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The Personal Tutoring service is a diverse and experienced group of doctors and administrative staff who all share the same goal - helping support our students to thrive on the course. You can read a bit more about each of the team members below. You'll likely learn a lot about your own Personal Tutor along the way!
Deputy Divisional Tutor
Our Deputy Divisional Tutor, Miss Stella Ivaz, manages our Personal Tutoring and Support services, monitoring and enhancing them to suit our students' needs.
Year 1 and 2 Personal Tutors:
Our team of Year 1 and 2 Personal Tutors conduct regular student support clinics and can offer support and guidance on coping with student life, achieving your goals, accessing support, and referring you to appropriate services.
- Dr Bernard Davis
- Dr Rumana Lasker Dawood
- Dr Stefan Browne
- Dr Galina Vernon
- Dr Carolyn Paul
- Dr Sarah Bennett
- Dr Rosanna Bevan
- Dr Sara Al-Khafaji
Year 4 and 5 Site Senior Personal Tutors:
Our team of Year 5 and 5 Site Senior Personal Tutors manage and support the personal tutors on each site, as well as holding regular drop-in clinics for students who need advice or support.
- Dr Doug Pendse - UCLH
- Dr Judith Meek - UCLH
- Dr Tristan Barber - Royal Free
- Dr Saurabh Jain - Royal Free
- Dr Irene Gafson - Whittington
- Dr Kieran O'Gorman - Whittington
Professional Services Staff:
These are the administrative staff behind it all - they are available to provide advice on navigating the MBBS programme, signpost sources of help, and you can speak to them for advice, and in confidence, at any time.
Year 1 Student Advisers:
Student Advisors work with students in their first year at UCL to advise on achieving a positive well-being and signposting to the support and services provided by the university.
- Sanya Saleem
- Piers Pereira
- Katie Baillie (on secondment)
Deputy Divisional Tutor
Miss Stella Ivaz
Associate Clinical Professor and Deputy Divisional Tutor
Consultant Urological Surgeon, MBBS, BMus (Hons), MA, MRCS, FRCS (Urol), PGCert HBE, FHEA
I am a Consultant Urological Surgeon with a specialist interest in reconstructive-urology, Female Urology and Andrology. I have completed my sub-specialty training in genitourinary reconstructive surgery at the Institute of Urology, UCLH London. My research interests is primarily focused on urethral stricture disease, bladder reconstruction, Incontinence and artificial urinary sphincter surgery.
At UCL in my Deputy Divisional Tutor role, I am responsible for Medical Personal Tutoring and Support service enhancement and for supporting students in areas relating to the additional regulatory requirements for medical students to be able to train in the NHS.
Student well-being is crucial when it comes to their academic performance. I understand the need to treat any issues the student has in a sensitive manner and with an empathic approach. Identifying any problems early allows for appropriate support measures to be put into place. I like to create a trusting environment where the students feel comfortable to come forward with any issues they may have however small or big they might be.
Personal Tutors
Dr Bernard Davis
Year 1 Personal Tutor
Bernard qualified from the University of Ghana Medical School in 1986 and trained as a haematologist at the Whittington and UCLH. After completing doctoral level research at UCL, he was appointed as a consultant haematologist at the Whittington in 2001, followed by honorary consultant appointments at UCLH and the Royal Free Hospital.
Bernard has a keen interest in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. He has been involved in the MBBS programme at UCL Medical School as an Honorary Clinical Associate Professor since 2002, overseeing the delivery of haematology teaching at the Archway campus and heading up various teaching firms.
He has also served in the role of Personal Tutor during this period, providing academic and pastoral support to students. At postgraduate level, he has supported many haematology registrars and core medical trainees as an educational supervisor.
Bernard loves nothing more than to teach and mentor medical students and is always happy to engage with and help students as much as he can.
Dr Rumana Lasker Dawood
Year 1 Personal Tutor
Rumana is a UCLMS graduate who works as a GP in North London. Her love for medical education started as a PALs tutor at UCLMS. As a junior doctor, she was a junior clinical teaching fellow at her foundation hospital and later, back at UCLMS and North Middlesex University Hospital, on her F3. Alongside training, she completed her post-graduate diploma in Medical Education. She balances her medical career alongside her other interests of craft and sewing, working as a freelancer. She is passionate about well-being and finding balance within medicine to sustain a happy and fulfilled career.
Dr Stefan Browne
Year 1 Personal Tutor
I graduated from UCL Medical School in 2019 and now do most of my clinical work at Barnet Hospital. Alongside my personal tutor role, I am also a CPP tutor and COTM tutor. I am extremely passionate about medical education and am heavily involved in widening participation to medical school initiatives.
Outside of work, I love coffee, football, and exploring!
Dr Galina Vernon
Year 1 Personal Tutor
I have been a GP since 2013 and since have developed a portfolio career which I love. I am very passionate about medical education and have been a CPP tutor for a long time.
I am also a GP appraiser and Medical Member in the Society Security Tribunal.
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and especially travelling and exploring new places.
Dr Carolyn Paul
Year 2 Personal Tutor
I qualified as a doctor at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in 1988 and have been working at the Whittington Hospital as a consultant obstetrician, with an interest in fetal medicine, since 2001. I also work for one session each week in the Fetal Medicine Unit at University College Hospital.
I have been a student support tutor at UCL medical school for almost 3 years. As the mother of two teenagers I have some understanding of the pressures and demands facing students and young adults in London. I hope to be able to help students who need support, guidance or even just an opportunity to vent.
Dr Sarah Bennett
Year 2 Personal Tutor
I trained as a GP, but currently work full-time at UCLMS as the Admissions Tutor and Deputy Programme Lead. My office is in the Rockefeller Building (G41) so you are welcome to pop in! I have a very fluffy cream-coloured cat called Hobnob.
Dr Rosanna Bevan
Year 2 Personal Tutor
I am a Clinical and Professional Practice tutor for years 1, 2 and 4, and I'm new to UCL in 2022, returning after studying for my intercalated BSc here some years ago. I also work in national quality improvement projects in mental health. I spent a few years working in paediatrics, followed by core psychiatry training, and I do occasional clinical work in paediatrics, and adult psychiatry. I am currently studying Medical Education part-time.
I am very interested in student and healthcare professional wellbeing - I set up a national mentoring programme for Foundation doctors in 2017, and always keen to hear of new ideas to improve wellbeing. I enjoy volunteer youth work, charity work, dance, listening to radio programmes, and spending time in nature.
Dr Sara Al-Khafaji
Year 2 Personal Tutor
Sara is a Year 2 and Year 4 Clinical and Professional Practice Tutor. After graduating from medical school with an overall final grade of Honours and an Award for Academic Excellence, she went on to work in various departments such as cardiology, renal medicine and the accident and emergency department. She has a passion for medical education and is currently enrolled into the Medical Education Masters programme at UCL, where she has a role as a Year 2 Academic Representative for the programme. She is also the lead departmental student representative for UCLMS PG.
In her free time, she loves to explore new places, listen to audiobooks, and eat chocolate!
Dr Doug Pendse
Site Senior Personal Tutor, UCLH
Doug is a Consultant radiologist at University College London Hospitals and a graduate of University of Birmingham Medical School (2001). Having completed surgical training in Oxford Deanery, Doug moved to UCL in 2006 to embark upon a career in imaging research. After doctoral-level research in image-guided ablation he was awarded the first NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship in radiology in 2007. Combining clinical training in radiology with translational MRI research, Doug was awarded FRCR and subsequently appointed as a post-doctoral NIHR Clinical Lecturer at UCL in 2012. Since 2014 Doug has been a Consultant at UCLH, specialising in urological imaging and interventional radiology.
With a long track record of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, Doug understands the importance of non-clinical teaching and coaching - something often neglected in medical training. He is committed to the belief that senior doctors can make a real difference to the careers of medical students and junior doctors through mentorship and personal development programmes.
Doug has been a personal tutor to students on the MB BS course for many years and now works as a Site Senior Personal Tutor at the Medical School.
Dr Judith Meek
Site Senior Personal Tutor, UCLH
I qualified from UCL in 1987. Before that I studied physics and then medical physics, resulting in a 12-year long student career! I love my job on the neonatal unit at UCLH and am lucky to have collaborated with several friends in UCL researching into perinatal neuroprotection and pain in the neonate. I have also been involved in developing a smartphone app to measure jaundice in African babies, and am a tutor for Vietnamese neonatologists working for a charity called Newborns Vietnam.
I am very committed to student wellbeing and I enjoy meeting students both as a teacher and a personal tutor.
Dr Tristan Barber
Site Senior Personal Tutor, Royal Free
I am a Consultant Physician in HIV and Sexual Health at the Ian Charleson Day Centre, Royal Free Hospital, and Honorary Associate Professor at the Institute of Global Health, UCL. I am a British HIV Association (BHIVA) Trustee and Executive Committee member, as well as Chair of the BHIVA Education and Scientific Subcommittee. I am Chair of the European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Young Investigatory Network (YING). I have a specialist clinical and research interest in frailty and ageing in people with HIV.
I love cooking, and the theatre, and I swim outdoors all year round, either in the sea or Hampstead Heath ponds. I am passionate about student wellbeing, and ensuring our personal tutoring system works as well as possible. I am always happy to meet with both medical students and fellow personal tutors. Do get in touch if there's anything at all I can help with!
Dr Saurabh Jain
Site Senior Personal Tutor, Royal Free
Saurabh Jain is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Director of Clinical Services at the Royal Free London NHS Trust and has recently stepped down as Training Program Director for the North Thames Deanery after eight years. He specialises in paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, botox and cataract surgery.
He started his ophthalmology career at Kings College Hospital and subsequently underwent specialist training at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and fellowship training at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. He runs a full time clinical service at the Royal Free, Whittington, Barnet General and UCLH hospitals, which includes clinical work, training junior surgeons and allied clinical professionals, research and educational activities.
He has a particular interest in teaching and training and has been a personal tutor and examiner for many years. He is a keen runner and an aspiring cook.
Dr Irene Gafson
Site Senior Personal Tutor, Whittington
I am an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whittington Health and a Clinical Lecturer at UCL. I am the undergraduate placement lead for Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Whittington Health. I have a strong interest in medication education, and undertook the UCL master's in Health Professions Education whilst working as a teaching fellow at UCL with a special interest in freedom to speak up and raising concerns. I helped to set up the apprenticeship model during the pandemic.
I helped to offer pastoral support to UCL students volunteering and working at Whittington Health throughout the pandemic and have now been working as a student support tutor for a couple of years. I fully understand the challenges of navigating student life with the current pressures on young adults in London.
I balance working as a doctor and educationalist with being a mother to two girls and a boy.
I am a keen cold-water swimmer and love to be creative when time allows!
I hope to offer students support and guidance with anything that might be troubling them, and help to navigate them to the right people and support channels.
Dr Kieran O'Gorman
Site Senior Personal Tutor, Whittington
Bio to be added
Professional Services Staff:
Alison Crook
Head of MBBS Student Support and Records
I have been with UCLMS for 21 years and have long experience and in-depth knowledge of curriculum and assessment administration as well as medical student support services and records, having worked closely with the MBBS Senior Leadership Team and Divisional and Support Tutors for many years.
Ellie Weale
Medical Student Records Manager
I joined the UCLMS team in November 2020, and before that I graduated from Oxford in July 2020 with a degree in Ancient and Modern History. Having been a student recently myself (and finishing in the pandemic no less!), I really empathise with the challenges that students face, but also know how amazing the student experience can be when you are well supported.
I am responsible for Medical Student Records, as well as administrating the Personal Tutoring service. I'm always happy to have a spontaneous chat, ideally over a cup of tea, and help advise you about what our service can do, or where to go.
Year 1 Student Advisors
Sanya Saleem
I joined UCLMS in August 2021 as the Year 1 Student Adviser, having just completed my Masters in Research, where I studied collective intelligence in emergency medicine in detail (very interesting!). I have also worked as an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS, where I supported doctors and nurses on wards, observed a sleevectomy (I didn't faint at the sight of blood, thankfully!) and worked across services like Brain Injury/Stroke.
I have a massive interest in mental health and wellbeing, particularly in those who work tirelessly to support us in our times of need, and in our lowest moments. Can you pour from an empty cup?
I am here to support/advise students in any issues they could possibly face whilst at university, and just listen to what you have to say. I have a genuine interest in students, and always take a proactive approach in assuring students are as best supported as they possibly can be!
In a nutshell, I am here to ensure your time at university is as exciting, comfortable and safe as it possibly can be. There is nothing you can say which would surprise me, and my door is always open!
Piers Pereira
I've worked with the Medical School since 2018 as part of the MBBS Year 1-3 team. Before then, I worked for the Royal College of Physicians, and going even further back I was a performing arts teacher. I have worked in education for over 15 years and have been focused on medical education administration for 10 of those years. I have experience of supporting students as they start their medical education journey, and being on the other side as they complete specialty training and become consultants.
I am currently covering Katie while she is on secondment, bringing my experience of the medical school to my role as a Student Advisor. I have a keen interest in well-being and mental health, and I'm passionate about ensuring students get all the support they require. I'm here for all Year 1 students who need help with getting further support, talking about concerns they have, advancing their study skills, or finding opportunities to join groups and activities all around UCL. I love talking, and most importantly, listening to students talk about their experience at university.
My aim is to make sure you are supported and safe while you are at UCL. Feel free to ask me any question; if I don't know the answer, I'll try my best to find someone who does.
Katie Baillie
Katie is currently on secondment, returning in May 2023.
I joined UCLMS Student Support in May 2019 and became the Y1 Student Advisor in October 2020. Prior to this role I worked as an entertainment journalist with a focus on music and soaps (you can ask me absolutely anything about Neighbours!) but decided on a move to higher education having enjoyed my own time at university so much, as well as wanting to explore working in well-being and mental health support. I act as a point of contact for all Year 1 students needing further support, through which I help discuss their university experience, identify opportunities for personal development or talk through any concerns they may have. I enjoy interacting with students and get a great deal of satisfaction in helping them achieve their goals!
The role of the Student Advisor involves:
Advising on achieving a positive well-being
Offering mental health support and signposting to further support where necessary
Signposting to other UCL resources
Advising on SoRAs, Extenuating Circumstances, bursaries etc.
