Meet Our Medics.Academy Faculty
Dr Sarah Malawana
Lead Academic Tutor/Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer
Dr Sarah Malawana is a distinguished leader in medical education and clinical management, bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for healthcare to her role as Director of Academic Delivery at Medics.Academy. With a strong academic foundation and a career marked by excellence and innovation, she plays a pivotal role in shaping high-quality clinical education.
She graduated with honours from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2005, laying the groundwork for her medical career. She went on to qualify as a GP in 2011 and holds an MSc in Clinical Dermatology from King’s College London. Dr Malawana spent nine years as a GP Partner in Hertfordshire, during which time she progressed from Associate Trainer to Full Trainer. Her academic journey also includes a BSc in Physiology from the University of Bristol, and additional qualifications such as the DRCOG and DFRSH, reflecting her broad and interdisciplinary approach to healthcare.
Driven by a strong commitment to bridging medical theory with real-world clinical practice, Dr. Malawana combines her academic insight with frontline experience to enhance educational delivery at Medics.Academy and beyond. Her leadership and dedication continue to shape and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Professor Derek Gallen
Academic Tutor
Derek Gallen, serving as Chief of Education at Medics.Academy, brings a wealth of expertise to the realm of education management. With a distinguished background as a Professor Emeritus, he has demonstrated his proficiency in lecturing, educational technology, instructional design, curriculum development, and public speaking.
A graduate of UCH, Derek has led the charge in educating and training doctors, holding key positions such as Postgraduate Dean for Wales and UK National Director of the Foundation Programme. As a founding member of the Academy of Medical Educators and a past President of the Association for the Study of Medical Education, Derek remains at the forefront of shaping the trajectory of medical education.
Additionally, he boasts an impressive literary portfolio, having authored seven books on education and leadership. Derek's dedication transcends the academic sphere, showcasing his unwavering commitment to advancing the field through both professional and voluntary channels.
Dr Soham Bandyopadhyay
Academic Tutor
Dr Soham Bandyopadhyay is a dedicated leader in the field of public health and healthcare management, currently serving as the Cohort Director at The Healthcare Leadership Academy. He earned his Master's degree in Public Health from the prestigious London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. With a strong commitment to education, Dr Bandyopadhyay also holds a certification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), enhancing his ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
His expertise is widely recognised through his extensive publications and research contributions. In addition to his academic achievements, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and scholarship. He was honoured with the Study Protocol of the Year award by the Journal of Surgical Protocols and Research Methodologies in March 2024, recognising the significance of his methodological contributions. Furthermore, he has been a recipient of the prestigious Thompson Family Scholarship, which reflects his dedication to academic excellence and leadership in healthcare. Through his innovative research, teaching endeavours, and commitment to excellence, Dr Soham Bandyopadhyay continues to make a profound impact on the field of public health and healthcare leadership.
Dr Milan Makwana
Academic Tutor
Dr Milan Makwana is an Academic Tutor who completed his doctorate in Neuroscience and medical school at UCL. He subsequently completed Medical Foundation Training in 2014 at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He is currently a Specialist Trainee in Neurosurgery at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Milan completed his PGCert in Clinical Leadership, Management, and Education as part of the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) and has continued to be part of the HLA community and its development, with a current role as Lead Tutor for the IL-1 course.
His journey in academia has been marked by a dedication to empowering students to reach their full potential. As an Academic Module Tutor, he meticulously crafts engaging curriculum frameworks, leveraging his expertise to cultivate dynamic learning environments that inspire and challenge his students.
His pedagogical approach is characterised by its inclusivity and adaptability, as he recognises the diverse needs and learning styles of his students. Beyond the classroom, he is a staunch advocate for educational reform, actively participating in initiatives aimed at enhancing teaching practices and educational policies.
Dr Owens Iguodala
Academic Tutor
Dr Owens is a dually qualified dentist and pharmacist, currently undergoing dental core training in Paediatric Dentistry, having completed rotations in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Public Dental Service. As of September 2024, he will be completing a year as Clinical Fellow for the Chief Dental Officer (England) Fellowship with the NHS Transformation Directorate.
In 2020, Owens joined HLA Amsterdam as a Scholar and has since acted as Mentor, Dental Network Co-Lead, and this year became Cohort Director for the Edinburgh Cohort. Since dental school, Owens has held leadership positions, including being the British Dental Student Association (BDSA) representative, Policy Officer for the European Dental Student Association (EDSA), and most recently Chair of the Dental Trainee Committee at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Owens' interests outside clinical practice include innovation, mentoring, and widening participation.
He has completed multiple national programmes, including the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and the NHS Edward Jenner Programme. He also completed a PGCert with Medics Academy and UCLan in Clinical Practice, Management, and Education with distinction and has since joined the team as an Academic Tutor for the "Leader as a Follower" Module and TEL Modules.
Dr Beryl De Souza
Academic Tutor
Dr Beryl De Souza is a seasoned academic with a multifaceted background that enriches her role as an Academic Module Tutor. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr De Souza has established herself as a leading figure in the field of education, renowned for her expertise in curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and student-centred learning.
Her academic journey has taken her across continents, where she has collaborated with diverse communities, leveraging her cross-cultural insights to enhance educational practices. Her research interests encompass the intersection of technology and education, inclusive teaching methodologies, and the impact of socio-economic factors on academic achievement.
As an Academic Module Tutor, she is dedicated to nurturing the intellectual growth of her students, fostering critical thinking skills, and instilling a lifelong love of learning. Beyond the classroom, she is actively involved in educational advocacy, striving to promote equitable access to quality education for all. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her compassionate approach to teaching, continues to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars and educators alike.
Dr Faris Hussain
Academic Tutor
Dr Faris Hussain is a Medical Doctor who graduated from Cardiff University and has worked in Wales and Scotland across multiple specialties. He completed Academic (now called Specialised) Foundation Training in Cardiff, Wales, and Cwm Taf, Wales, before working as a Teaching Fellow in Cardiff.
The main components of Faris’ academic projects have revolved around medical education, including co-leading a national teaching initiative for Cardiff medical students that launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, involving both face-to-face and online teaching sessions. He has spent the last 12 months locuming in Scotland in Acute Medicine and is due to start core psychiatry training in August 2024.
Faris has been involved with Medics.Academy since 2020, starting as a Fellow and contributing to the design, curation, and delivery of its F DOCS programme. He now assumes the role of Academic Module Tutor, utilising his learnings from his PGCert in Clinical Management, Education, and Practice, and his diploma in medical education from Cardiff University.
Dr Roshni Karia
Academic Tutor
Dr Roshni Karia, an esteemed figure in academia, serves as an Academic Module Tutor with unparalleled dedication to nurturing the minds of future scholars.
Her journey in education began with her innate passion for empowering individuals through learning. Her academic prowess, coupled with her empathetic approach, has garnered her recognition as a transformative educator. Throughout her career, she has championed innovative teaching methodologies, fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives. Her commitment extends beyond the confines of the classroom, as she actively engages in research endeavours aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in education.
Her impact transcends borders, having collaborated with institutions worldwide to promote cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Her unwavering dedication to her students' success is evident in her personalised guidance and mentorship, helping them to achieve their full potential. As an Academic Module Tutor, she not only imparts knowledge but also instils in her students a lifelong love of learning, leaving an indelible mark on the academic landscape.
Dr Emma Cox
Academic Tutor
Dr Emma Cox is a dynamic figure in the healthcare landscape, serving as the Chief Product Officer at Medics.Academy, where she applies her expertise to drive innovation in medical education. With a background as an Emergency Medicine Doctor, she brings a wealth of frontline experience to her role, ensuring that educational offerings meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
She is also deeply involved with NHS England as a Clinical Entrepreneur, actively shaping the future of healthcare delivery.
Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her role as a Governor for the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, where she advocates for patient-centred care and organisational growth.
Her dedication to advancing healthcare extends beyond her professional roles; she contributes significantly to the field through her involvement with the TASME National Committee, fostering the development of future medical leaders.
Recognised for her outstanding contributions, Emma has been honoured with prestigious awards, including the ‘100 Women in Healthcare Leadership’ and the ‘Quality Improvement Award for Excellence in Improving the Efficiency of Services for Our Patients’ (second place), underscoring her tireless pursuit of excellence in healthcare.
Dr Solomon Kamal-Uddin
Academic Tutor
Dr Solomon Kamal-Uddin is a distinguished academician whose passion for education and unwavering commitment to fostering intellectual growth have defined his illustrious career.
With a rich academic background spanning multiple disciplines, Dr Kamal-Uddin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an Academic Module Tutor. Holding advanced degrees in both education and his specialised field of study, he possesses a deep understanding of pedagogical theories and practices, allowing him to craft engaging and effective learning experiences for his students.
Driven by a genuine desire to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars, he approaches his work with enthusiasm and dedication, always striving to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. His innovative teaching methods and dedication to academic excellence have earned him widespread recognition and admiration from colleagues and students alike.
Beyond the classroom, Dr Kamal-Uddin is also a respected researcher, contributing valuable insights to the academic community through his publications and presentations. Committed to lifelong learning, he remains at the forefront of his field, continuously seeking out new opportunities for professional development and growth. With his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering passion for education, Dr Solomon Kamal-Uddin stands as a beacon of inspiration and mentorship for all who have the privilege of learning under his guidance.
Dr Amanuel Mulugeta
Academic Tutor
Dr Amanuel Mulugeta is a distinguished medical professional, proficient in both clinical practice and public health. With a rich repertoire of experience, he has contributed to numerous local and international projects, demonstrating his adept management skills and passion for research. Currently, he holds the position of Programmes Executive at Medics.Academy, a leading UK-based healthcare technology company, where he spearheads initiatives aimed at advancing medical education and innovation.
Additionally, Dr Mulugeta serves as an Ambassador for SOPHOS-Africa, driving efforts to combat poverty, corruption, and unemployment within the African healthcare sector. His academic journey is marked by notable achievements, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Debre Tabor University and a Master's degree in Public Health from Santé Medical College.
Furthermore, he has honed his expertise through specialised training, obtaining a certificate in the Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials from The Johns Hopkins University. Dr Mulugeta's commitment to service extends beyond professional realms, as evidenced by his active engagement with organisations such as the Ethiopian Medical Association and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, where he contributes his skills and knowledge to support health initiatives.
As an associate with SOPHOS-Africa, he dedicates his time to coordinating projects aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering communities across the continent. Dr Amanuel Mulugeta's multifaceted contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and addressing societal challenges on both local and global scales.
Dr Yusuf Karmali
Academic Tutor
Yusuf is a Programme Manager at Medics.Academy, Clinical Lead for the Medics.Academy Fellows Programme, and a Foundation Year doctor. He graduated from Barts and The London School of Medicine. Throughout medical school, Yusuf received numerous awards for outstanding academic achievement and delivered high-quality peer teaching through student-led societies, holding various leadership positions.
His passion for education led him to join Medics.Academy in July 2018, initially as a fellow and lead author on the clinical genetics course. Yusuf subsequently became a Clinical Programme Manager and, more recently, the Clinical Lead for the highly successful Medics.Academy Fellowship Programme. He is also part of the F|Docs Faculty, where he leads teaching sessions for Foundation Year doctors, and enjoys teaching medical students as part of the S|Docs Programme. His other interests include medical technology and health policy.
Dr Hiba Khan
Academic Tutor
Hiba Khan is a Doctor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NHS England Clinical Entrepreneur, Honorary Lecturer at The University of Central Lancashire, and Chief Revenue Officer at Medics.Academy.
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With a strong background in entrepreneurship, innovation, and healthcare solutions, Hiba was recently awarded an Innovation Fellowship at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust to further advance her work. At Medics.Academy, she leads the development function, overseeing a global team of executives. As a recently selected member of the UK Young Academy, Hiba collaborates in this national research network to influence policy and raise awareness of science and research in the UK.
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Additionally, Hiba brings significant governance experience, having served as Vice-Chair of the Board at Queen Mary University Students’ Union and Chair of their Audit and Risk Committee, as well as a Governor on the Board of the University of West London Workforce Committee.
Hiba has received several accolades for her research and performance in clinical roles, including a national award in quality improvement, two consecutive “Outstanding Trainee” awards, and a gold medal in regional weightlifting.
Dr Johann Malawana
Academic Tutor
Johann has over 20 years of leadership experience. He founded The Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) to address the challenges he encountered throughout his career, with a particular focus on developing students and professionals early in their careers. His vision for HLA is to empower individuals to step into leadership roles with confidence, enabling them to enhance the healthcare systems they contribute to.
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Johann’s leadership journey includes serving as the former President of Barts and The London Students’ Association, the University of London Medical Students’ Officer at ULU, and the founding Editor of The Medical Student. After the crisis triggered by Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and the Medical Training Application System (MTAS) in March 2007, Johann took over the Education and Training portfolio at the British Medical Association (BMA) in September 2007. He was instrumental in negotiations concerning the education and training environment in medicine, a role he held until 2010.
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Over the years, Johann has held various influential positions, including serving on the boards of the General Medical Council, the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board, the Institute of Leadership and Management, and the Healthcare Leadership Academy. He also led the Education and Training division at Healthcare UK within the Department for International Trade.
Johann has advised on multiple reviews of the medical education environment, driven by his strong belief in the need for robust medical leadership. He is a firm advocate for the potential of early-stage clinicians and students to create positive change within the NHS. Many of the engagement strategies developed for these reviews stemmed directly from Johann’s work.
Dr Nishel Shah
Academic Tutor
Nishel graduated from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2003 and completed his postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2017. He is currently a Consultant Obstetrician at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, with a special interest in prematurity, diabetes, and infectious diseases. In July 2017, he was awarded a PhD from Imperial College London for his doctoral thesis titled ‘The In-Vitro Interrogation of the Immune System in Pregnancy’, under the supervision of Professor Mark Johnson.
His research focused on the longitudinal changes in maternal immune responses as pregnancy progressed and during labour. Specifically, he investigated the effects of supplementary progesterone and RU486 (a progesterone antagonist) on these immune responses as potential immune modulators. Using the influenza vaccine during pregnancy as a model, Nishel also explored antigen-specific responses in pregnancy. This foundational research has significantly influenced his current and published work.
Through his research, Nishel has developed strong collaborations with the Centre for Immunology and Vaccinology and the Department of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London. He is currently the principal investigator for the ‘Evaluation of Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immunity Following COVID-19 in Pregnancy (ImmunoCOVID)’ study. This research aims to better understand how pregnancy influences the development and longevity of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following both infection and vaccination.
Jonathan Leegwater
Academic Tutor
Jonathan is an Academic Tutor at Medics.Academy, committed to shaping the future of healthcare professionals. He holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and has earned several certifications in medical teaching and curriculum development.
With extensive experience as a university lecturer, Jonathan has made significant contributions to medical education. He is a former board member of the NAPA Committee on Collaboration, where he helped promote interdisciplinary learning and professional development. As the founder of Aqua Vacua, he works to make high-quality medical knowledge accessible to aspiring students worldwide.
Jonathan’s contributions extend beyond teaching. In 2019, he was awarded the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA) Scholarship and is a co-author of Cardiology Pocket with Compendium Medicine. His expertise in curriculum design has led to improvements in his university's medical curriculum and the creation of an ECG course for distance learning. Passionate about innovation in healthcare education, Jonathan continues to design impactful learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Kirsten Armit
Academic Tutor
Kirsten Armit is a PhD candidate in Management at Bayes Business School, City, University of London. Kirsten began her career in health service management in Australia before relocating to the United Kingdom, where she has worked with national public sector and charitable organisations dedicated to improving healthcare leadership. She has led a variety of initiatives, including developing professional leadership standards, competency frameworks, and curricula, as well as creating leadership development programmes for healthcare leaders.
In addition to her leadership roles, Kirsten has overseen research activities, managing a diverse range of projects in collaboration with academic and professional colleagues. She played a key role in the establishment of a professional organisation focused on supporting medical leadership.
Kirsten is an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM) and a Fellow ad hominem of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management. She is also certified in several leadership psychometric tools and methodologies. Currently, she collaborates with various academic institutions on research projects that focus on translating research into practice and designing and delivering leadership development programmes.
Dr Anna Chiara Corriero
Academic Tutor
She is interested in plastics and global surgery, surgical education and global health. She has completed the Medics.Academy PGCert as a medical student and is thrilled to be back as a tutor, hoping to benefit younger students at the beginning of their academic careers.
Anna is currently completing her SFP in Global Plastic Surgery with the Usher Institute of Edinburgh, as academic research is a keen interest of hers. Next year, Anna will be starting Plastics themed core surgical training in Edinburgh - she hopes to incorporate an educational component in her surgical journey by working with medics.academy
Dr Eleanor Morris
Academic Tutor
​​Eleanor (Elle) is an Academic Clinical Fellow and Core Trainee in Psychiatry in West Yorkshire, with research interests in eating disorders and self-harm. She is a medical graduate (MBBS) from Hull York Medical School with Postgraduate Certificates in Medical Education and Healthcare Research, and a BSc in Anatomy, Developmental and Human Biology from King's College London.
Elle has extensive experience of teaching through her Academic Foundation Programme in Medical Education, private tutoring role with Medic Mind and current work as a Core Trainee. She has delivered teaching to hundreds of medical students and foundation doctors in 1-2-1, small group and larger lecture environments. Elle is also part of the Senior Management Team for the Healthcare Leadership Academy and has been a Cohort Director with the organisation since 2021, as well as being the Chair of the Board of Trustees at a global mental health charity called Students for Kids International Projects.