Bath paramedic receives NHS research scholarship
John Martin has received the scholarship from NHS East of England, after undergoing a competitive selection process for the award. John is a paramedic for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and he will use the scholarship to fund his postgraduate research looking at the ‘Variation in ambulance demand and its causes’. This award will enable him to fund the rest of his course fees, and allow him one day a week to carry out his research within the East of England Ambulance Service. Upon receiving the award, John said: 'I’m delighted to be awarded the scholarship – to be given the time to be able to carry out my project is invaluable. I believe this is the first time such a scholarship has been awarded to a paramedic in the UK, so it’s a real honour and I hope that my research will have a positive impact on the way in which patients receive acute care across the region.' Dr David Wainwright, Director of Studies in the School for Health at the University of Bath said: 'We’re delighted that John has received such an important scholarship. It will be of enormous benefit to him personally and demonstrates how important Professional Doctorate courses are to a wide range of healthcare professionals who wish to engage in research whilst continuing with their clinical commitments. By awarding this scholarship, the East of England SHA has recognised that a Professional Doctorate can be as important as a PhD in terms of applied research activity, effectively bridging the gap between research and practice.' Stephen Welfare, Director of Workforce, at NHS East of England, commented: 'This is the second year that NHS East of England has offered postgraduate students carrying out health related research the opportunity to apply for a CARA Award. Competition for the small number of awards on offer was fierce; however, the panel felt John’s submission was one of the best. We were particularly impressed that his qualification places a large amount of emphasis on carrying out research. This is first time that we have given one of these awards to a paramedic and I hope others may be encouraged by John’s success to come forward and enter next year. I would like to wish John all the best in completing his studies and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of his research.' East of England Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Hayden Newton said: 'We are very proud indeed of John’s magnificent achievement. The trust is very fortunate to have one of the first paramedics to receive such an accolade.' The Professional Doctorate in Health at the University of Bath is delivered by part-time, online and distance learning, enabling participants to carry out independent research and understand research methods whilst remaining in practice. There is one intake per year and applications are currently being invited for September 2010. Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Bath. Find out more about postgraduate research study at the University of Bath. Looking for funding for postgraduate studies in 2010? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions. Content added on 30th March 2010. |
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A postgraduate student studying the Professional Doctorate in Health at the University of Bath is the first paramedic to receive a research scholarship from a regional Strategic Health Authority