Humans of Clinical Academia

Our host, Dr Judith Johnson, introduces a new Manchester Catalys Podcast series - Clinical Academia: Getting Started. Listen to find our what to expect from this news series and how it could benefit your research career! Search Clinical Academia: Getting Started to listen!

This episode features Professor Dawn Edge, whose research has shone a light on some of healthcare's most persistent inequalities. Focusing on mental health, ethnicity, and underserved communities, Dawn has spent her career investigating why some groups experience poorer health outcomes and what can be done to change this. Join us as we explore Dawn's journey from clinician to international...

In this finale episode of Humans of Clinical Academia,Judith Johnson is joined by co-host Steve Rogers to reflect on the fascinating interviews from Season 1. Drawing from the candid conversations Judith has had with leading clinical academics throughout the season, they unpack sevensecrets that underpin successful clinical academic careers—from embracing fear to building meaningful teams. Join th...

This episode features Professor Dame Nicky Cullum, whose ground-breaking research has revolutionized wound care. With over 260 published papers, Nicky investigates which treatments truly work, from maggot therapy to advanceddressings—identifying options that are effective, patient-friendly, and cost-efficient. Her unique perspective combines nursing practice with academic training in pharmacology,...

This episode features Professor Rachel Elliott, who bridges pharmacy and economics to transform healthcare spending. Is the £1.2 trillion global pharmaceutical budget being used wisely? As one of the UK's first pharmacists trained in health economics, Rachel evaluates whether expensive treatments and technologies truly deliver value. With over 150 published papers and £58 million in research fundi...

This episode features Professor Karina Lovell, whose ground-breaking research has challenged fundamental assumptions about psychological therapy. Moving beyond the traditional model of weekly face-to-face sessions, Karina has proven that effective therapy can be delivered through phone calls, online platforms, and even without therapists—sometimes focusing instead on physical activity or building...

This episode features Professor Katherine Berry, whose research bridges a key debate in mental health: are psychological conditions biological or social in origin? Katherine’s breakthrough research shows that our early relationships with caregivers—our "attachment"—plays a role in schizophrenia symptoms later in life. With over 200 published papers, she's helped change how we understand mental hea...

This episode featuresProfessor Frank Bowling, MBE, whose extraordinary career spans podiatricsurgery, research, and global humanitarian work. With over 250 publications, 6books, and four doctorates, Frank brings unique perspectives as aneurodivergent healthcare provider specializing in diabetic foot complications. Join us to explore his journey from 1970s Bolton to becoming a respectedsurgeon whil...

This episode featuresProfessor Tony Redmond, whose remarkable journey led from north Manchester tothe frontlines of global crises. With over 150 papers and decades ofhumanitarian service, Tony has delivered emergency care during the Lockerbiebombing, Haitian earthquake, and Bosnian war—where he faced dictator RadovanKaradzic and survived sniper fire. Join us to explore his path from Catholicroots...

This episode features Professor Dawn Dowding, whose workbridges nursing practice and digital innovation. With 150 published papers anda unique background in both psychology and nursing, Dawn now shapeshealthcare's digital future through her leadership on England's nursinginformatics panels and AI advisory groups. Join us as we trace her journey from1960s Hertfordshire to professorships in...

This episode features Professor John Baker, whose research is transforming safety in mental healthcare settings. Starting as a nurse in Manchester—where he found himselfresponsible for 20 severely unwell patients—John became determined to improvemental health care delivery. As one of the first mental health nurses awarded aHealth Foundation Fellowship, he pioneered research into medication deliver...