Research Centre for Learning and Teaching

Staff Profile

Dr Bryan Burford

Senior Lecturer

Background


My background is in psychology and ergonomics, but I have been working in medical education research since 2005. I joined Newcastle University as a lecturer in 2013. Since then, I have developed and led in a number of projects with local and national partners. 


I am lead for the Education Research Theme within the Faculty of Medical Sciences, and jointly lead the NIHR Incubator for Clinical Education Research, which provides a national network for researchers across the UK.


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Research

My view is that medical education research can be defined as the application of social science theory and method to the clinical workforce - not limited to pedagogy, nor to medicine. Reflecting that, my research interests in medical education are varied.

A common theme is the transitions clinicians make through their careers, and how that affects them. Topics my work has covered include professional identity, wellbeing, widening access to medicine and career choices. I am interested in the policy implications of research, particularly around workforce changes. Understanding the choices people make, and how the healthcare system shapes those choices, is important for addressing the current workforce crisis in healthcare.

A number of projects funded by the GMC have reflected the policy relevance of my work, with completed projects examining the work of Foundation Programme doctors, the assessment of professional behaviour, and the experience of educational and leadership roles.

Teaching

I have taught on the Masters in Medical Education programme since 2013, and since 2021 have been Module Leader for the Advanced Study Module, providing an introduction to research skills, and supporting students in the development of their research projects. I also support colleagues in the delivery of other modules on the MedEd programme.


I provide supervision to MMedEd, MD and PhD students, and to clinical academic trainees undertaking education research projects.

Publications