Radiotherapy and Oncology graduate Sarah Smith has received the Vice Chancellor's PhD scholarship to research guidance for cancer patients. She is working in Sheffield Hallam's Art and Design Research Centre to create new ways of providing information to those recovering from breast cancer.

In November 2016, Sarah was named Student of the Year by the Society and College of Radiographers. She has been recognised by some of the country's senior healthcare professionals for her innovative ideas and commitment to improving the patient experience for people receiving radiotherapy treatment.

The 28-year-old also has a degree in Fine Art from Sheffield Hallam but after receiving hospital treatment for an illness in 2012, she decided she wanted to give something back to the NHS and returned to the University to study radiotherapy.

She said: “I was shown incredible kindness and care within the NHS and I felt that I needed to give this kindness and time back," said Sarah. "I felt that with my personal experience, my creative work ethic and my yearning to be a compassionate healthcare professional, I could make a small, positive difference within radiotherapy.”

Last year, Sarah won an award for her creation of RADCARE - the first ever radiotherapy patient information smartphone app and then went on to set up a website which hosted monthly photo diaries from different people involved in the radiotherapy care pathway including, patients, clinicians, ward receptionists and cleaners. She also established an online A-Z comic book for radiotherapy students and patients that provided help and advice through line drawings and illustrations.

Sarah said: "I've got Sheffield Hallam to thank for a lot of my success. All my lecturers have supported me from day one and were really patient with me when I was making the cultural jump from art to healthcare."

Denyse Hodgson, principal lecturer in radiotherapy, oncology and end of life care at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Sarah has been an outstanding student who has shown exceptional care and compassion throughout her training. She always went above and beyond what was necessary in her studies to help her fellow students and was committed to finding ways to improve the patient experience for those receiving radiotherapy treatment".

The Vice Chancellor's scholarships provide funding for post graduate students to study PhDs within the University's world-leading and emerging areas of research.

Find out more about supporting Sheffield Hallam's transformational research here. Donations to the Hallam Fund support research will enable more people like Sarah undertake academic research and make a real difference in the world.