A Hearty Con! The University of Sunderland Hosts Its First Annual Cardiology Conference
Written by Sofija Krasauska on 18th October 2025
The Cardiology Society of the University of Sunderland (UoS) hosted its inaugural conference on October 11th. With expert speakers, the event was a concentration of knowledge and cardiothoracic innovation.
The conference also held an academic student research poster competition. The candidates presented their research for a chance to win a prize from Geeky Medics.
Cardio Soc president, Afrah Peeran and Thomas Wilfred, winner of the research poster competition.
Guest speaker, Prof. Michael Norton
Guest speaker, Mr Asif Shah.
Speakers touched on topics including cardiovascular disease prevention, transplantation techniques and work within the cardiothoracic sector of the NHS.
President of the Cardiology Society, Afrah Peeran, said: “Events like this are vital for medical students- they bridge the gap between lectures and clinical practice, offering firsthand insight into the realities of working in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. Hearing directly from consultants and surgeons is an invaluable opportunity for all of us”.
The UoS Cardiology Society was founded earlier this year, adding to the broad variety of societies available to students at UoS. Their mission has a clear academic focus: promote collaboration, inspire students to pursue cardiology as a speciality and encourage learning.
Cardio Soc Committee members with the guest speakers. From left to right: Mr. Asif Shah, Prof. Michael Norton, Dr. Shahid Junejo, Dr. Alykhan Bandali, Dr Mickey Jachuck, Charlie Denegri, Rebecca Culbert, Afrah Peeran, Benji Bleazard.
Sunderland landed 24th on the Guardian’s 2025 leaderboard for studying medicine in the UK. UoS has increased its yearly freshers intake in the past academic year. With over 20 medicine-adjacent societies, the University continues to develop its medical community.
Cardiology Professor and UoS honorary, Michael Norton, said: “I’m so impressed to have so many students turn up on a Saturday and spend most of their day learning about cardiology”.
With over 90 students attending, the event was a success. The society doesn’t plan on stopping: “Looking ahead, we’re excited to host even more events- from speciality talks and research workshops to charity initiatives“, said Peeran.
Cardio Soc. treasurer, Charlie Denegri, talked about how the conference promotes the University’s medical program: “It increases medical recognition. Not just by officials reading league tables and reviews, but colloquially by future students looking for a place to study and highlights the value of these readily accessible events“.
For more information on the Cardio Society, click here!
