Member of Palliative Care Team awarded prestigious University of Nottingham position
A member of #TeamUHDB’s nursing and education staff has been awarded the position of Honorary (Consultant) Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School.
Mandy-Jayne Gray, who is a Clinical Educator and Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Medicine, was awarded the post after demonstrating an excellent standard of teaching and playing a significant role in the leadership and organisation of medical student teaching, assessment and evaluation.
Mandy-Jayne said: “I’m really pleased that I’ve achieved it. I’m proud of myself as I’m dyslexic and the submission process is very focused on academia, but it’s all about sharing what I’m passionate about and it’s also great for the Trust to have a Nurse working clinically to be appointed to such role.”
The role is only available for application once per year, and applicants have to demonstrate how they have gone above and beyond in their role on all fronts, before then being judged by an expert panel. Mandy-Jayne has demonstrated all of the above qualities after helping to implement and deliver Simulated Communications Workshops last year on handling difficult questions and conversations – which is an area that many students found incredibly useful in their role.
Mandy-Jayne added: “I am so passionate about End of Life care and that comes across with the students. Many students have not previously been involved with dying and death. Students attend the placement with varying preconceived ideas – I provide ‘open door’ support. We are teaching the next generation and we only get one chance to get it right in End of Life care and it’s my aim to make a difference.”
Dr Claudia Whale, Associate Clinical Director for Palliative Medicine at UHDB, said: “We are so proud to have M-J as part of our team. She provides an excellent standard of care and teaching for our medical students and supports the whole team to deliver education to our future doctors. Her appointment to the University goes a small way to recognising her work.”