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Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
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  4. Saskia Budgett

Saskia Budgett

Dr. Saskia Budgett, a former UCLA Biology graduate and professional athlete, competed in rowing for Great Britain, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Transitioning to medicine, she started postgraduate studies at Saint George’s University of London and paused to pursue rowing full-time. Currently, Saskia conducts dementia research at Queen Mary University, focusing on education and training interventions to improve care quality. Her work, in collaboration with dementia organisations, aims to impact healthcare policy.

A photo of Saskia Budgett in a black dress

Personal life

Saskia realised she was queer during her time at UCLA, where she met her partner in her first year at university. They have been together for 8 years. After graduation, Saskia became a professional athlete, competing with the Great Britain rowing team. In 2020, Saskia went to the Tokyo Olympics as the reserve for Great Britain. In 2021, she won a European bronze medal in the double sculls in Varese, Italy.


Education

Saskia completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at UCLA as part of her pre-medical studies, supported by a rowing scholarship. She graduated from UCLA in 2019 and started her postgraduate medicine studies in 2021 at Saint George’s University of London. She then took a 2 year pause to go back into rowing and pursue it full time. Currently, Saskia has been involved in research in the NIHR Dementia and Neurodegenerative Policy Research Unit based at Queen Mary (DeNPRU-QM), with Professor Claudia Cooper.

Research impact

Saskia’s current research involves a systematic review of dementia specific education and training interventions for the social and health care workforce. This evidence will be used to inform policy to help improve the quality of care for people with dementia. Her research is highly important as dementia impacts over 900,000 people in the UK, making an impact in the medical field. Saskia’s team also focuses on co-creation through public patient involvement and engagement, to inform their research and ensure its effectiveness.

Public engagement

Saskia and her team are involved in various dementia outreach projects, collaborating with organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society. They also reach out to their stakeholders to get the experience of the people who have experience of dementia or caring someone with dementia.

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