Case Study: Marc Woods
Published: January 8, 2025From MSc Student to Internationally Published Gastroenterology Researcher
Some of our greatest successes at Learna | Diploma MSc come from the remarkable achievements of our community, and we are always delighted to share when our students reach the milestone of having their research published in academic journals!
Our most recent example of this incredible accomplishment comes from MSc Gastroenterology graduate Marc Woods. Marc has had his research paper, ‘Colon capsule endoscopy polyp detection rate vs colonoscopy polyp detection rate: Systematic review and meta-analysis’ published in the World Journal of Meta-Analysis.
We caught up with Marc on his internationally published paper and his experience of studying Gastroenterology with Learna | Diploma MSc. Discover more about the support he received throughout his studies and the challenges of balancing working full-time, having a young family and undertaking a master’s.
Could you tell us a bit more about your research and what inspired you to pursue this topic?
"My research was focused on comparing the polyp detection rates achieved through traditional colonoscopy with those achieved through the relatively new technology of colon capsule endoscopy. I’ve been a clinical endoscopist for seven years and have been reading colon capsules for two years.
There’s a lot of interest in this new technology, but Trusts want to know if it’s worth the investment in the equipment and in training the staff to use it. Ultimately the research was about proving whether colon capsule can be as effective a diagnostic tool as traditional endoscopy, and whether it’s a beneficial alternative to offer patients. In my own clinics, I see patients who are on polyp surveillance, and the capsule has been well-received as a less invasive alternative. I wanted to show other endoscopists that it is worthy of their attention and the investment of their time."
Were there any specific challenges you faced during your research, and how did you overcome them?
"It’s been challenging managing my time between being an endoscopist full-time, working on my masters and having a young family. My tutor, Professor Jonathan Soldera, was crucial to my development: he was always available to reach out to and to offer support and guidance as well as his own extensive knowledge and experience. I felt valued as an academic and a professional, and have grown immensely under his supervision."
How did your experience studying with Learna | Diploma MSc contribute to your success?
"Studying with Learna allowed me the flexibility to complete this further level of study around my busy life and various responsibilities. It has allowed me to network seamlessly with professionals around the world and benefit from their expertise and diverse experiences. It was a positive experience throughout and I would recommend Learna wholeheartedly to anyone considering further study.
Since completing my MSc in Gastroenterology with Learna, I have had my research published in an international journal and have been offered a role as a Consultant Clinical Endoscopist, where I will be leading the colon capsule programme in my new trust. It has provided me with means to progress to the next level in my career."
What advice would you give to other healthcare professionals considering a postgraduate qualification in Gastroenterology?
"I was daunted by postgraduate study but, in retrospect, it was the challenge I needed to move forward, and not nearly as formidable as I had imagined. My advice would be, if you are considering it, to take the leap. You are so well supported with Learna, and the sense of achievement (and opportunity) afterwards is worth all the work."
Marc Woods will graduate with an MSc in Gastroenterology alongside hundreds of other passionate Learna students from University of South Wales in January 2025. We are immensely proud of Marc, and his dedication to the field of gastroenterology is perfectly representative of our community of healthcare professionals.
Could you follow in Marc’s footsteps and have your research published internationally? Apply now to join our March 2025 intake and take your healthcare career to the next level.