Miruna Coraci

Where were you born?

Bucharest, Romania

What kind of studies do you work on?

I will be using optical imaging techniques such as ICG fluorescence angiography and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) intraoperatively to visualize and quantify perfusion in different tissue types, in order to influence surgical decision-making. My studies will be conducted in various patient populations and on various tissue types, including the parathyroid gland, the gastrointestinal tract, and the largest organ in our body, the skin.

Why do you want to work in this field?

I am attracted to this specific field because it requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical imaging and various types of surgery such as endocrine, oncological, gastrointestinal, and vascular surgery. I am also excited about the prospect of influencing surgical decision-making to reduce the risk of complications, potentially lowering postoperative morbidity and mortality for multiple patient populations.

What is your background?

I am an MD/PhD student at the University of Groningen, having completed the Bachelor of Medicine with Honors in Philosophy and the first 2 years of the Master of Medicine. Because of my interest in the natural sciences, during my bachelor’s, I also completed a minor in physics.

What relevant experience did you gain during your study?

My minor in physics has given me a good understanding of the principles underlying optical imaging, while my background in medicine has prepared me to conduct clinical research. My study of philosophy has taught me to closely examine the broader relevance and contributions of the scientific knowledge we produce.

What relevant experience did you gain in your prior career?

During my medicine study I came in contact with the patient populations that I will be studying, seeing firsthand the effects of both surgical successes and postoperative complications. I also had the opportunity to conduct a study comparing quantified perfusion parameters of ICG fluorescence angiography and LSCI in porcine specimens, forming a background for future studies that make use of these imaging modalities.

What do you like to do when you are not working? 

I like to cook, read, or do sports like tennis, weight-training and bouldering.