Meet Dr Lina Johansson, Co-Lead Clinical Academic for AHPs

Congratulations: Dr Lina Johansson appointed Co-Lead Clinical Academic for AHPs

NMAHPPS are playing an increasingly vital role in driving research and innovation across the NHS. We spoke with Dr Lina Johansson, newly appointed Co-Lead Clinical Academic for AHPs, about her priorities for supporting this growing workforce and her vision for embedding a culture of research and improvement across Imperial and beyond.

Lina, first of all congratulations on the appointment! Please tell us what you'll be doing in your new role?

My new role is as Co-Lead Clinical Academic for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).  The immediate focus is very much on continuing to develop AHP clinical academics whilst ensuring that the NHS (patients and staff) reap the benefits from the growing skilled clinical academic AHP workforce at Imperial and beyond. I'll be working alongside Dr Gemma Clunie to lead this work.

You're going to make a great pair! What do you hope to achieve in this new role?

It will be a job well done if:

• • • a) every AHP values and undertakes the role of research or service improvement in the clinical setting and can articulate it’s benefits and
    • b) that there is a well-established career pathway to support the future of clinical academic AHPs.

Personally, I am most excited about introducing a culture of innovation which is new to most AHPs. 

We can't wait to support you on that journey. Are there any challenges you can see in the future?

Many!  Research is filled with ups and downs. The financial squeeze being felt by the NHS is certainly one of the biggest challenges however, this then does spur more innovative strategies and ideas.

Lets hope we can  see lots of innovation in the future. Will you still be doing some research alongside your new role?

Definitely - I am invested in supporting the research of others and their success and implementation. I will also continue doing my own research alongside focusing on the needs of people with kidney disease. 

Can people contact you if they have questions or are interested in research?

Of course, I am very excited to hear from anyone who wants to explore new ideas, ways of working or who wants to have a chat about all things clinical academic. You can reach me by email: lina.johansson@nhs.net

Thanks Lina!  Best of luck as you begin this new chapter — we’re looking forward to collaborating with you along the way!