Benjamin Chapman- Student Lead
Hi, I’m Ben and I’m really pleased to be taking on the role of Lead for the SCTS Student Committee this year.
I’ve just completed my DPhil at Oxford, where I investigated how macrophages and lymphatics support myocardial regeneration in neonates. I’m now in my 5th year of medical school and have a strong interest in cardiac surgery and research.
As Lead, I’m looking forward to building on the excellent work of the outgoing committee by expanding mentorship opportunities, improving access to CTS for students across the UK, and strengthening links between local and national initiatives.
I’m looking forward to working with the new committee and meeting many of you over the coming year.
Chai Lim- Communications Lead
I’m Chai Jin Lim, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Sheffield, originally from sunny Malaysia! I’m the founder and current Chair of the Sheffield University Cardiothoracic Society, and I’ve previously served as Vice Chairperson of the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) and Social Media Director for MMIUK. As Communications Lead, I’m very passionate about content creation and especially keen to use media to bridge gaps and spark interest in students who may not have access or connections to this incredible field. Outside of medicine, I love playing the piano and going on spontaneous adventures- some of my favourites include sandboarding in the Sahara and snorkelling in Borneo!
Donovan Campbell- Treasurer
Hi everyone, my name is Donovan Campbell and I am delighted to be the new treasurer for SCTS SEC. I am an intercalating medical student from Queen’s University Belfast, undertaking an MSc in experimental medicine. I have a strong interest in both cardiothoracic and academic surgery and aspire to use this platform to inspire undergraduate students to develop their own interests in both. Alongside medicine, I am a keen (but very amateur) golfer and gardener with a passion for football. I look forward to working with such a fantastic committee for the next two years!
Eteesha Rao- Research Lead
Hi everyone! I’m Eteesha, an intercalating medical student at Newcastle University, currently completing an MRes in Cardiovascular Sciences. I’m really excited to be joining the SCTS Student Committee as your Research Lead.
Cardiothoracic surgery is a constantly evolving and impactful field with research playing a vital role in its progress. This year, I’m looking forward to helping create exciting opportunities for students to explore research, get involved in national initiatives, and connect with peers and mentors across the country.
Together with the committee, I hope to build an inclusive, supportive space where students at all stages feel encouraged to take part and excited about what lies ahead. I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together!
Ethan Alford- Medical School Liason
Hi everyone, I’m Ethan Alford, a third-year medical student at the University of Southampton with a keen interest in thoracic surgery, particularly the application of robotics in lung resections. My academic experience includes research into the impact of the Targeted Lung Health Check (TLHC) screening programme on surgical outcomes in lung cancer.
I’m deeply passionate about medical education and committed to supporting fellow students through teaching and mentorship. I hope to serve as a point of contact for those aspiring to careers in cardiothoracic surgery.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy football, tennis, and long-distance cycling. As Medical School Liaison Lead for the SCTS Student Education Committee, I’m excited to help unify UK medical schools under the SCTS umbrella and foster greater student engagement with the specialty. I look forward to working alongside the committee and contributing to the exciting projects ahead.
Sarah Guo- Education Lead
Hi everyone, I’m Sarah and I’m thrilled to be joining the SCTS Student Education Committee as the Education Lead. I’m currently a 5th year medical student at the University of Cambridge, with a strong interest in cardiothoracic surgery and a passion for medical education. Much of my work so far has focused on supporting local student engagement in the specialty, and I’m excited to continue this on a national level. I’m looking forward to working with the team to develop new opportunities for students at all stages in this wonderful specialty, improve access to educational resources, and continue supporting learning and engagement across the country. Please feel free to get in touch if you have ideas or feedback - I’d love to hear from you!
Nikan Hoorijani- Events Lead
My name is Nikan Hoorijani, a second-year medical student at the University of Glasgow. My career ambitions lie in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, enriched by entrepreneurship and medical technology. I believe in understanding history to shape the future; currently, my vision includes integrating artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and 3D printing into surgical education. As Events Lead, my role is to promote, organise, and foster partnerships with the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons, both in the UK and internationally. With passion, optimism, and dedication, I aim to build upon the outstanding initiatives of our predecessors and launch new ventures. Stay tuned—this year, we'll forge global connections in cardiothoracic surgery.
Ananya Mathur- Widening Participation Lead
Hi! My name is Ananya Mathur, and I’m entering my fourth year at the University of Birmingham. As Widening Participation Lead, I want to make cardiothoracic surgery feel exciting, welcoming, and truly open to every student, regardless of where they see themselves starting out. This field can seem intimidating, but I want to help break down those barriers and show that there’s a place for everyone.
I’m fascinated by all things cardiothoracics - the delicate and complex nature of it to the constant innovation that pushes the field forward, like robotic and minimally invasive techniques. For me, it’s a specialty that combines immense technical skill with deep human impact, and I can’t wait to help share that with more students.
I’m excited to work alongside an amazing team and promote this incredible field to everyone!
Jasleen Nagi- Mentorship Lead
Hi, I’m Jasleen Nagi and I’m excited to be taking on the role of Mentorship Lead for the SCTS Education Committee! I’m going into my fifth year at Imperial College London, having recently completed a BSc in Cardiovascular Sciences. A career in Cardiothoracic Surgery has felt increasingly tangible thanks to the incredible mentors who’ve inspired and supported me. I’m keen to create opportunities that make the specialty more accessible and offer real insight to students at all stages. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing bullet chess, exploring new restaurants, reading, and going to the gym.
Charli Nameghi- EDI Lead
Hi everyone! I’m Charli Habibi, a fifth-year medical student currently intercalating in Cardiovascular Research at KCL. I’ll be going into my final year in September 2025. It will be a real privilege as EDI lead to spend the next two years using this platform to advocate for a more equal, diverse, and inclusive Cardiothoracics. I am looking forward to working with everyone on achieving this :)