Elena Zhel, Md, Msc, Msc Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London, Gb

Technical leadership of the RNA-based NGS workflow to ensure smooth service delivery.Analysis and reporting of RNA-seq results for the presence of clinically-relevant fusions.

Contributed to the deployment and validation of a ctDNA assay developed in partnership with Guardant Health, Inc.The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is establishing a state-of-the-art liquid biopsy testing facility for cancer clinical diagnostics and research following a partnership with Guardant Health, a leading precision oncology company.Liquid biopsies are minimally invasive tests that can detect tiny amounts of circulating tumour DNA or ctDNA shed by the cancer into the blood. They can provide information about solid tumours, including their tissue origin and genetic profile, allowing clinicians to personalise treatments more accurately. ctDNA has the potential to transform cancer care for patients from earlier diagnosis to prognosis and better management of treatments, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Grade: Distinction Dissertation title: “Whole Genome Sequencing in Clinical Practice: Leveraging The Power of a Singular Genomic Test to Provide Scalable Approach to Analysis”.Modules studied include:• Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment• Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis• Advanced Bioinformatics• Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine

Part of NGS team, serving in library preparation and sequencing for haematological malignancies.• Performed change control validation for clinical testing, such as implementation of a new targeted panel, validation of targeted panel testing for FFPE material.• Documented change requests, non-conformities, updated SOPs as required. Implemented new adaptations to ensure smooth service delivery.• Strived to adhere to ISO15189 standards for clinical laboratory testing.• Dedicated Health and Safety representative for NGS team, responsible for document drafting and review (COSHH/DSEAR), attending regular H&S meetings, ensuring the processes are risk assessed and adapted to maximise safety.• Certified workplace First Aider.• Interviewed by a Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, during his visit, and performed a demo of loading a NovaSeq instrument.

HaematoOncology Diagnostic Service is part of East Genomic Laboratory Hub. Here I provided support to haem-onc diagnostic and patient monitoring services as part of extraction team.

Here I assisted with PCR testing of COVID-19 samples.Responsible for technical duties including specimen processing, data entry, sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, qPCR assay set up, primary reporting of the results. Part of an efficient team delivering vital COVID PCR testing from the start of the pandemic, supporting clinicians in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service.

To help support the community during the time when NHS staff worked tirelessly to deliver healthcare services under the limited time and resources, I felt obliged to provide a helping hand.

Cambridge Cancer Genomics is using blood tests to guide smarter cancer therapy. Currently, cancer patients have to wait up to 6 months to know whether their chemotherapy is working. In the interim, patients suffer the side effects of such treatments. Using simple blood draws, CCG shortens the time required to know whether treatment is working, buying the clinician more time to alter treatment and reduce unnecessary side effects. In addition, we can identify relapse an average of 7 months earlier than standard practice. Over time, CCG will be able to better predict the best therapeutic strategy for cancer patients before they even begin treatment.

Dissertation thesis: ‘Beyond the double helix: two facets of EZH2-mediated epigenetic dysregulation in haematological malignancies’ uncovers the principles of pathogenesis mediated by epigenetic enzyme, histone methyltransferase, and current strategies directed to tackle its oncogenic function.Shadowing experience of DNA accessibility experiments as part of my dissertation interest.I was honoured to be selected as one of the best performing students in a cohort, and my statement is listed on the official programme webpage.During my studies I was able to satisfy thirst for knowledge, learning about biological events that lead to cancer development and the therapeutic rationales to interfere its progression. I have improved my ability to assimilate data quickly, as well as present clinical data clearly and concisely. I am now fully competent to discuss the statistical and clinical relevance of data whilst relating the needs of the audience. Strong ability to critique scientific publications and understanding of the clinical trial process.

Sutton, United Kingdom

DMPK (Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics) teamNonspecific microsomal protein binding is important factor that affects level of free fraction of drug and intrinsic clearance. Clearance is essential parameter in evaluation of course of a drug in an organism, required for dosage and schedule decisions. Various predictors have been developed though there is no uniform formula to predict the impact of microsomal binding. Here I delivered in a short project on optimising the predictions of microsomal protein binding and intrinsic clearance.• Developed and implemented experiments to test microsomal binding of drug candidates as well as commercial compounds• Processed and collated data to compare against various predictors• Literature search• Collaboration with internal stakeholders on various aspects including experiment optimisation and troubleshootingTechnical expertise:Mass spectrometry, microsomal protein binding, shadowing experience of various experiments: clearance, plasma protein binding, permeability (Caco-2 and PAMPA), cell culture handling.As a member of DMPK team, I attended a Drug Development Unit Open Day, where had a chance to network, expose myself to contribution of other teams, hear stories from cancer patients and their individual battles.

London, United Kingdom

Market search, database development, expanding operations in various territories, business growth. Assisting prospects in their search and comprehensively allocating their needs. Ability to ask right questions, reassure, take responsibility of every step in the process and follow up, are the qualities that I have demonstrated in this role. I have also extended my competence to build positive relationships, understand customer's needs and manage their expectations. In such fast-paced environment, I quickly learnt to adapt to working environment, multitask and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Furthermore, this position has allowed me to network and extend my knowledge of the pharmaceutical market.

Brand Development: - Developed marketing, advertisement and sales strategy.- Participated and presented in Trade shows. - Generated the portfolio.Market research: - Identifying and researching potential niches and opportunities. - Accurate quote generation. - Competitor activity evaluation followed by the pricing strategy adjustment.- Market fit strategy development.Operations: - Planning, cash-flow management. Sales: - Developed and implemented a sales and customer acquisition strategy. - Client base expansion.- Upsell of additional products.Customer service: - Liaising with customers to answer, resolve their queries and deliver high quality customer service.

MSD Pharmaceutical, St-Petersburg, local branch in Russia Part of a successful team proactively promoting women healthcare medicines succeeding to achieve sales targets. Championed to deal with conflict situations and doctor’s past negative experiences using medicines due to deep knowledge of the product portfolio and medical aspects.• Planned, prioritised and performed visits to doctors, pharmacists and hospital medical teams.• Delivered information on new researches in women healthcare, product demonstration & training.• Identified, influenced and built relationships with key decision-makers.• Co-operated with pharmacies to keep informed on sales rate & meet targets.• Created monthly reports to General Manager to analyse doctor’s prescription activity.• Analysed territory performance of sales, reports of planning and operating an agreed budget.• Managed to build lasting relationships and offer flexible solutions to clients.• Performed occasional mentoring visits with Regional Manager.• Accomplished over 10 educational presentations for groups of 15-30 doctors.• Participated in the projects of organising, arranging and advertising over 5 substantial city conferences for Gynaecologists.

Part time work in full time education

Pgdip, Genomic Medicine, Ongoing

Jointly taught with King’s College University London Modules studied include: • Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application.

Master'S Degree, Cancer And Therapeutics, Distinction

Part of Queen Mary University of London, this Master’s programme is delivered by Barts Cancer Institute. Modules studied include: • Cancer.

Medical Doctor - Medical And Preventative Care, Medicine, Md

Modules covered include all aspects of medicine and preventive care, including but not limited to human anatomy, common diseases and their.

Clinical Bioinformatics: Unlocking Genomics In Healthcare

Online-based learning