- Location of undergraduate medical degree: University of Manchester 1997-2002
- First interested in research: During Specialist Registrar training in Palliative Medicine when undertook a Masters in Clinical Education which had a research theory and methodology module and a research dissertation. Committed to a part-time research position when qualified as a Consultant, alongside a part-time clinical role. Undertook MD through University of St Andrews 2015-2020.
- Mentors: Professor Marie Fallon and Professor Kenneth Fearon who mentored Jo through MD.
- Current specialisation: Consultant in Palliative Medicine NHS Fife, Clinical Research Fellow NHS Fife and University of St Andrews
- Field of research: Palliative and Supportive Care, incorporating clinical trials, health services research including data linkage and qualitative studies around experience of care for people with advanced illness and their families.
- Attitudes to this type of job: Lots to enjoy with a combined clinical and research career, but pressures of research can be difficult to manage alongside clinical work. Supporting others to develop their own research interests and skills is greatly rewarding.
- Current weekly rota: Wednesday for research and other days of the week for clinical work
- Advice: The main requirements for a research career are a curiosity and thirst for learning and collaboration. Research and clinical work are complementary, and the variety is satisfying. What is puzzling in clinical work can stimulate research ideas!
