Robert Varnam
PhD Primary Care
As a GP who had already studied part time for an MSc in Epidemiology and Statistics, Robert was used to balancing his work with study. He has found his study challenging but is pleased to be working on projects that are not merely interesting but influential.
Why Manchester?
I live here, and love the city. The Primary Care Reserach Group in Manchester where I am based has a world-class reputation for conducting excellent, challenging and relevant research that makes a difference to patients' lives.
Why return to study?
Part of the reason was the satisfaction of finding out new things, but mostly I wanted to learn more so that I could make a difference to the everyday healthcare of patients. Working half the week on research and half in my practice makes both a little harder, but I am driven by a desire to find better ways of doing things, and help implement them.
What is the Primary Care Research Group at the School of Medicine like?
It is a privilege to work with colleagues and mentors who lead their field and who speak from enormous experience. There is an approach to teamwork and a multidisciplinary outlook that's all too rare in academia.
What next?
I hope to take up a post-doctoral post in the Primary Care Research Group here so that I can develop some of the themes and potential collaborations that have emerged from my PhD.
