MBE for inspiring Exeter professor dedicated to improving patient care

John Campbell, Professor of General Practice and Primary Care, has been awarded the honour, presented for his outstanding contributions to primary care of patients and improving GP services.

John, who is also Associate Dean for Research (Research Excellence Framework), said: “I’m extremely honoured and humbled to be receiving this award for my work in primary care. Through my work, I’m committed to the mission of improving the quality of patient experience of NHS primary care services. GPs are a vitally important asset to the NHS, and have a special role in providing high-quality access to NHS services. My research aims to help optimise this resource and service in challenging times. To be recognised for this is a huge commendation, and I hope that in receiving this honour, I can further my research and continue to improve patient’s experience of the NHS.”

The MBE honour, awarded by the Queen, recognises the outstanding achievement or service of an individual to the community.

Professor Clive Ballard, Executive Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “We’re extremely proud of Professor Campbell as he receives the MBE for his service to General Practice. It is an award that is truly deserved, reflecting John’s dedication to the NHS and his aim to provide research evidence aimed at supporting the NHS in developing a GP workforce and improving primary care services for patients. He has provided invaluable research which supports innovation and development in one of our most important health resources.”

Professor Campbell’s research focuses on improving patient access to, and experience of, primary care, the first point of contact in the healthcare system. In the UK this is usually with GPs, or with other members of GP-based teams. His work includes undertaking research into the recruitment and retention of GPs in the NHS workforce, and investigating new approaches to providing consultations with patients – such as using telephone-based, web-based, online, or video consulting.

Since joining the University in 2002, John has led the development of academic primary care in the South West. He is currently director of the University of Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care (APEx), a university-based, primary care-focussed research team whose members aim to improve the organisation and delivery of primary care, and to undertake high-quality clinical research programmes investigating the care of patients living with problems such as high blood pressure or mental health problems, and improving the early diagnosis of cancer.

Before moving to Exeter, John worked as a senior lecturer at King’s College London and previously as a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.  Professor Campbell has attracted over £28 million of research funding and has published over 350 papers in major academic journals. His work continues to impact primary care services through his current clinical practice and research in the NHS, and advising NHS England and the Department of Health.

John, a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners, is married to Kathy, has two adult children, and is a member of the Christian Medical Fellowship.

Watch Professor John Campbell talk about his research into primary care here. Follow him on Twitter at @profjcampbell.