معرفی
Dr. Esther Murray is a Reader in Health Psychology at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, specifically within the Institute of Health Sciences Education. She serves as lead for the iBSc in Medical Education and co-leads Problem Based Learning in the medical school alongside Dr. Nandini Hayes. With 15 years of experience as a health psychologist, she previously led an MSc Health Psychology program and co-directed a Doctorate in Health Psychology at London Metropolitan University from 2007 to 2015.
Her research focuses on moral injury in medicine, where she is recognized as the first researcher in the UK to explore this concept. Her work examines the psychological wellbeing of healthcare professionals, particularly in emergency and pre-hospital care settings. Her early research investigated chronic pain and its effect on doctor-patient communication, and she has extensive experience in psychological interventions in cardiac care and NHS staff communication training.
Murray's publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational health psychology research toward specialized work on moral injury, particularly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her recent work shows increasing focus on healthcare worker mental health, with multiple publications addressing the psychological impact of pandemic work conditions. She has developed expertise in translating research into practical wellbeing workshops for London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police, and hospital staff.
As an educator, she teaches health psychology on the MBBS program and Certificate in Clinical Foundation Studies, and leads multiple modules including Theory Behind Teaching and Learning, Research Methods in Clinical Education, and Practical Skills for Professionals. She also serves as a Senior Tutor and MedPro Supervisor.
Murray actively supervises research students, including PhD candidate Keely Kaluza-Smith whose work examines "the journey and transition of Middle Eastern women through Western medical school." She regularly presents at national and international conferences and has recorded podcasts for WEM, St Emlyns, and the College of Paramedics.
