Alumni & staff success | 19
Dr Forrester-Soto , a virologist in Keele ’ s School of Life Sciences , has received a British Empire Medal ( BEM ) for services to public communication during the Covid-19 pandemic , which saw her become a key national voice on radio and television , offering expert advice on Covid-19 and answering questions from people across the UK .
Dr Forrester-Soto spoke extensively to the media throughout the pandemic , conducting over 500 interviews with local , national and international media , sharing her expertise on virology and the latest news concerning Covid-19 , reaching millions of people .
Dr Forrester-Soto said : “ Speaking in the media was a privilege and I hope that in some small way I reduced people ’ s concerns and enabled them to weather the ups and downs of the pandemic better .”
Professor Carolyn Chew-Graham , Professor of General Practice Research in the School of Medicine , has been made an OBE in this year ’ s list for services to General Practice and Patient Care , and to Primary Care Research , particularly into Long Covid .
Professor Chew-Graham began researching the phenomenon of “ Long Covid ” in 2020 after becoming aware of patients presenting with symptoms early in the pandemic , in her work as a practising GP . She has also co-designed a training module for other GPs on helping patients with Long Covid .
Professor Chew-Graham said : “ I am honoured and humbled in equal measure to receive this OBE , and hope this emphasises the importance of research into Long Covid , as well as mental health and wellbeing . My sincere thanks to all of my colleagues at Keele and in the NHS , without whom this wouldn ’ t have been possible .”