CardioSurgeon.co.uk
My teaching philosophy is centred on three fundamental principles: developing knowledge and understanding, building confidence, and inspiring individuals to progress and succeed. I believe education should go beyond simply sharing information; it should help learners understand concepts deeply and apply them effectively in real clinical practice. In cardiac surgery and medicine more broadly, knowledge must be both rigorous and practical. I therefore focus on making complex clinical concepts clear, relevant, and directly applicable to everyday decision-making, helping bridge the gap between theory and patient care.
Building confidence is equally important. Learners perform best when they feel supported, respected, and encouraged. I aim to create a safe and engaging learning environment where questions are welcomed, discussion is encouraged, and feedback is constructive. By providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for progressive responsibility, I help trainees develop confidence in their clinical judgement, technical skills, and professional communication.
By adapting my teaching to individual learning needs and encouraging active participation, I seek not only to transfer knowledge and technical skills but also to foster self-belief and professional growth. My ultimate goal is to help learners become independent, motivated clinicians who are fully equipped to achieve both their professional ambitions and personal potential.
My commitment to education is supported by formal training and extensive academic involvement. I hold a degree in Higher Clinical Education from the University of Warwick and have completed the Royal College of Surgeons of England “Training the Trainers” and “Training and Assessment in Practice (TAIP)” programmes. I maintain current Good Clinical Practice (GCP) accreditation and am a certified OSCE examiner.
My past and present academic appointments include Honorary Professor in Cardiac Surgery at the University of Cumbria, Visiting Professor roles at Anglia Ruskin University and the Università Gabriele d’Annunzio in Italy, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer and Senior Research Associate positions at the University of Oxford. I also contribute to medical education through specialist lecturing roles and international PhD assessment.
Alongside teaching, I maintain an active research portfolio, serving as Chief Investigator, Principal Investigator, or Co-Investigator in multiple clinical trials and research programmes, and reviewing research grant applications for organisations including Imperial College London and Heart Research UK. I have longstanding experience in postgraduate training, acting as educational and clinical supervisor for foundation doctors, surgical trainees, and specialist nurse practitioners. My involvement in national training includes serving on core surgical training interview panels, hosting professional examinations, and completing advanced educational supervision and development programmes.
I regularly contribute to national and international scientific meetings as an organiser, invited lecturer, and faculty member, covering a wide range of cardiothoracic topics including aortic disease, minimally invasive surgery, atrial fibrillation, and future developments in cardiac care. I have delivered teaching across all levels of medical education, from undergraduate bedside teaching and wet-lab training to specialist surgical courses and multidisciplinary professional education. My teaching experience spans major academic centres in the UK and internationally, including Oxford, Imperial College, the Royal Brompton Hospital, the University of Toronto, and multiple European institutions.
Through this broad educational, academic, and supervisory experience, I remain committed to advancing clinical knowledge, supporting trainee development, and contributing to the continuous improvement of cardiac surgical education. My approach integrates academic rigour, practical clinical insight, and genuine mentorship, ensuring that those I teach are prepared not only to meet today’s standards of care but also to lead the future of the profession.
