Profile
Dr Sam Merriel
Clinical Senior Research Fellow
College House 1.18
College House, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
Overview
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.
Qualifications
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)
Career
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).
Links
Research group links
Research
Research interests
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.
Research projects
Current Projects:
- Magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer diagnosis in primary care
- Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis of cancer research: A systematic mapping review
- Primary care models for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: the ProsDetect study
- Evaluating ethnic differences in blood markers of cancer in primary care
- Be Clear on Cancer 2018 fourth national ‘Blood in pee’ campaign final evaluation
- How do we care for older housebound people? A feasibility study using the Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT) model
Research networks
CanTest Collaborative
Society for Academic Primary Care
Primary care Academic CollaboraTive (PACT)
Research grants
- 2022 CRUK
‘A multimodal electronic capsule for identification of visual and biological markers of early stage colorectal cancer - Samplecam’ - 2022 CRUK
‘Towards a ‘toothbrush’ sensor for passive biomarker monitoring – “Sens Or Pass” - 2021 CRUK
‘Evaluating ethnic differences in blood markers of cancer in primary care’ Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award (A31440) £136,365.88 - 2021 National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit
‘Primary care models for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: the ProsDetect study’ Research for Patient Benefit competition 43 (NIHR202732) £149,710.00 - 2021 NIHR School for Primary Care Research
‘Presenting Complaints for Prostate Cancer in Primary Care: The PC3 study’ - 2021 NIHR School for Primary Care Research
‘Development of primary care referral guidelines for patients with Papilloedema and Pseudopapilloedema – the DIPP study’ - 2021 National Institute for Health HSR Programme
‘The SPOtting Cancer among Comorbidities (SPOCC) programme. Supporting clinical decision making in patients with symptoms of cancer and pre-existing conditions’ - 2020 Public Health England
Be Clear on Cancer 2018 fourth national ‘Blood in pee’ campaign final evaluation £7,500
Teaching
I am an experienced educator for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and health sciences courses, in subjects ranging from epidemiology, primary care, and anatomy.
Current teaching roles =
HPDM079 'From Theory to Quality to Practice' - Module co-lead
Communities of Practice tutor, BMBS Year 2
Final Year Project supervisor, BSc Medical Sciences
PBL Reserve tutor, BMBS Year 2