Dr Sam Merriel

About me:

I am a GP and Clinical Senior Research Fellow funded by the CanTest Collaborative, Cancer Research UK's inaugural Catalyst Award programme. Led by Prof Willie Hamilton (Exeter) and Prof Fiona Walter (QMUL/Cambridge), the CanTest Collaborative is a team of primary care cancer researchers who are investigating ways of developing and implementing new and improved cancer diagnostic tests into GP surgeries. I am a member of the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Optimally (DISCO) team within the Medical School studying the potential impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer within primary care.

My primary research interests focus around the prevention and early detection of cancer in primary care. I am currently studying the potential impact of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer within primary care. I am exploring the accepatability, cost effectiveness, and patient centred outcomes associated with MRI. I have conducted and published research employing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, observational studies using primary and secondary data, delphi studies, and qualitative interviews on a range of topics including prostate cancer diagnoses, hypoalbuminaemia and cancer risk in primary care, and HPV vaccination for cancer prevention.

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Studies), University of Exeter, UK (2018-2022)

MRCGP - Member of Royal College of General Practitioners, UK (August 2018)

AFHEA - Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, Advance HE (2020)

MSc - Masters of Science (Public Health), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (2012-2013)

MBBS (Hons) - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (with honours), Monash University, Australia (2004 - 2009)

BMedSc (Hons) - Bachelor of Medical Science (with honours), Monash University, Australia (2007)

I grew up and studied Medicine in Melbourne, Australia, on the land of the Wurundjeri people to whom I am endebted to. Prior to joining the DISCO team, I completed an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in General Practice in Bristol, working within the Centre for Academic Primary Care at the University of Bristol. I obtained Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) in August 2018. I have also completed a Masters of Science (Public Health) at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

I am Associate Editor and Editorial Board member for the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), and Senior Board Member for BMC Cancer. I am an early career primary care researcher supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network West of England, and vice-chair of the Primary Care Academic Collaborative (PACT).