Dr Lucinda Whiteley graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and is currently a Senior House Officer at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Scotland. She is interested in clinical epidemiology and during her year as a Junior House Officer, she worked with Dr. Sandosh Padmanabhan and Dr. Chris Isles studying the Renfrew/Paisley population cohort, in particular looking at the 25-year survival in relation to cardiovascular risk factors. The coronary heart disease and diabetes part of the study was selected for a poster presentation at the International Society of Hypertension meeting in Brazil. This gave her the first opportunity to attend an international scientific conference and have her research peer-reviewed. This was very encouraging and inspiring, and she is honoured to have her work recognised with the young investigator award. Though combining clinical commitments and research as a junior doctor is extremely demanding, she has realised how well they complement each other. Lucinda is looking forward to continuing her work in clinical epidemiology and completing her medical residency.