Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Shveta Monga

Shveta Monga

Cardiology Registrar and Clinical Research Fellow / DPhil Student

Radcliffe Department of Medicine – Cardiovascular Medicine

Tell us a bit about your role

I am a Cardiology Specialist Registrar subspecialising in complex cardiac devices and heart failure. I am currently pursuing a DPhil in Medical Sciences studying the relationship between cardiac metabolism and cardiac function in valve disease using advanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.

From an early age of 9 years, I aspired to be a cardiologist and have worked hard ever since to realise my dream. After graduating from a medical college in North India, I moved to the UK in 2009 and pursued core medical training followed by higher specialist training in cardiology.  Whilst following my clinical career I developed a keen interest in cardiovascular science and aspired to gain a higher research degree. In 2018,  I secured a British Heart Foundation clinical research training fellowship to pursue DPhil in Medical sciences at the prestigious University of Oxford.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity across the world. To address this rising burden, there is a growing reliance on academic cardiologists in all settings to drive research and train next generation of cardiologists. However, currently, early career academic cardiologists face enormous challenges be it limited funding, insufficient protected time, regulatory burdens, competition with pure PhD scientists or personal financial disincentives. This has resulted in many cardiologists leaving or being deterred from entering the academic workforce. Thus, as an early career academic cardiologist I see my role playing a critical part in ensuring continuous evolution of medical sciences.

What is the most meaningful aspect of your work?

As a clinician being able to treat illnesses and make lives better is immensely satisfying. As a researcher I find being able to underpin the science behind a disease and delivering precision medicine very purposeful in serving my duty to the profession. There is great joy in not only practicing medicine but changing the way medicine is practiced.

Can you tell us about something you've done, contributed to that you're most proud of?

As a medical professional I take huge pride in my day to day work. Outside of work I feel particularly proud of the voluntary workshops that I have done with the charity ‘Inspiring the Future’ on issues such as gender bias and women in medicine. I feel discussing these issues and raising awareness amongst the younger generation is an important step towards eliminating these pre-conceived notions from our society. I feel proud that in my own little way I have contributed towards a better future for our society.

What changes would you most like to see in the Medical Sciences in the next 100 years?

I would like to see that in the next 100 years:

  • Women play an equal role to men in every aspect of medical sciences, be it administrative or executive areas.
  • Increase in diversity of the future cardiology workforce
  • More funding opportunities and better collaboration with the NHS to provide an environment where clinical academics can flourish.