Royal Free London NHS Trust | United Kingdom
Author Profile
Orcid
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Oliver Skan embarked on his medical journey at Keble College, University of Oxford, where he pursued a BM BCh degree from 2014 to 2020. His academic performance was exceptional, earning him a distinction in his BM BCh and a First Class Honours in Medical Sciences. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated outstanding aptitude, securing numerous prestigious educational prizes. These include the Meakins McLaren Medal for the highest overall performance during clinical school, the Sir Roger Bannister Prize for clinical neuroscience, and the Stewart Greenall Memorial Prize for excelling in OSCE examinations. His consistent excellence also earned him the Sir Peter Morris Prize in Surgery and the Gibbs Prize for his performance in first BM examinations part II, along with a scholarship from Keble College.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Skan's clinical experience is extensive and diverse. He began his foundation training in North Central London, where he spent four months each in General Surgery (F1) and Plastic Surgery (F2). His commitment to surgical excellence led him to a Junior Clinical Fellowship in Plastic Surgery at The Royal Free Hospital in London from August 2022 to February 2023. His skill and dedication were further recognized when he ranked first nationally in the 2023 Core Surgical Training applications, leading to his current position in Core Surgical Training from October 2023 to October 2025.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Skan has made significant contributions to medical research, particularly focusing on surgical outcomes and medical education. His research on gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment among medical students was published in Medical Teacher in 2024. He has also been actively involved in the STARSurg initiative, where he coordinated data collection for the RECON study, demonstrating his leadership and data management skills. His work has been published in reputable journals such as the British Journal of Anaesthesia and the British Journal of Surgery.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Skan's academic and professional journey is marked by numerous accolades. His educational achievements at Oxford are complemented by recognition for his teaching excellence, such as the Certificate of Merit from Whittington Hospital. His research presentations and posters have been well-received at various national and international conferences, showcasing his ability to contribute valuable insights to the medical community.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Skan has significantly influenced medical education and research. His efforts to improve clinical education through courses like 'Fantastic Bleeps and How to Field Them' have benefited numerous medical students nationally and internationally. His role in audits and quality improvement projects, such as improving UTI management through telemedicine, underscores his commitment to enhancing patient care and clinical practice.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Dr. Skan's legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and dedication to medical science and education. His ongoing Core Surgical Training and involvement in significant research projects position him to make further impactful contributions to the field. As a national committee member for We Are Donors, he also plays a vital role in promoting organ donation and transplantation education. Dr. Skan's future contributions are expected to continue shaping the landscape of medical education and surgical practice, benefiting both patients and the medical community at large.
Notable Publications
Examining medical students’ experience of gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment from clinical teachers at a UK medical school 2024