Medical Society: Neurology Chair

Hi Everyone, my name is Paul! I am a 4th Year Medical Student, with a longstanding interest in neuroscience, neuroanatomy & neurology. 🧠

As a core committee member for the previous two years, introducing an NSB Tutorial Series, organising the current Queen Square neurology special interest series “Brainstorm” & working alongside Surgical Society to arrange the fantastic INNC 2025 conference, I have lots of experience and enthusiasm to continue to strive to develop UCL’s thriving ‘Neuro' community.

As Neurology Chair, I would set out to:

1. Expand the current neurology special interest series, to incorporate intra-society, in-person, events that provide students with greater exposure to the breadth of opportunities on offer at UCL, and within neuroscience in general!
2. In an ever changing medical world, I would incorporate further talks within Medical Society to help all students gain experience into the application process and ace their portfolio!
3. Continue, and improve, current relations with societies throughout UCL’s ‘Neuro’ community, with a particular emphasis to develop the teaching series (because neuroscience can be a seriously challenging subject) & offer another outstanding international student conference. ✨

Neurology is a speciality reliant on clinical examination. There is a reason the typical neurologist would sport a Tromner reflex hammer or an array of tuning forks. Although the current Tuesday lecture series provides invaluable insight into specialists' personal experiences, in-person workshops are the best way to appreciate the integration of clinical skills in neurology practice. By establishing a Student Interest Group in Neurology Chapter, I will create a NeuroSoc that provides hands-on, collaborative, and in-depth exposure to neurology. 

SIGN is a medical student community organised by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), providing a collaborative forum for aspiring neurologists. Students can produce three-minute videos explaining neurotopics for the public, collaborate on research papers, or share globally approved resources. An example is the Versatile Teaching Eye, a 3D-printed open-source retina model used for ophthalmoscopy practice. Through SIGN, we could host resourceful yet valuable practical skills workshops, exploring subspecialties ranging from neuro-ophthalmology to BPPV manoeuvres in general neurology.

I would love to break the preconception that only SurgSoc requires skills workshops for suturing. Using my AAN membership and AAN journal peer reviewer status is the best way to explore the other, hands-on side of neurology. 

I’m Dan and I aim to do achievable things. After discussing with previous neurology and neurosurgery chairs, they were supportive of my plans to:

1. Improve Engagement- I want to make concise, engaging videos to highlight the value of academic societies and events like INNC, which are often underestimated. From my work in schools, I’ve learned that people need to see why something matters to pay attention. Short videos offer practical and distinctive alternatives to the usual written formats.
2. Try to Foster Community-  Neurology society has limited social opportunities. I founded a journal club for my iBSc, and expanding it is an attainable way to connect, explore research, and build academic skills.
3. Continue Last Year's Great Work- My most accomplishable goal. I aim to maintain the great standard of INNC, NSB tutorials, career talks and any intersociety events.

So who am I? I’m a 3rd year medical student coming out of my iBSc - Clinical Neurology.  By being academic rep and founder of my journal club, I’ve gained valuable insight into the specialty and leadership opportunities. From simultaneously giving tutorials, being social secretary of two societies, and completing a demanding iBSc, I've also greatly improved my organisational skills. I believe I’m a strong candidate for your Neurology Chair and I hope to highlight the specialty’s appeal through my achievable plans! I hope you consider voting for me!