ID/ MICRO Coach

Dr. Lauren Hookam 

I am a specialty registrar (ST5) in infectious diseases and microbiology in the Thames Valley deanery, and recently completed an Academic Clinical Fellowship at Oxford University. I am now a Wellcome Trust CREATE PhD Fellow, undertaking research in Uganda on maternal and neonatal infections, antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention in maternity care. My academic background also includes a Master’s in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Diploma in Health Research from Oxford University.

Alongside my clinical and academic training, I have mentored colleagues internationally in Eswatini, Kenya, and Uganda, and supported junior doctors in the UK who are considering careers in infectious diseases. I have also volunteered as a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation, working with students from underrepresented backgrounds to support their aspirations in medicine and academia.

As a coach, I focus on practical strategies for navigating specialty and academic applications, interview preparation, and combining clinical and academic career paths. I place a strong emphasis on work–life balance, and enjoy helping trainees find ways to sustain motivation and confidence through the challenges of training. My approach is supportive and grounded in first-hand experience of balancing clinical work, research, and international projects.