New appointment for Sunderland medical education expert

Published on 6, December, 2024

A medical education expert who is helping shape the future of education and training of doctors has been appointed Professor of Clinical Medical Education at the University of Sunderland.

Professor Mark Shipley, Deputy Head of the University’s School of Medicine and Undergraduate Programme Lead, is a Consultant Respiratory Physician at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and a GMC (General Medical Council Associate.

About his new appointment, which is a first for the University, Professor Shipley said: "I am delighted. This role supports my existing appointment as Undergraduate Programme Lead for Medicine, and my national representation of the University at the Medical Students Council and GMC.

"As Professor of Clinical Medical Education, I look forward to supporting the ongoing development and assurance of the University’s Medicine degree and am particularly interested in developing medical education research and innovation.”

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The School of Medicine was granted official status by the GMC in April this year in what marked a seminal moment for the institution.

The GMC agreed to add the University to the list of bodies able to award UK primary medical qualifications (PMQ).

The move is the culmination of years of hard work by staff and students following the first announcement that the University would be opening a medical school back in 2018.

Since then, the School, which welcomed its first medical students in September 2019, has been under the scrutiny of the GMC’s rigorous testing procedures, ensuring it reaches the highest standards.

Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of the University’s School of Medicine and Professor of General Practice and Primary Care at Sunderland, said: “Since April 2018, Mark has been actively involved in all phases of our Medicine degree, from the development of quality assurance frameworks and GMC assessment processes to student support. He has also been integral to ensuring our medical students meet the standards required to practise safely and effectively.

“I am delighted that Mark has been recognised for his excellence in Clinical Medical Education. He was a central figure in our recent success securing PMQ status with the GMC earlier this year.

“I am confident that this will launch the rest of Mark’s career for the benefit of the medical school, the University and the exciting things to come for Mark as he continues to progress in his field.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University of Sunderland, Professor Laura Stroud, added: "Mark is blazing the trail for the School of Medicine with his Professorial appointment in conjunction with his role as a Consultant Respiratory Physician.

"Mark is our first Professor of Clinical Medical Education – conferred in testament to his work over the last five years, which has significantly contributed to the success of the School of Medicine and the achievement of PMQ awarding status this year.”

Professor Shipley was previously the Trust's Foundation Programme tutor, overseeing the delivery of training locally for newly qualified doctors.

He later took on the role of Director of Undergraduate Studies for the University of Sunderland’s School of Medicine, supporting students on placement within the Trust gain their first experiences of clinical practice.

Dr Mickey Jachuck, Consultant Cardiologist and Physician, and Clinical Director (Cardiothoracic Medicine / Clinical Microbiology and Infection), at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Professor Shipley’s work in these roles has improved the quality of training, development and support provided to students and new doctors joining the Trust.”

For more information on studying Medicine at the University of Sunderland, click here.