Paula Whittaker

Paula Whittaker is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the North West School of Public Health and the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care. She serves as Programme Director for the Intercalating BSc Innovation and Enterprise in Clinical Medicine, Deputy Programme Director for the MPH, and Director of Evidence-Based Practice for MPH. Her expertise spans public health, healthcare policy, and medical education. Whittaker holds qualifications including a B.Sc. (Hons) in Neuroscience, MB.ChB (Honours), and Masters in Public Health and Medical Education. She previously worked as a GP, completed Public Health specialist training, and served as a Consultant in Public Health before joining academia in 2016.

Her research focuses on systematic reviews, gender inclusivity in healthcare, maternity services, and community health interventions. Key projects include evaluating NHS health check programs and promoting inclusive language in maternity care. She contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly addressing health equity and quality education. Whittaker is involved in the Epidemiology and Public Health Group project, collaborating on topics like healthcare access and public health policy. She actively participates in academic governance roles, including membership in the Faculty of Public Health and as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.