Dr Sandra McGregor
A rotten cook, but an excellent teacher...
When I think back to the start of my teaching career it doesn't seem like ten years; although so much has changed in that time.' An unplanned career change resulted in Dr Sandra McGregor working at the University, to raise the profile of Nursing and Allied Professions in the context of big NHS changes in General Practice and Primary Care. Eventually she pushed for the University to develop a Masters degree in Primary Care, and which has proved very successful.
The programme of study brings together health professionals from a wide range of disciplines - general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, managers and professions allied to medicine - enabling them to apply their skills in the wider public health context. Graduates can, and do, emerge with the capacity to take lead roles in Primary Care development in Scotland, the UK and abroad.
'The students on this course are an inspiration to me. They fit in their studies, with great commitment and enthusiasm, around a full¬time job and a family life. I know how difficult this is, as I did it myself.'
So Sandra has developed her teaching skills much more than her cookery skills - much to the delight of her students. Though she insists that it is they who educate her:
'When students arrive, they already have great skills in their own professional area. I just draw out of them what they don't realise they already know! Then, I teach them how their own knowledge fits in with the theory, and watch for that light bulb moment.'
This very modest woman insists that all her students are already expert in Primary Care. She draws on her experience as a researcher to teach students how to question, and use an evidence base for what they do - to become reflective practitioners. Thus, one of her great interests has been watching the knowledge and opinions of her former students shape healthcare policy over the past ten years.
'It is marvellous to see a group of students arrive, who suddenly don't have queues and ringing phones and the tyranny of constant appointments. They have space and time to talk and think, and so the learning environment is rich and fruitful. I thrive on listening to them, watching their eyes sparkle as they get into debate. That's what it's all about - watching them realise their potential.'
When these committed students go the extra mile, Dr McGregor matches them with individual time and attention - despite her own health difficulties. This past year has seen the first international students on the course, and she is excited by how they have enriched the course with experiences of their own health services, from as far afield as Mexico, Oman and Saudi.
Her learning ethos, and her own particular empathy, have not only ensured this has been a very successful course, but have resulted in her nomination for the Teaching Excellence Award.
Former students have risen to the heights of their profession, often promoted on the strength of the degree. Sandra has watched them rigorously engage in and contribute to current debates about the future of primary care, spreading good practice around the world.
Satisfaction indeed for a very great teacher.
(The above article first appeared in Campus News Issue 13)