The University of Liverpool’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences has announced the appointment of renowned neurosurgeon Paul May as Director of Clinical Academic Development.

The appointment forms part of the Faculty’s major strategic realignment aimed at improving health outcomes throughout the Liverpool City Region and beyond.

Joining the Clinical Directorate, Paul’s main focus will be on supporting the Integrated Clinical Academic Training, starting from undergraduate years all the way to post-CCT fellowships. He will co-ordinate the oversight and supervision of clinical trainees registered for higher degrees at the University of Liverpool and clinical scientists competing for externally funded fellowships.

Paul said: “It’s a privilege to be joining the University of Liverpool at such an exciting time for the Faculty of Health and Sciences under the leadership of Professor Louise Kenny. Liverpool provides a fantastic environment for clinical teaching and research and I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to help develop the next generation of leading clinical academics.”

Paul is the Senior Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, GIRFT National Clinical Lead of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Chair of the Adult Neurosurgical Clinical Reference Group, Clinical Chair of the Trauma Programme of Care Board for NHS England and former President of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS).

In an incredible list of firsts, Paul was Merseyside’s first Paediatric Neurosurgeon, the first President of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) from Liverpool in its 94 year history, the first to bring the SBNS annual meeting to Liverpool in 2018, jointly with the Congress of African Associations of Neurosurgeons, and as President of the International Society of Paediatric Neurosurgeons brought their first UK meeting to Liverpool in 2007.

Paul is also responsible for the founding and development of the paediatric neurosurgical service now based at Alder Hey, which is the largest paediatric neurosurgical service in the country. He brought the Supraregional Specialist Craniofacial Services to Merseyside, one of only four centres in the country, and has led the development of paediatric epilepsy, tumour and neuroendoscopy services. He is also Neurosurgical Editor for the Journal Surgery Elsevier.

Paul was awarded an honorary degree by the University in 2018 in recognition of his contributions to the field of neurosurgery.

Professor Zarko Alfirevic, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Clinical), said: “Paul’s proven leadership skills and wealth of experience of working with young talent within the NHS will be invaluable in our efforts to improve our ability to identify and nurture future generations of clinical academics, who will be the main driving force in our pursuit of teaching and research excellence within our Faculty.”

To find out more about the University of Liverpool’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences strategic realignment to support the delivery of world-class, research-connected teaching and scientific research excellence with societal impact click here.