Michael Wong

Why did you choose to study at the University of Birmingham?

I chose the University of Birmingham because of its outstanding international reputation for research and academic excellence. The university is recognised globally for its strengths in biomedical sciences and cancer research, and it offered access to world-class facilities, multidisciplinary collaborations, and experienced academic supervisors. I also appreciated its strong links with the NHS, which created an ideal environment for combining clinical practice with translational research. Overall, I felt it was the right place to develop both as a researcher and as a clinician.

What made you choose your course, and what interested you most about the subject?

The opportunity arose when I reached out to my research supervisor, Professor Beggs. As a trainee surgeon, I have always been interested in improving cancer diagnosis and patient outcomes. The PhD in Cancer and Genomic Sciences allowed me to explore cutting-edge technologies in molecular biology and genomics, particularly liquid biopsy and next generation sequencing. I was especially fascinated by how genomic information can be translated into clinically meaningful biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring. It was exciting to contribute to research that has the potential to directly benefit patients.

What do you enjoy most about your PhD?

The most enjoyable aspect of my PhD was discovering meaningful biological insights from genomic sequencing data. I particularly enjoyed analysing the sequencing results of the MDM2 gene in retroperitoneal liposarcoma and integrating genomic, methylation, and fragmentomic data to better understand tumour biology. Seeing how bioinformatics could transform large datasets into clinically relevant findings was incredibly rewarding. It was especially satisfying when our analyses generated novel findings that could potentially improve non-invasive cancer monitoring using liquid biopsies.

How would you describe the research environment, supervision and support you've received during your studies?

I was encouraged to work independently while always having access to guidance from experienced supervisors whenever needed. My supervisors gave me the flexibility to develop my own research ideas and analytical approaches, which helped build my confidence as an independent researcher. I also benefited from interacting with researchers from different disciplines, including clinicians, medical oncologist, and bioinformaticians, which enriched both my scientific knowledge and research experience.

How have your studies helped you develop the knowledge and skills you'll need for your future career?

My PhD has equipped me with a broad range of scientific and professional skills. Beyond gaining expertise in cancer genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, I developed critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific writing, project management, and data analysis skills. I also had opportunities to present my work at international conferences and publish research findings, which strengthened my communication skills and confidence in disseminating scientific research. These experiences have prepared me well for combining clinical practice with research throughout my career.

What are your career goals after completing your PhD, and how have your studies prepared you to achieve them?

My long-term goal is to become a clinician-scientist who combines academic research with clinical surgical practice. I hope to continue developing translational research that bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care, particularly in precision medicine and cancer diagnostics. My PhD has given me the research skills, scientific mindset, and international collaborations needed to pursue this career. It has also strengthened my ability to critically evaluate evidence, lead research projects, and contribute to innovations that improve outcomes for patients with cancer. Ultimately, I hope to continue practising as a surgeon while leading research that advances personalised cancer care.