MMedEd student profile: Richard
A former Warwick medical student and now a local GP partner, Richard has taken on more educational responsibilities over the years - from student tutoring to programme leadership. With a passion for teaching but no formal training, he turned to the MMedEd course to build confidence, deepen his knowledge and ensure he delivers the best learning experience for his students.

Why did you decide to study MMedEd at Warwick Medical School?
I'm an ex-Warwick medical student and a local GP partner, and over the years I’ve found my way into more and more educational roles. Even back in medical school, I was always keen on teaching, such as running revision sessions late at night for the year groups below. Since then, I became lead tutor for WMS medical students at my practice, a trainer for GP registrars, and more recently a training programme director for the local GP vocational training scheme.
Teaching is a passion, but I’ve had no formal teaching or studied for any related qualifications. I wanted to try and understand more about the art and the science, more about the process - what I should be doing and what I shouldn’t be doing.
How have you found the course, and what have the highlights been?
What I’ve most enjoyed is stretching myself - learning what I do right in my practice, how to improve, and where the pitfalls are. I don’t want to just become comfortable doing things the same way; I want to be good at what I do and useful to the people I’m trying to help.
The first year gave a solid grounding in theory and in understanding yourself, so you can apply new knowledge and skills within your own context. That was incredibly useful. I think it changed my teaching overnight! I’m more confident now.
The course has been challenging. Most of my colleagues on the course are education fellows, and they do this as their day job. It’s very much a passion project for me, so much of the theory is new. I have to work hard to get through each module, but overall I’d say it’s going very well.
How do you feel this course will benefit you in your career?
It already is. It’s given me confidence, insight and practical tools to improve how I teach. It’s helping me feel like I’m doing things properly, not just muddling through. Ultimately, it's about being better at what I do, for the benefit of the learners I work with.