Gabrielle Thorpe

Gabrielle Thorpe is Professor of Professional Development in Health Sciences and Head of Department for Post-Qualifying Programmes at the School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA), where she has been an academic since 2009. She holds a PhD, MSc, and MA in Higher Education Practice, all from UEA, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

• Modern European Studies, Nottingham Trent University
• BSc in Nursing Practice, University of East Anglia (1999)
• MSc in Health Sciences, University of East Anglia
• MA in Higher Education Practice, University of East Anglia
• PhD, University of East Anglia

Her research focuses on improving care for patients undergoing colorectal and stoma-forming surgery, with a strong emphasis on patient-reported outcomes, postoperative complications, and qualitative understanding of patient experience. She also leads in advanced practice education, particularly in developing the research capacity of healthcare professionals.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on gastrointestinal recovery, surgical outcomes, and professional development in nursing. She has led major funded projects including PRO-DIGI and the IMPACT Audit, often in collaboration with NHS trusts and national bodies.

Her scientific recognition includes being a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She serves on the Bowel Research UK Research Grants and PPI Committees and the Editorial Advisory Board for Colorectal Disease.

Gabrielle mentors healthcare practitioners in research and leads the post-registration education portfolio at UEA. She is currently funded by NHS England to advance practice education and supports practitioners in building evidence-based practice. As a 'Digital Champion', she promotes innovative pedagogical approaches integrating online learning.

She has been actively involved with the Association of Coloproctology Nurses (ACP), serving as East Anglian Chapter Representative (2013–2023), Chair (2019–2023), and nurse representative on the ACPGBI Research & Audit Committee (2014–2023). She also contributed to the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists Education Committee (2021–2023).