Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care Disciplines

Dr Gary Moore

Professional Doctorate Pathway

Biomedical Science (DBMS)

Employment

Consultant Biomedical Scientist, Centre for Haemostasis & Thrombosis, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation, Trust, London

What made you decide to come to the University of Portsmouth to study the Professional Doctorate?

I was studying for a traditional PhD at another university and was about to transfer from the MPhil when I became aware that the University of Portsmouth were recruiting for their first intake of Professional Doctorate students. Whereas a PhD is (usually) purely research focused, the research required for a PD must have a focus, and potential impact, on professional practice. This additional dimension proved more appealing to me.

How did you find the course for Part 1?

Knowledge and skills acquired during the taught component were invaluable whilst preparing my doctoral thesis. Critical evaluation of papers used as references was enhanced through the advanced research techniques unit, facilitating more informed choices of which references to use. My research itself resulted in the publication of three papers in the journal Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis.

Although the first paper had been published prior to the publication and dissemination unit, and the second was in draft format, useful further experience of the process was gained. In particular, it was informative to enter the intellectual debate engendered by the peer review process, gaining insight into how this part of the process is undertaken and presented. A notable improvement in research paper writing skills was evident in the preparation of the final paper, which required fewer drafts before submission.

Reflective practice was covered at the beginning of the course and was valuable to the generation of the final two chapters of the thesis. The research was scientifically based and the tools and theories gained, such as the type of language to use, were useful to discussion and evaluation of the impact of the research on professional issues. The ability to undertake evaluation of research findings in a wider, professional context is crucial to the generation of a professional doctorate thesis, which sets it apart from the traditional PhD thesis.

How did you find the course for Part 2?

Unlike my fellow students, much of my research was done prior to starting Part 1 as a result of two years MPhil work and I completed the rest concurrently with Part 1. This meant I began my thesis write-up immediately after finishing Part 1 and was the first student to complete the course.

Nonetheless, I had undertaken research that was professionally relevant, and my supervisor provided first-class guidance on the thesis write-up. Crucial to my ability to undertake the research outside standard boundaries was my previous learning about the subject. It was rewarding to achieve this and recognise that I am capable of original thought within my area of science and to progress to publishing papers as first author.

The experience of publishing research findings was invaluable, in particular, learning to be concise and entering into intellectual debate by responding to the expert referees. I built on this experience with the two subsequent publications and have gained skills that I will use and develop for the rest of my career.

What was your project title?

Optimisation of the diagnostic potential of coagulation assays for the laboratory diagnosis of lupus anticoagulants

How do you think this course has helped you develop your career in your profession?

Biomedical scientists largely operate within a necessarily highly standardised remit applying recognised scientific practices and techniques to the diagnostic process. I have achieved something that few others in the profession have done; that is to invent and standardise a new and novel test. The research is of potential clinical importance and has already had a direct impact on local professional practice and patient care.

The novel assay and modifications of existing assays are now integral to the diagnostic repertoire of the UK's largest specialist centre for the diagnosis and treatment of haemostatic disease in which I work, resulting in some patients now receiving positive diagnoses that would have been missed prior to my research. We also receive requests from external laboratories when their conventional repertoires are unable to detect lupus anticoagulants. Other laboratories from the UK and abroad have also taken on board some of the findings.

In a wider professional context, it has facilitated my recognition as an independent researcher in my field. It has also extended the research interests of our department, which had previously concentrated on research into bleeding disorders.

From a personal perspective, my resulting professional development has been considerable. The research was conceived, performed and evaluated almost entirely by myself, with the majority of support and advice received during the write-up and publication stages.

Following the successful publication of the research, I took an advanced role with a greater emphasis on science, research and development and teaching activities. I have since published a number of refereed articles as first author. This is now integral to my role in the department and has led to regular requests to act as a reviewer/referee for a number of international medical journals in my field.

I progressed from Chief Biomedical Scientist, through Principal Biomedical Scientist to Consultant Biomedical Scientist, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

Overall, I found the DBMS a rewarding and fascinating experience that has allowed me to develop new skills, knowledge and experiences and I am far more content in the workplace as a result.