Heather Drury-Smith

Heather Drury-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Radiotherapy and Oncology team at the University of Sheffield Hallam, part of the Allied Health Department in the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. She specializes in breast cancer, supportive/palliative care, and end-of-life decision making. Her roles include leading the MSc in Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care, previously revalidating the MSc Enhanced Radiotherapy and Oncology, and teaching on pre- and post-registration radiotherapy programs. She holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

Education: MSc, BSc, PGCertLTHE. Prior to academia, she worked clinically as a Radiographer and Superintendent at Nottingham City Hospital and Northampton General Hospital before transitioning to education roles at Southbank University (London) and Sheffield Hallam.

Research focuses on improving end-of-life care, breast oncology, patient experience in clinical trials, and access to treatment for marginalized groups (e.g., LGBT patients). She has published widely on radiotherapy techniques, patient support needs, and palliative care innovation.

Professional activities include journal reviewing for the Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice and pursuing a Professional Doctorate on pandemic-related barriers to healthcare engagement for breast cancer patients.