Panicos Shangaris, MSC(DIST) MRCOG PhD

Career Journey

Dr Panicos Shangaris completed his medical school in 2005. Following this, he undertook his foundation training at East Lancashire Hospitals, a critical phase that exposed him to diverse clinical settings and prepared him for advanced training. After these initial years, Panicos enrolled in the London Deanery ObGyn residency program and decided to pursue specialised education in fetal medicine. He enrolled in a Master's degree program at University College London (UCL), where he received a distinction in Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics. Opting for deeper academic engagement, he embarked on a PhD at UCL. Under the supervision of Professor Anna David and Professor Paolo De Coppi, Panicos specialised in treating genetic blood disorders via fetal stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. Once he earned his PhD, Panicos took up a position as an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at King's College London (KCL). With a focus on Maternal and Fetal Medicine, he gained clinical experience at institutions such as Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and King's College Hospital (KCH). Balancing clinical work with academia, Panicos supervised students at various levels—from BSc to PhD. He received research funding from several organisations, which enabled him to expand his studies into prenatal therapy for sickle cell disease and the immunology of pregnancy. Panicos has collaborated with experts like Professors Kypros Nicolaides, John Strouboulis, and Giovanna Lombardi throughout his career. These partnerships enriched his research profile and facilitated interdisciplinary studies. Panicos serves as a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at KCL and KCH. His roles embody a blend of clinical service, research, and education, making him a well-rounded professional.

Questions

1. What inspired you to choose reproductive sciences?

My inspiration to choose reproductive sciences, specifically Maternal and Fetal Medicine, stemmed from a deep-rooted interest in the earliest phases of human life and how interventions at that stage could have long-lasting impacts. The field presents unique challenges and opportunities, including the ability to correct or mitigate congenital conditions before birth. This drew me to pursue advanced degrees in Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Genetics at University College London, where I delved into research on treating genetic blood disorders through fetal stem cell transplantation or gene therapy.

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2. Favorite part of your job?

The multidisciplinary collaboration that drives groundbreaking research is my favourite part of my job. Working at King's College London and King's College Hospital has allowed me to interact with experts in various fields, facilitating a holistic approach to maternal and fetal health. Being a part of this research community, supervising students, and receiving grants for my work has been extremely fulfilling.

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3. How did you hear about SRI?

I became aware of the Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI) through my PhD supervisor, Professor Anna David. Given the focus of my research on prenatal therapy for sickle cell disease and the immunology of pregnancy, SRI naturally aligned with my interests.

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4. What makes SRI your scientific home and how has it helped your career?

SRI serves as my scientific home because it fosters an inclusive, interdisciplinary community that is committed to advancing reproductive sciences. It has provided invaluable networking opportunities and platforms to share my research, amplifying my work's impact and contributing significantly to my career development.

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5. What would you say to someone considering going into the reproductive sciences field?

For anyone considering going into the reproductive sciences field, I would say it's a vibrant and continually evolving discipline with the promise for transformative impact. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding, as it has the potential to change the trajectory of both maternal and fetal health for generations to come.

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6. Favorite benefit of SRI?

My most valued aspect of SRI is its vibrant collaborative environment, which fosters the sharing of ideas and methodologies among scientists with varied expertise. This not only elevates the calibre of the research we generate but also expands the scope of what we can accomplish in the field of reproductive sciences. Being an editor for the society's journal, Reproductive Sciences, focusing on social media and emerging technologies, further enriches this experience by allowing me to engage more deeply with members and their pioneering work.

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