Simon Knight MRCS

Clinical Research Fellow
Centre for Evidence in Transplantation

Simon spent two years working as a clinical research fellow jointly between the Transplant Unit in Oxford and the Centre for Evidence in Transplantation. He has now returned to his clinical training on the Oxford general surgery rotation, with the aim of training as a transplant surgeon. He has remained on the staff of the CET as a consultant.

He undertook his undergraduate studies at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, gaining a BA in medical science in 2000 before studying clinical medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge . He qualified as a doctor in 2002, and having completed his pre-registration year moved to Nottingham for his Basic Surgical Training. He completed his MRCS in December 2005 and moved to Oxford in May 2006 to take up a position as a clinical research fellow in transplant surgery.

During his time at the CET, Simon performed a number of systematic reviews relating to the optimisation of immunosuppressive therapies. These include therapeutic drug monitoring and steroid sparing regimens. Two of these reviews, regarding C2 monitoring of cyclosporine and monitoring of MMF have been published. The review of steroid sparing and avoidance regimens is now complete and being prepared for publication. Full results have been presented at the World Transplant Congress in Sydney in August 2008, and at the BTS congress in April 2009. The latter presentation won the 2009 clinical Medawar medal. The work performed during his time at the CET has been accepted as a thesis for the degree of Master of Surgery at Cambridge University.

Outside of medicine Simon has an interest in technology and computers, with considerable experience in web design. He enjoys many sports; in particular snowboarding, mountain biking and jogging.

Publications

1. Knight SR, Russell NK, Barcena L and Morris PJ. Mycophenolate Mofetil decreases acute rejection and may improve graft survival in renal transplant recipients when compared to Azathioprine. A systematic review. Transplantation. 2009 March 27; 87(6): 785-94
2. Knight S, Morris PJ. Azathioprine and Steroids in Kidney Transplantation: Principles and Practice 6th Edition (eds. Morris PJ & Knechtle S), 2008: p220
3. Russell N, Knight S, Morris PJ. Cyclosporine in Kidney Transplantation: Principles and Practice 6th Edition (eds. Morris PJ & Knechtle S), 2008: p234
4. Knight S, Russell N, Barcena L, Morris PJ. Mycophenolate mofetil decreases acute rejection and may improve graft survival in renal transplant recipients when compared to azathioprine. A systematic review. Transplantation 2009 (In press)
5. Knight SR and Morris PJ. Does the evidence support the use of Mycophenolate Mofetil therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice? A systematic review. Transplantation 2008; 85(12): 1675-1685.
6. Knight SR and Morris PJ. Letter to the Editor: In response to : Cantarovich M et al. Transplantation 2008;(85)7:992. Transplantation 2008; In press.
7. Knight, SR, Friend PJ, Morris PJ (2007) Role of transplantation in the management of hepatic malignancy. Brit J. Surg. 2007; 94(11) : 1319-30
8. Knight SR, Morris PJ. The clinical benefits of cyclosporine c2-level monitoring: a systematic review. Transplantation 2007; 83(12):1525-35