer as your main research topic?
My name is Zainab Rai, and I am a general surgical trainee with a keen interest in pancreatic cancer. I was inspired to pursue this career path because I enjoy challenges, and I am acutely aware of how dismal the prognosis is for this devastating disease. By focusing on both the surgical management of pancreatic cancer and novel basic science research, I hope to accelerate the translatability of new treatments and offer my patients the best in evidence-based medicine.

What motivates you to develop in the profession?  
Throughout my career, I have faced many challenges. One of the biggest challenges has been juggling a healthy work-life balance. Both of my chosen fields are intense and often require long, arduous hours that can feel all-encompassing. However, as I have progressed, I have begun to understand the importance of having a healthy social life, the need to stay fit and healthy myself, and the increasing importance of maintaining my mental health and well-being.

One of my proudest achievements in my career so far was being awarded a grant as a lead investigator. While the grant was not for millions of pounds, it was for a research idea that I had, which made it all the more meaningful. It was a validation of the hard work and dedication that I have put into my career so far.

As I have grown and developed professionally over the years, I have come to understand the importance of networking and building relationships with colleagues from across a breadth of disciplines. That is why organizations such as the UEG are so important in allowing members of the multi-disciplinary team to come together across various forums, exchange ideas, and collectively progress.

What advice may you give to beginners that wish to proceed in clinical research? 
My advice to anyone starting out in my field is to be confident. It may sound simple, but I truly believe that you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. If there are projects that interest you, go ahead and apply. Organizations like the UEG have numerous opportunities that can help you get involved, and I would strongly recommend taking advantage of them.

In the short-term, I am hoping to write my thesis and submit it. I will then go back to my surgical training, and I am hoping to continue to be involved in academia as I progress through my surgical training with the ultimate goal of holding a professorial chair in surgery.