Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I studied Medicine at UCL before training as a GP in London. I always enjoyed teaching clinical medicine and joined King’s in 2011 which led me to complete an MSc in Medical Education. I love the ‘ah-ha’ moment of learning and seeking ways for our learners to have a positive impact on patient care. I’ve had amazing opportunities to innovate in the curriculum at GKT and work with incredible students, particularly during Covid. I’ve mainly led on community education modules for medical students, but also created the Doctor as Teacher module and an intercalated BSc in Primary Care which launched in 2018. I continue to work as a GP partner in North London and also work in postgraduate medical education as one of the Primary Care Deans for London. I really enjoy working across the NHS and undergraduate and postgraduate education as I see the whole gambit of learning and patient care.
What is a typical day like for you?
Happily, I never have a typical day which is what I typically enjoy! On some days I get to go to work and see patients, this remains a privilege even on the hardest of days. On other days, I get to learn and teach with the most inspirational students and colleagues in the world, or work with postgraduate learners across all health disciplines in my Primary Care Dean role. So my typical day is always pretty busy and interesting - almost chaos - but that’s how I like it!
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Believe in yourself more. I was the first in my family to go to university and grew up in the North East; university wasn’t really on my radar at school. It took a few inspirational teachers who believed in me to make me think I could even apply. I hope to inspire students in the same way myself. I think a lot of us have imposter syndrome to some degree, which is a challenge but also a superpower: I think if I’d believed I was ‘good enough’ I may not have achieved as much.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
I’ve recently been appointed MBBS Programme Director for the King’s collaboration with the University of Portsmouth which will see a new graduate entry cohort of 54 students begin at the Portsmouth campus in 2024. This will have a major impact on patient care in the region. Portsmouth and the surround areas have one of the lowest doctor/patient ratios in the UK. It’s also an opportunity to share our MBBS curriculum and provide incredible learning opportunities for students. We announced the formal approval of the new branch campus this week and there is huge excitement from the local community and NHS colleagues, but still a lot of work to do before students arrive next summer.
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I enjoy sailing and managed to get my Day Skipper certificate this year in Greece. I also like travelling, jogging, cycling and cooking. I also have a special interest in Expedition & Wilderness medicine and have enjoyed the intersection of work and travel supporting healthcare in pre-hospital settings. I’m also the patron of the KCL Student Union Expedition Medicine Society who offer an amazing training course and run some great society events and trips.
What is something positive that happened to you in 2022?
I won a National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. This was a real honour as one of around 50 winners selected from finalists from universities across the UK. It was nice to be able to share the educational impact we have at KCL on a national stage and recognise the excellence in teaching I’ve been able to cultivate with my team.
What is something you’re looking forward to in 2024?
I’m getting married in October next year! With a fair amount of planning still to go and lots of interesting work projects… it’s going to be a busy (but hopefully) amazing year.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I think probably the way in which we met the challenges of Covid. Not only caring for patients, but I’m indescribably proud of my clinical team and students for their work in delivering vaccines. We were able to really boost uptake through 24 hours vaccine clinics and mass vaccination events I led at Tottenham Hotspur stadium. My practice won a very well deserved HSJ award and it was nice to be able to celebrate their hard work.
QUICK-FIRE:
Favourite season: Autumn
Favourite book: Jurassic Park
Coffee order: Flat White please, (with a pain aux raisin)
Most-used emoji: IDK 🤷🏻♂️