Dermot Fitzsimons

Dermot Fitzsimons is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Speech and Language Therapy at the University of Strathclyde, where he joined in 2021 as a Teaching Associate on the BSc Hons Speech and Language Pathology course. He currently serves as Module Lead for Clinical and Professional Capabilities (CPC2, CPC3) and collaborates on innovative clinical placement approaches.

His academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy from Queen Margaret University (2019), Postgraduate Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy (2012), Master of Research from University of Strathclyde (1999), and Bachelor of Arts in Joint Honours Russian and Psychology (1996).

Fitzsimons' research centers on language and communication disorders in paediatric/adolescent marginalized populations, particularly young offenders and children in welfare/justice systems including Scotland's Children's Hearings. He actively champions diversity in the profession through initiatives targeting underrepresented groups—especially males (currently 4% of UK practitioners) and LGBTQIA+ individuals—as Student Engagement Officer for the SLT Pride Network.

His scholarly output, exemplified by the 2021 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health article, employs ecological models to examine language disorders within criminal justice contexts. This work intersects with Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and reduced inequalities, emphasizing lived experience methodologies.

He maintains active clinical practice as a Specialist CAMHS Speech and Language Therapist with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde since 2017, serves on the SLT Pride Network committee, and conducts peer reviews for the International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders.