Directors of Undergraduate Clinical Studies are consultant clinicians who oversee teaching and clinical placements for our medical students. We work with the following organisations:
- North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Our DUCS are experienced clinical educators. They have proven track records in delivering excellent clinical teaching. Supported by a team of dedicated clinical educators, they teach across a range of specialities. This offers diverse opportunities to all our medical students.
Meet the team
Dr Chris Tiplady, Consultant Haematologist
Dr Chris Tiplady has been a Consultant Haematologist in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust since July 2001. He has a master's in Clinical Education and is an Executive Coach and mentor, as well as a workplace mediator.
Before becoming a DUCS at our medical school, Chris has been Regional Advisor for Health Education England, a Foundation Programme Leader, and Director of Medical Education in two Trusts.
Dr Dolon Basu, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Dr Dolon Basu has been a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, with special interest in Medical Education, at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust since 2007. She holds a master's degree in Medical Education awarded by Nottingham University.
She's currently the Director of Medical Education at her Trust, having previously been the Foundation Programme Tutor and Deputy Director for Quality.
Dr Rachael Perowne, Consultant in Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology
Dr Rachael Perowne is a Consultant in Acute Medicine and Gastroenterology at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. She has a PgCert in Medical Education and is a Clinical Supervisor for Foundation Doctors.
Before becoming a DUCS at our medical school, she was the Guardian of Safe Working at her Trust. She's also our Year 3 Curriculum Leader.
Dr Sharon Holland, Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Sharon Holland has been a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist with Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust since 2022. She currently works on Hauxley Ward at St George’s Park in Morpeth. Here, she's the Responsible Clinician for 12 in-patients with functional mental disorders.
She holds a Diploma in Geriatric Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and a Diploma in Health Professionals’ Education from Keele University.
Dr Philippa Bolton, Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr Philippa Bolton has been a Consultant Psychiatrist working with people with functional disorders within liaison psychiatry for 10 years. She works at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. She holds a PgCert in Medical Education from Newcastle University.
Before becoming a DUCS at our medical school, she was the clinical lead for mental health within the clinical networks for 10 years, overseeing the role out of liaison services in all A&Es.