Dr Fiona Cooke

Degrees, Awards and Prizes

MA, BM BCh (Oxford), MSc, PhD (London)

FRCP, FRCPath, DTM&H

Research themes

I work as a Consultant Medical Microbiologist based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. I am a medical doctor, specialising in the diagnosis and management of bacterial infections, so am in the fortunate position of combining laboratory and clinical work. Part of my job relates to the control of hospital acquired infections, and the prudent use of antibiotics, which is certainly a challenge! Through my day-to-day contact with patients suffering from infections, I have developed a variety of research interests, including salmonella infections, clostridium difficile, MRSA, antimicrobial stewardship and general bacteriology. My PhD thesis was in molecular microbiology, looking at variation within the genomes of different bacteria, and I am interested in applying new techniques to real-life situations, in order to benefit the patients I see.

Responsibilities

I teach undergraduate medics and vets, and clinical medical students, about different aspects of infections. I help with the Preparing for Patients course, and supervise the first years for the Introduction to the Scientific Basis of Medicine.

Other

I was a Girton medical student myself many years ago, before I defected to Oxford for my clinical training. I have been back as a Fellow since 2004, and love being involved in College life.

I am a keen supporter of the Girton Medical Society, and have been involved with a number of projects with Girton medical alumni. Together with other Fellows, I established the Hammond Science Communication Prize.

In my spare time I am updating the Oxford Handbook of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and enjoy spending time with my family.

In December 2018, I was appointed Dean of Student Discipline at Girton College.