Former medical director of NHS England’s Lancashire Area Team, Dr Jim Gardner, joins as Head of Work-based learning, while National Teaching Fellow John McLachlan is Professor of Medical Education.
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has made two senior appointments within its School of Medicine to help drive forward teaching and research while strengthening its position as a world-leading institution in medical education.
Former medical director of NHS England’s Lancashire Area Team, Dr Jim Gardner, joins as Head of Work-based learning, while National Teaching Fellow John McLachlan is Professor of Medical Education.
Dr Gardner, a GP at Windermere Health Centre, previously worked to establish a new medical school in Lancashire while employed by NHS England and was a member of the initial Medical School Steering Group. Having enjoyed a variety of clinical and managerial roles he has most recently been a Group Medical Director in the independent sector but was keen to return to Lancashire.
At UCLan, he will establish and embed learning opportunities for students in health and social care settings, and support colleagues and organisations within the local health economy to develop and flourish.
Professor McLachlan joins UCLan from Durham University where he was Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medicine. His research interests focus on all aspects of assessment in medical and healthcare education and he has served as Editor-In-Chief of the leading journal Medical Education. Professor McLachlan’s work with the General Medical Council (GMC) has led to changes in policy and he has also advised the Department of Health and the Scottish Government.
His interest in selection and assessment will help inform practice in UCLan’s School of Medicine and his research work will continue in this new setting.
Professor Cathy Jackson, Head of UCLan’s School of Medicine, said: “Professor McLachlan has a wealth of experience in delivering research to the highest standard which, coupled with his expertise in medical teaching, makes him a superb appointment.
“Dr Gardner brings outstanding knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to his new role, as well as valuable professional links which will allow him to develop excellent work-based learning opportunities for UCLan’s ever-growing number of medical students.
“These appointments are another key milestone for the School of Medicine as we strengthen our medical education and research, build collaborations with partners of all types, and continue to attract and train the very highest standard of students.”
"These appointments are another key milestone for the School of Medicine as we strengthen our medical education and research, build collaborations with partners of all types, and continue to attract and train the very highest standard of students."