About
Dr. Tom Fairfax serves as Deputy Head of Undergraduate GP Teaching at the School of Medicine, University of Sunderland, where he leads clinical skills teaching and works strategically with the GP Clinical Team to deliver placements across primary care in the North of England.
With qualifications including MA, DPhil, BMBCh, MSt MedEd, DCH, DOccMed, MRCGP, and MRCP, Dr. Fairfax taught throughout his training in Oxford and Newcastle upon Tyne before joining the Sunderland Career Start scheme in 2017. He played a key role in working with Professor Wilkes' team on successful GMC and HEFCE bids to establish the university's medical school.
His research focuses on medical education, particularly reflective practice, widening participation, and community health. Having recently completed a master's in medical education at the University of Cambridge, he explores medical educators' experiences with reflective practice while maintaining his role as a practicing General Practitioner specializing in whole-person care.
Through previous involvement with GP recruitment nationally (GPNRO) and internationally (WAST), Dr. Fairfax has demonstrated dependable clinical leadership and has initiated projects addressing workforce challenges across diverse healthcare economies, with particular emphasis on widening participation strategies.
His work emphasizes the need for expert generalists in community settings to deliver high-quality care for aging and increasingly medically complex populations, reflecting his commitment to both medical education and practical healthcare delivery.
