“Feedback is crucial, it was also important for me when I was a first-year PhD student”

She manages many PhD students as a methodology advisor, and shows excellent leadership skills. In parallel with this, she is progressing well with her own research. In January, Dr. Anett Rancz was named Science Methodology Advisor of the Month.

Anett Rancz graduated as a medical doctor from the George Emil Palade University of Marosvásárhely, and became interested in the CTM PhD program due to a scholarship. She contacted Brigitta Teutsch, who had already joined the training, and asked for her opinion on the program. “She shared her experience with me and said highly positive things about the program. At that time, the Centre for Translational Medicine had just moved from the University of Pécs to Semmelweis University, so I have joined the PhD program in Budapest.” Currently, Dr. Rancz is a third-year PhD student in the Gastroenterology Group, working on a topic related to microscopic colitis. She has conducted two meta-analyses on this topic, one of which has already been published. In that project, she assessed the prevalence of low bone density and osteoporosis in patients with this disease. Her second, still ongoing study focuses on the risk factors of microscopic colitis.

Dr. Rancz assumed the role of SMS at CTM in the previous academic year, assisting seven students in their research. “The high number of students was both an honor and a challenge for me. Among the students were specialists who outranked me both in hierarchy and expertise. It was great feedback that they received my work positively and were grateful for my help.” The students' topics were not only related to gastroenterology, such as pancreatic diseases and IBD, but also to surgery and oncology.

This academic year, Dr. Rancz has been participating as an SMA in the CTM's work. Currently, she is not only supporting members from the Gastroenterology Group, but also mentoring two students in the Gynecology Group. "I consider it important to help each student individually. This is important because some of them only need a little encouragement, but some require more attention and support. I think feedback is crucial, it was also important for me when I was a first-year PhD student.” It is not yet sure whether Dr. Rancz will pursue a career in gastroenterology after obtaining her PhD, as she is also interested in endocrinology. She would prefer to work in a combination of the two medical fields. She would also like to continue her research as a specialist.

(Szabó Emese)