University Vice-Chancellor honoured for pioneering role in health education

The Fellowship is in recognition of Professor Humphris’ significant contribution to the education and development of health professions, her pioneering role in the development of inter-professional education and curriculum development and her commitment to enhancing the student experience.

Whilst Director of The New Generation Project at the University of Southampton, Professor Humphris led the development of ground-breaking new approaches to developing learning across ten professional groups including Midwives, Pharmacists, Radiographers and Social Workers. This led to Professor Humphris being appointed to a number of national and international groups and work on a number of influential reports including the International Healthcare Workforce Collaboration and the World Health Organisation Framework for Action on Inter-collaborative Practice.

Commenting on her Fellowship, Professor Humphris said: “It is hugely humbling, particularly as a non-clinician, to be recognised in this way by the Royal College of Physicians. I am very proud of the vitally important role that the University of Brighton plays in supporting the NHS by developing the next generation of health professionals and through our support of a highly successful Medical School. This makes receiving this honour in the week that the NHS celebrates its 70^th anniversary particularly special.”

Professor Debra Humphris

Professor Humphris spent 20 years working in the NHS, beginning her career as a student nurse in Chichester and later studying for a Diploma in Nursing and Certificate in Education before undertaking a Master’s degree. She then obtained a PhD from the University of London for work undertaken at St George’s Hospital Medical School on the use of research evidence by doctors, nurses and therapists.

The Royal College of Physicians is the UK’s oldest medical college and is celebrating its 500^th anniversary this year. The College’s core mission is to drive improvements in health and healthcare through advocacy, education and research. Fellowship of the College is an accolade held by some of the most exceptional and innovative physicians in the world.

The University of Brighton’s School of Health Science is at the forefront of professional teaching and research in nursing, midwifery, health and social care, health promotion, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and paramedic practice. The university also sponsors Brighton and Sussex Medical School in partnership with the University of Sussex.