Professor Vikram Devaraj DL
Lead for Fitness to Practice Faculty of Health & Life Sciences (Medicine, Medical Imaging, Nursing, Clinical & Applied Psychology, Clinical Education & Research) Associate Professor in Medical Education
V.S.Devaraj@exeter.ac.uk
College House
College House, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
Overview
Current role
Lead for Fitness to Practice (FTP) for professional programmes Faculty of Health & Life Sciences (Medicine, Nursing, Medical Imaging, Clinical & Applied Psychology, Clinical Education & Research).
Key role to support the teams involved with ensuring the professional behaviour of students on regulated undergraduate programs working closely with the General Counsel and Director of Legal and Student cases and the existing Responsible Persons (RP) for FTP for each programme and the Policy Advisor for FTP.
In addition to support and training the RP team, guidance when necessary is provided, progress reports received, reports reviewed on investigations from RPs offering feedback and opinion when needed. This also covers response to expressions of concern and or complaints requiring urgent safeguarding action, advice on the form that action should take and general support for the process.
Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for the County of Devon 2023 - present
Previous roles
- NHS Consultant Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon 1/1/1995 - 1/9/2017 with Honorary NHS contract to 2023. Independent clinical practice since 1/1/1995 – 10/2/2023
- Associate Professor in Medical Education, Clinical lead for Anatomy, University of Exeter Medical School
- Lead for Fitness to Practice BMBS College of Medicine & Health, University of Exeter Medical School 2018-2023
- Lead for FTP Regulated Programmes FHLS Sept 23 - present
Personal moments
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Staff Aureus award for Educational Inspirer from the BMBS students 21/2/2024
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Nominations over several years by University of Exeter students for Teaching Awards including in 2018 and 2021 for Best Lecturer
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Staff Aureus award for the Most Inspiring Teacher (Preclinical) University of Exeter Medical School 2016
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MacLeod Post Graduate Prize November 2015 Presented by Professor Terence Stephenson GMC Chairman and Provost of The University of Exeter, Professor Janice Kay
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National NHS Hero (2013) awarded by Sir David Nicholson presented by Trust Chairman James Brent
Qualifications
- MB ChB (Leeds) 1982
- FRCS (Eng) 1987
- FRCS (Plast) 1993
- PG Cert Clin Ed (2017)
- PG Dip Clin Ed (2018)
- SFHEA (2018)
- DL (2023)
Career
Previous academic appointments
University of Exeter Medical School
- Clinical lead anatomy discipline group 2013 - 2023
- Responsible Person BMBS 2018-2023
- Specialty lead for Plastic Surgery 2013 - 2017
- Special Study Unit organizer and provider (Wound Healing) 2013 - 2017
- Professional Development Group Tutor (Year 3) 2017 - 2018
- Small Group Facilitator (Year 3) 2013 - 2014
- Academic Tutor (Year 4) 2013 - 2014
- Academic Tutor (Year 2) 2013 - 2016
- Pathway provider Specialist Surgery (Year 5) 2013 - 2017
Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistry
- Specialty lead for Plastic Surgery 2004 - 2012
- Special Study Unit organizer and provider (Wound Healing) 2004 - 2012
- Small Group Facilitator 2011 - 2012
- Academic Tutor (Year 4) 2011 - 2012
- Pathway provider Specialist Surgery (Year 5) 2008 - 2012
- Hon Senior Clinical Lecturer 2004 - 2012
Links
Research
Research interests
Research in progress around FTP
An application is currently being developed via Exeter Worktribe between myself, Prof Paul Lian (Occupational Health physician)and Dr Alice Osborne (Director of Student Support). The study is a partnership between the NHS and University of Exeter to support the translation of research into student support and well-being activities. The collaborative retrospective study proposes to analyse data from the Clinical Practice Review Group (formerly Health & Conduct Committee).
By analysing this data in more detail we aim to answer the RQ ““What are the risk factors that can help identify students who need more support?” by reviewing retrospective anonymised data we already retain. This has not been looked at before and is a vital opportunity to optimize support structures for students by identifying those likely to need it most.
- We would be fulfilling one of the terms of reference from this group to gather, monitor and collate information for internal quality management processes.
- We should be able to develop a 'risk matrix' to support those students that require additional support and help at an early stage to facilitate their undergraduate training.
- We can develop tailored wellbeing and academic support mechanisms and strategies for each group.
- We can underpin strategy 2030 building on interdisciplinary culture to support human health and wellbeing.
Research projects
Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity & wider citizenship
Recognizing the need to promote and foster a safe and welcoming University environment in the Southwest, not always known for diversity, a series of short videos was created to showcase student and staff experience. The authentic conversations produced by the University of Exeter, share narratives from persons of colour and outline strategies to recognize, manage and confront microaggressions and racism, together with a suggested toolkit, and are available on vimeo for students and staff.
Confronting racism intro video https://vimeo.com/752274150/b558b71397
Vikram Devaraj & Cameron
- Recent personal examples of microaggressions https://vimeo.com/704232560/a82e88a2cc
- Influence of demographics and location https://vimeo.com/704238893/739ab26dc8
- Confronting the issues https://vimeo.com/704235443/607749aca4
- Why study at Exeter? https://vimeo.com/704234454/f44b379cb5
- Toolkit for tackling microaggressions https://vimeo.com/704235857/a227c0b56d
- Full version - overview of microaggressions and racism https://vimeo.com/704277643/9c44887a3f
Publications
Journal articles
External Engagement and Impact
Other
Deputy Lieutenant in the County of Devon
The Lord-Lieutenant and his Lieutenancy team represent and uphold the dignity of the Crown and celebrates the achievements of the people of Devon and their service to others.
The Lieutenancy helps to promote Devon communities, culture, services, heritage, business and charitable success while drawing attention to those addressing challenges and problems in the County. It also has a role in supporting the three Services and, in particular, the Reserve forces and cadets.
Activity includes
- Arranging visits of members of the Royal Family and escorting Royal visitors as appropriate
- The presentation of medals and awards on behalf of His Majesty The King to celebrate the achievements of the people of Devon and their service to others. This includes Honours and Awards, The King’s Award for Enterprise and The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Participation in civic and social activity within the county; this includes encouragement of a wide range of voluntary activity.
- Helping to promote Devon communities, culture, services, heritage, business and charitable success while drawing attention to those who make this happen and address challenges and problems in the county.
- Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, including reserve forces and cadets.
- Leadership of the local magistracy via the Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace, in liaison with the Ministry of Justice