Plymouth based medical charity the Diving Diseases Research Centre (DDRC) has provided a clinical science student with the opportunity to conduct a year's research under authentic clinical conditions.

21 year-old Liz Hancox is currently studying for a Clinical Science degree at the Peninsula Medical School and is required to complete a research project as part of a Professional Training Year. 

Liz said: "I applied to DDRC because I wanted to work in a place that would offer a variety of experiences and allow me to meet people from many different backgrounds. 

"The working environment at DDRC is unique and very patient centred. This allows me to focus my research, as I am able to meet the people that are being helped by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

"My research involves measuring patients' oxygen levels and blood flow during therapy. These measurements help monitor improvements in the healing process. As a result of the research, I hope to learn more about how this healing happens."

DDRC Research Director, Dr Gary Smerdon added: "We are delighted to be involved with the first cohort of students undertaking the Bachelor of Clinical Science degree at the Peninsula Medical School.  

"It is really important that students have the opportunity to experience research in real clinical environments and we are delighted to have Liz as part of our research team for the next year.  

"Her research will help us to know more about the longevity of the healing we achieve using hyperbaric oxygen therapy and she will get a taste of research in the real world".

For further information visit www.ddrc.org