Susanne Maxwell
Dr. Susanne Maxwell is a qualified General Practitioner and a Clinical Academic at the University of Edinburgh. Her PhD, The Impact of Multimorbidity on Cancer Care Pathways, will explore whether the presence of pre-existing multimorbidity influences the patient journey to cancer diagnosis and how this impacts patient outcomes. Her research aims to improve the diagnostic process and management of patients with multiple long-term physical and mental health conditions and cancer.
Susanne’s academic journey began with an intercalated degree during medical school, where she was awarded the Caroline Lowe Prize for the top-performing student in Neuroscience. She also completed a Wellcome-funded vacation research project and later undertook a NES-funded academic fellowship in primary care. As part of this fellowship, she analysed and published findings from the National Cancer Diagnosis Audit in Scotland in collaboration with Cancer Research UK.
Beyond academia, Susanne has contributed to healthcare system improvements, working as a Referrals Advisor for NHS Lothian, where she helped improve the interface between primary and secondary care by updating regional referral guidance. Passionate about fostering the next generation of academics in primary care research, she is actively involved in honours student supervision and medical student teaching.
Project: The impact of multimorbidity on cancer care pathways
Primary Supervisor: Dr Caroline Jackson (University of Edinburgh)
Secondary Supervisors: Prof Nazir Lone (University of Edinburgh)
