Humans of Clinical Academia Podcast

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 seven secrets that underpin successful clinical academic careers—from embracing fear to building meaningful teams. Join them as they explore how these principles can help anyone balancing the demands of healthcare practice with research ambitions

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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 advanced dressings—identifying options that are effective, patient-friendly, and cost-efficient. Her unique perspective combines nursing practice with academic training in pharmacology, bringing scientific rigor to a field where biology, medicine, and technology intersect. Join us as we trace Nicky's path from 1960s Leeds to receiving her Damehood, exploring her early transition to research, her influential Cochrane work, and her belief that "crushing disappointments can lead to the best opportunities." We'll also uncover her writing process, offering valuable insights for aspiring clinical academics who find this aspect of research particularly daunting.

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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 funding, she ensures healthcare financial decisions are evidence-based rather than assumption-driven. Join us to explore Rachel's journey from ICU pharmacy specialist to pioneering health economist, how she faced criticism that she "no longer cared for patients," her guidance for clinicians entering research, and her insights from chairing NIHR fellowship awards while navigating both clinical and academic worlds.

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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 social connections. With over 270 published papers, her influential work has transformed mental health treatment globally. Join us as we explore Karina's journey from mental health nurse to pioneering researcher, discussing her experiences working internationally in Kenya and Pakistan and her remarkable success in securing research funding.

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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 health by showing the importance of childhood bonds alongside biological factors. Join us to explore Katherine’s research, how she got into academia, and how she has overcome the challenges she’s faced along the way.

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This episode features Professor Frank Bowling, MBE, whose extraordinary career spans podiatric surgery, research, and global humanitarian work. With over 250 publications, 6 books, and four doctorates, Frank brings unique perspectives as a neurodivergent healthcare provider specializing in diabetic foot complications. Join us to explore his journey from 1970s Bolton to becoming a respected surgeon while holding professorships at five European universities. We'll discuss how neurodivergence has shaped his prolific career, his experiences delivering healthcare in disaster-stricken areas worldwide—work that earned him an MBE in 2023—and his commitment to balancing research alongside clinical and humanitarian efforts, offering valuable insights for those aspiring to similar paths.

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This episode features Professor Tony Redmond, whose remarkable journey led from north Manchester to the frontlines of global crises. With over 150 papers and decades of humanitarian service, Tony has delivered emergency care during the Lockerbie bombing, Haitian earthquake, and Bosnian war—where he faced dictator Radovan Karadzic and survived sniper fire. Join us to explore his path from Catholic roots to pioneering emergency medicine and co-founding the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute. We'll discuss his experiences with PTSD, recovering from deliberate heavy metal poisoning in the Balkans, and building a field hospital for Kurdish refugees after the Gulf War. Tony offers candid insights about the complexities of humanitarian medicine and practical advice for healthcare professionals drawn to this challenging but rewarding path.

Prof Redmond founded and is now an ambassador for www.uk-med.org. You can support his international humanitarian work by supporting UK-med.

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This episode features Professor Dawn Dowding, whose work bridges nursing practice and digital innovation. With 150 published papers and a unique background in both psychology and nursing, Dawn now shapes healthcare's digital future through her leadership on England's nursing informatics panels and AI advisory groups. Join us as we trace her journey from 1960s Hertfordshire to professorships in both the UK and US, including five years at Columbia University. We'll explore how her research evolved from studying clinical decision making to advancing digital health technologies, and gain her practical advice for healthcare professionals intimidated by academic writing and publishing—insights gained from her impressive international career spanning both sides of the Atlantic.

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This episode features Professor John Baker, whose research is transforming safety in mental healthcare settings. Starting as a nurse in Manchester—where he found himself responsible for 20 severely unwell patients—John became determined to improve mental health care delivery. As one of the first mental health nurses awarded a Health Foundation Fellowship, he pioneered research into medication delivery on acute wards. With over 100 publications and £8 million in funding, John has overcome significant barriers in a field where nursing research remains underrepresented. Join us to explore his journey from 1970s Portsmouth to his current work at Leeds University, his creative approach to science communication through blogging, and his insights on conquering imposter syndrome while building an influential academic career.

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