Manchester Doctor Thomas Hunt Beats Leukaemia Ahead of Medical School

Thomas Hunt, a Manchester native, was diagnosed with acute leukaemia at 18, just weeks before he was due to begin medical school. After swollen lymph nodes and a blood test revealed pancytopenia, he was hospitalized and started intensive chemotherapy in September 2018. Nine months of treatment followed by two and a half years of oral maintenance chemotherapy led to remission.

Now 26 and in full remission, Hunt has completed two marathons and attributes his experience to a unique perspective in patient care. He says, “I feel like I’ve got a unique perspective and that comes across in my patient care,” and highlights improved communication and empathy. He also discusses the mental challenges, including health anxiety and therapy, and credits family and friends for his perseverance.