Josephine McCullagh

Josephine McCullagh is a Consultant Clinical Scientist in Transfusion Medicine jointly appointed between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and Barts Health NHS Trust, with a strong academic affiliation through Queen Mary University of London's Blizard Institute within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) between 2017 and 2022, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath).

Her research interests focus on transfusion medicine, specifically the use of technology and data to improve transfusion outcomes, management of patients with iron deficiency anaemia, obstetric haematology, and the management of patients with acquired bleeding conditions including major haemorrhage. She is actively involved in the wider transfusion community as a member of the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) working expert group and co-author of the Avoidable, Delayed and Under transfused chapter in the annual SHOT report. She also serves on the Clinical Transfusion working party of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).

Dr McCullagh's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to transfusion medicine, with recent work focusing on plasma thawing techniques, whole blood transfusion for trauma, and blood product safety. Her research shows a clear trajectory toward optimizing transfusion protocols, improving emergency care outcomes, and enhancing the safety and efficiency of blood product utilization.

She has received significant recognition for her work, most notably the silver research medal by the RCPath for outstanding research work undertaken by pathologists or scientists in training. This award was for her research on the feasibility of introducing whole blood for the management of traumatic haemorrhage under the supervision of Professor Laura Green.

While specific grant funding isn't detailed in the available information, her active participation in major transfusion safety initiatives and publication record suggest involvement in significant research projects. Her work with SHOT and ISBT indicates leadership in national and international transfusion medicine communities.

Dr McCullagh maintains laboratory and clinical research activities through her positions at NHSBT, Barts Health NHS Trust, and the Blizard Institute, where she contributes to advancing transfusion science and improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.