A new research fellowship has been launched at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group) to honour the memory of one the city’s leading clinicians, who passed away unexpectedly in May.
Dr Hassan Burhan, who worked as a respiratory consultant at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, was walking in the Peak District with his family on 4 May when he suddenly collapsed and tragically died at the scene.
Now, 33 clinicians from across UHL Group have been awarded Burhan Principal Investigator Research Fellowships, giving them protected time to develop and lead research alongside their clinical roles. UHL Group includes Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool Women’s University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
The fellowships were formally presented during a memorial event held on 1 September, where colleagues, friends and family gathered to celebrate the life and contribution of Dr Burhan.
The Burhan Principal Investigator Research Fellowship programme has been established in Dr Burhan's memory and aims to support clinicians to develop their own research programmes, attract external funding and build research leadership skills while continuing to deliver patient care.
By supporting clinicians to develop their own research programmes, the fellowships will help build research leadership across UHL Group and strengthen Liverpool's reputation as a centre for clinical research. Over time, this work could lead to new evidence, treatments and improvements in care for patients across the region.
The programme reflects Dr Burhan's longstanding commitment to research and his encouragement of colleagues pursuing academic careers alongside clinical practice. Dr Burhan was a former Ronald Finn Research Fellow; a programme delivered in partnership between UHL Group and the University of Liverpool. He completed his PhD while continuing his clinical work and was widely respected for his commitment to research, education and patient care.
Professor Terry Jones, Director of Research and Innovation for University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “This is an important investment in our clinical workforce and our research future, and a fitting tribute to the lasting impact of Dr Burhan’s clinical and research work to improve the lives of the communities we serve. These fellowships will support talented clinicians to develop as research leaders, helping us to grow the quality and impact of research across our hospitals for the benefit of patients.”
Fellowship recipients will receive mentorship and support from the UHL Group research leadership team as they develop their research careers and prepare future funding applications.
Diane McCarter, an Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital, who was awarded protected research time through the fellowship, said:
“It is a great privilege to be a recipient of a Burhan Principal Investigator Research Fellowship. This award will provide valuable time for me to complete my PhD study, which explores the use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) on the neonatal unit.
“As a nurse practitioner combining clinical work with research activity, this award gives me the opportunity to strengthen my own clinical academic presence. These pathways are less established for nurses, so I am delighted to have been awarded this opportunity.
“Over the period of the fellowship, I also aim to use this time to support the professional development of my nursing, midwifery and AHP colleagues within the research arena. This will hopefully enable the fellowship to have a wide and lasting impact, across UHL Group.”
By giving clinicians time to develop their own research ideas alongside patient care, the scheme aims to create opportunities for others in the same way that Hassan encouraged and supported colleagues throughout his career.
Through the work of the inaugural fellows, his commitment to research, learning and improving care for patients will continue to have a lasting impact across University Hospitals of Liverpool Group.