Profile

Professor Julie Thacker
Clinical Director of BMBS
Knowledge Spa S10
University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3HD
Office hours: Monday - Clinical at West Cornwall Hospital Tuesday - 9-5 Usually in the Knowledge Spa, Truro Wednesday - 9-5 Usually St Luke's Campus/RILD Building, Exeter Thursday - Clinical at West Cornwall Hospital Friday - 9-5 Usually St Luke's Campus/RILD Building, Exeter, but sometimes Truro Always contactable on the phone
Overview
I have been a doctor in the NHS, working in nephrology, cardiology, neurology and care of the elderly for 34 years. Over this time, I have been lucky enough to accumulate a lot of clinical experience, which I enjoy sharing with our students. I regularly coach students in clinical learning and examination skills, presentation and communication skills. Working closely with a student who is struggling and finding a way to enable them to master a skill that they have previously been unable to grasp is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I feel strongly that as part of the medical school senior team, it is important to role model being friendly, approachable and that it is ok not to know all of the answers all of the time. I believe strongly that by being open to discussion with students about issues that we all find difficult in medicine helps to build their understanding of working as a professional.
I have worked with in the medical school, first Peninsula and now the University of Exeter Medical School since 2004. I consider myself extremely lucky to work with the College of Medicine and Health - we have an amazing team of hard working, collaborative, gifted and friendly colleagues around us, all of whom want the very best for our students. It is such a rewarding experience to see another cohort of incredible young people graduate as new doctors every year, with their whole lives ahead of them, absolutely brimming with promise. At times like these I really feel as though I have the best job in the world.
Apart from my interest in Clinical Medicine, I have an interest in complex decision and end of life decision making. From this, I developed an interest in Medical Law and went on to complete an LLB a few years ago. I have almost finished my LLM.
I live with my husband and family on a smallholding in West Cornwall, along with our 3 legged dog, ancient cat and even older tractor.
Qualifications
MB BS Lond 1985
PGCE
LLB
SFHEA
Career
As Clinical Director of the BMBS Programme, I am responsible for strategic oversight of the medicine programme, ensuring that Medical Education in the College is aligned with modern National and International Healthcare requirements, is delivered effectively by a range of scientific and clinical professionals and ensures an excellent experience for the students, who are prepared for practice in all healthcare environments.
MB BS London 1985
PGCE Plymouth 2000
LLB (Open) (Hons) (1st) 2014
Senior Lecturer 2012
Senior Fellow Higher Education Authority 2018
LLM: International Law, Conflict and Human Rights (Open) – due to complete March 2020
Medical Education Career
November 2018. Appointed Clinical Programme Director.
2014. Appointed Acute Clinical SubDean.
2012. Appointed Clinical Skills Coordinator.
2007. Appointed Year 5 Specialty Block Lead and Year 5 Academic Tutor.
2006-2007. Year 4 Academic Tutor. PCMD and Nephrology Clinical Reasoning Provider.
2006-2014. Remediation Team Study Skills Tutor.
2005-2006. PCMD Curriculum Review.
1990 – 2005. Prior to PCMD/UEMS. Undergraduate Medical Student Teaching for UCH, St George’s, Bristol and McMaster students at RCHT.
Research
Teaching
Modules
2021/22
- MDC1001 - BMBS Medicine Year 1
- MDC2001 - BMBS Medicine Year 2
- MDC3001 - Clinical Pathways 1
- MDC4001 - Clinical Pathways 2
- MDC5001 - Preparation for Medical Practice