Summary
Dr Cristina Koppel is a neurologist, researcher and clinical lecturer.
Her primary research interest is metacognition and the applied neuroscience of high performance. She specialises in the use of technology to support imagination, creativity and mental simulation for improved decision making and executive function.
Cristina obtained her medical degree from Imperial College in 2005. She holds a BSc in Neuroscience, during which she investigated transfection methods and apoptosis in CG-4 oligodendrocytes at the Weston Laboratory, Hammersmith Hospital.
Further research includes collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry on an exploratory fMRI study using hypnosis to model awareness of movements, giving insight into the loss of control experienced in schizophrenia.
She has published two books: Thinking Medicine: Structure Your Knowledge for Success in Medical Exams in 2007 and co-wrote 500 Single Best Answers in Medicine in 2011.
Cristina has an extensive background in medical education at both undergraduate and senior postgraduate levels.
She has been a fellow in medical education at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Wilson Centre, University of Toronto. She has also consulted in e-learning for King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
In 2014 she returned to her medical career in the UK. She carries out her clinical work at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Medical education research and learning design
Cristina uses grounded theory to research real-life complex environments and behaviour. She draws on neuroscience, cognitive psychology, behavioural psychology and social learning theories to design targeted interventions that make the most of our natural intelligence.
Click the research tab above for details on:
Using tech for better thinking.
-virtual patients, simulation
-social network resourcing
How to "Make this hospital teach better"
-establishing benchmarks for quality
-addressing missed opportunities
-dealing with complex environments
-rolling out technology that supports higher level thinking
International work and publications
Teaching and examining
Cristina has almost 20 years experience in teaching Year 1-6, FY1-2 and neurosurgeons in various formats including lecture, workshops, bedside tutorials and Problem Based Learning.
She has been an examiner for Problem Based Learning, OSCEs, involved in writing SBAs and Situational Judgement Test questions for the Medical Schools Council.
Currently, Cristina is an Academic Tutor for first and second year ICSM students and continues her research into metacognition alongside her clinical work at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Publications
Journals
Khamis N, Aljumaiah R, Alhumaid A, et al., 2018, Undergraduate medical students' perspectives of skills, uses and preferences of information technology in medical education: A cross-sectional study in a Saudi Medical College, Medical Teacher, Vol:40, ISSN:0142-159X, Pages:S68-S76
Jamal A, Temsah M-H, Khan SA, et al., 2016, Mobile Phone Use Among Medical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Survey in Saudi Arabia, Jmir Mhealth and Uhealth, Vol:4, ISSN:2291-5222, Pages:136-146
Deeley Q, Walsh E, Oakley DA, et al., 2013, Using Hypnotic Suggestion to Model Loss of Control and Awareness of Movements: An Exploratory fMRI Study, Plos One, Vol:8, ISSN:1932-6203
Zakaria N, Jamal A, Bisht S, et al., 2013, Embedding a learning management system into an undergraduate medical informatics course in Saudi Arabia: lessons learned., Med 2 0, Vol:2, ISSN:1923-2195
Books
Dubb SS, Shanmugarajah K, Patten DK, et al., 2011, 500 Single Best Answers in Medicine, Hodder Arnold Publishers, ISBN:9781444121520