Two aspiring medics are even more determined to achieve their goals after being recognised for their outstanding work at a prestigious conference.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls pupils Diana, 16, and Reem, 17, were delighted when their essays were awarded prizes at the National Student Association of Medical Research (NSAMR) conference in Cardiff this month.

Diana’s essay won the first prize of £200 and was printed in the conference programme.

It explored the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and how its legacy, as well as the disease itself, will continue to challenge global medicine in 2015.

“I am delighted and surprised to have won the national competition, especially since I heard there were over 100 entries,” Diana said.

“I am really pleased to have gained this recognition of my work, as I tend not to think of myself as an ‘essay writing’ person, but am more comfortable with numbers and bullet points.

“It is really rewarding to have stretched myself beyond my comfort zone and achieved such an exciting result.

“I think it is very satisfying knowing a medical professional, whom I have never met, has enjoyed reading and been interested by my essay.”

Diana, from Newport, hopes to pursue a career in medicine after going to medical school, but has not yet decided which specific aspect she wishes to focus on.

She added: “Winning this competition has given me more self confidence in the work I do, which has motivated me to do more towards my AS levels and achieve the best grades I can. “Attending the conference in Cardiff has inspired me to pursue medicine even more and has prompted me to start considering medical research more.

“I also gained some valuable contacts from the day that will continue to inspire me with their personal stories of ‘living the dream’ and their helpful advice.

“It was exciting to be experiencing the cutting edge of modern medicine, something I hope to be part of when I am in medical school.”

Reem, from Abergavenny, won £50 as a runner up with her essay.

She wrote about the advantages and disadvantages of the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes, taking into consideration the social stigma of drugs and their potential benefits, such as treatment for relieving the side effects of chemotherapy.

“I’ve known from a young that I would love a career in medicine,” Reem said.

“The success of my essay has reaffirmed my passion for medicine and the route I’m taking towards my future career.”