2019 and some how I'm in my 3rd year!

A New Year and suddenly it hits me that I'm now about halfway through my PhD! How did that happen? I've been so focused on the work of running my research study SYMPACT that I haven't really stopped to think about this little detail. It is a bit scary how much work I need to somehow squeeze into a very short period of time. I hope I'll make it.

Photo by Crazy nana on Unsplash

The past year has been amazing! I've grown professionally through the accomplishments the my PhD and my supervisors have encouraged me to achieve. I thought as I have not been as good recently about sharing my experience on this blog I'd do a quick tour of the accomplishments I'm most proud of from 2018.

1. Presenting my PhD project at the Burden of Treatment Seminar (#BIGBOT18). This was an amazing opportunity and helped me grown in confidence as well as establish links to others who are interested in the concept of Burden of Treatment.

2. Getting a manuscript for a peer reviewed article rejected. Yes, that sounds odd. But even having something to submit is a big step, getting it put together and sent in was another, so even though so far the outcome hasn't been positive the lessons I'm learning will help me be successful in the future.

3. Opening my research study SYMPACT. Hidden in this achievement are so many other accomplishments: receiving positive peer review, receiving ethical approval from two ethics committees, getting it set up and open in the first NHS health trust, and getting the first 12 participants to complete the study!

The more I sit here and think about it the more I can think of other presentations and work I could put on this list. It has been a big year and it makes me excited and slight nervous about what 2019 will look like.