In this interview, we sit down with Catherine Doogan, Programme Director of the MSc in Clinical Neuroscience Practice.
Academic interests and expertise
Can you tell us about your academic and research background?
I joined St George’s as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and have worked with people with neurological conditions for over 20 years. I’ve led and developed various services including Neurorehabilitation OnLine (N-ROL) as a response to COVID-19 and a Vocational Rehabilitation Service helping people get back to, stay or leave work. I also have experience delivering neuropsychological interventions to people with aphasia and their carers.
From a research perspective I’ve worked for 6 years as a post-doc on NIHR-funded clinical trial teams in creating digital neurological interventions (apps) for people with aphasia after stroke and dementia. I also developed and delivered a Virtual Reality intervention for people with Visual Inattention.
I have a teaching degree (BEd) and a Clinical Psychology doctorate and PGDip in Neuropsychology and am passionate about delivering innovative ways for a diverse group to learn. I am the research lead for the Clinical Health and Neuropsychology Department in St Georges NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust where I am co-developing placements and research projects in the neurosciences and especially regarding evidence-based interventions in neuropsychological rehabilitation.
What inspired you to specialise in your current field of study?
People with neurological disorders have been short changed. The gap between the evidence for dose (and intensity) that people need to rehabilitate and the amount they can receive on the NHS leave a huge unmet need. I strive to develop and implement interventions that will address this through technology and through the wider support system (supporting carers).
Why this course?
What makes this postgraduate programme unique within its field?
The programme is called Clinical Neuroscience Practice and it is very important to us to teach how the academic side of things apply in the real world. Our university and hospital are on the same campus and most of the teaching faculty are clinicians who work in the NHS/ This unique perspective means that we are passionate about being evidence-based practitioners. During the MSc or PGCert we will be meeting many practitioners who are expert in their own field of neuroscience or with a particular neurological long term condition. You will also will the opportunity to meet with patients and families/carers who live with this condition everyday and take part in a clinical placement.
Are there opportunities for networking with alumni or industry professionals during the course?
As this programme was designed by clinical academics and is mostly taught by Clinicians working in our shared campus (NHS foundation trust and the university are co-located) there is a unique opportunity for students to be supervised by industry leaders and world renowned researchers both on dissertation projects and clinical placements.
Career paths
How does the programme help students develop skills for their future careers, whether in academia or industry?
This programme develops students academic and clinical skills. They need to produce a poster based on their dissertation and this can be presented at further academic conferences. They receive workshops and MOOCs on professional and clinical skills and have the opportunity to learn from their peers in project work as well as in Journal clubs and reflective practice groups facilitated by core faculty staff. These clinical and academic skills build on the professional skills needed to pursue a career in the health care professionals.
Tips for offer holders
If you could highlight one thing that students should look forward to in this programme, what would it be?
The diverse background of the applicants leads to interesting discussions, and the clinical placement is often a highlight and a huge learning opportunity.
What advice would you give offer holders as they prepare to join this course?
Come with an open mind and ready to learn about some fascinating and challenging areas of health care.