Academic Qualifications
Master of Science (MSc) Applied Health Research (Merit)
University of York
2017
Advanced postgraduate study in:
- Research Methods in Healthcare
- Epidemiology
- Health Economics
- Health and Social Statistics
- Designing Randomised Controlled Trials
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis
- Qualitative Research
- Health Policy
- Measurement in Health and Disease
- Health and Social Behaviour
Research dissertation:
Quality of Reporting in Cluster Randomised Controlled Trials
A methodological review examining the reporting quality of cluster randomised controlled trials funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Educational Endowment Foundation (EEF), with recommendations for reporting improvement and methodological transparency.
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Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Chinese Herbal Medicine (Merit)
2025
Advanced postgraduate education in Chinese herbal medicine including:
- Materia medica
- Formula construction
- Clinical prescribing
- Women’s health
- Medical conditions
- Integrative healthcare
- Evidence-informed practice
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Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons) Acupuncture (Distinction)
University of Lincoln
2005
Recipient of the Faculty Award for Studies in Health.
Undergraduate education in acupuncture, biomedical sciences, clinical practice, healthcare ethics and legalities, psychology, and professional development. Clinical practice involved the management of a wide and diverse range of medical conditions.
- Human anatomy/physiology 1-3
- Health psychology
- Health and disease
- Pathophysiology
- Ethical and legal dimensions in healthcare
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Professional practice development
- Acupuncture 1-3
- Clinical practice 1-3
- Chronic illness management
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Certification in Prepared Chinese Herbal Medicine (Cert PCHM)
Northern College of Acupuncture
2006
Professional training in:
- Chinese materia medica
- Prepared herbal medicines
- Herbal prescribing
- Formula construction
- Clinical application of Chinese herbal medicine
This certification marked the beginning of a sustained professional interest in Chinese herbal medicine and evidence-informed botanical healthcare.
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Diploma in Ayurveda Therapy (Dip AyT)
2016
Professional education in:
- Ayurvedic philosophy
- Constitutional assessment
- Lifestyle medicine, topical herbal medicines and oils
- Therapeutic approaches
- Integrative healthcare
- Traditional healthcare systems
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National Certificate in Dental Nursing
National Examining Board for Dental Nurses
2002
Professional qualification supporting:
- Patient care
- Clinical assistance
- Infection control
- Communication
- Dental healthcare delivery
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NVQ Level 3 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support
Boston Health Consultants
2000–2002
Professional healthcare training including:
- Promoting equality, diversity and rights
- Supporting individuals with differing communication needs
- Effective communication and relationship building
- Team development and effectiveness
- Health, safety and security
- Patient-centred care
- Therapeutic support
This qualification provided an important early foundation in healthcare communication, patient support, multidisciplinary working, and healthcare professionalism.
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Reading Chinese Medical Classics (Distinction)
College of Traditional Acupuncture
Oxford Brookes University
2009
Specialist postgraduate study exploring classical Chinese medical texts and their application to contemporary clinical practice.
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Advanced Acupuncture Training
Guangdong Province Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Affiliated with Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
China
2008
Undertook advanced clinical training and observational study within a major Chinese medicine hospital.
The experience provided insight into:
- Integrated healthcare systems
- Traditional Chinese medicine hospital practice
- Acupuncture specialisms
- East-West medical integration
- Contemporary Chinese clinical practice
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Leadership Development and Executive Education
Leadership Development Programme
London School of Economics and Political Science
2022
Professional leadership education focusing on:
- Coaching and mentoring to develop others
- Leading diverse teams
- Transformational leadership
- Business ethics
- Character development
- Building collaborative organisational cultures
- Leadership and organisational development
The programme strengthened governance, leadership, communication, strategic thinking, and organisational development capabilities.
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CPD
2023-2026
- Herbal medicine for fertility and IVF, Dr Qin-Hua Zhang (Reproductive Department, Shanghai University): recurrent implantation failure, premature ovarian reserve, miscarriage.
- Postpartum care, evidence-based practice with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary advice by Dr Su Shan Yu.
- Mental health and wellbeing: treatment with herbal medicine by Dr (PhD) Flower
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Ethnopharmacy and Herbal Product Development
Dr Booker (PhD) UK Taiwan Academy of Traditional Medicine (UKTATM)
2026
- Quality control, manufacturing, and auditing.
- Different methods and analytical techniques used in quality control. How to test for species accuracy, heavy metals, pesticides, adulterants, and contaminants.
- The manufacturing processes of powders and granules production, dry bed granulation, fluid bed granulation, and freeze drying. Furthermore, tinctures, liquid extracts, and other extraction methods. Additionally, excipients in powders and granules.
- Licensing, regulation, and auditing of food supplements and herbal medicines.
- The roles of various regulators: the MHRA and the FSA, the BHMA and the HFMA, and how herbs are regulated in other countries.
- Pharmacopoeias and the minimum content of active ingredients in raw herbs.
- What licensing is required for each product: food supplements, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. How to obtain a Traditional Herbal Registration.
- Tincture and liquid extract manufacture.
- Pharmacology and toxicology.
- Understanding pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology, and how these relate to herbal medicines.
- Side effects and adverse reactions from herbs. Interactions between herbs and drugs.
- Examining the different types of side effects and adverse reactions, and the actions to prevent or manage them once they occur.
- Herbal Soap Manufacture.
- How to get a safety certification for cosmetic products.
- Traditional and modern techniques in pharmacognosy.
- Understanding certificates of analysis.
- Examination of common adulteration techniques and how to spot them.
- Sustainability within the supply chain.
- Fieldwork studies in India, China and Taiwan.
- Manufacture of creams and ointments.
- Making creams, ointments, tablets, capsules, and tinctures.
- Understanding the manufacturing process. How to make medicines and ensure the best stability and preservation. Understanding bacteria, moulds, and biofilms, and the steps to take to minimise them in production.
- Capsule filling.
- Content uniformity testing.
- Disintegration and dissolution testing.
- Friability testing. Microbial limit tests and environmental monitoring.
- Testing for Preservation and Stability of herbal products.
- Tablet and capsule manufacture.
- Phytochemistry of medicinal plants and Chinese herbs, focusing on specific active ingredients.
- The origins of powders, tinctures, and decoctions, and how bioavailability is influenced by different dosage forms.
- Herbs that can be consumed in their raw forms. The proper method of granule dosing. Understanding turnover rate and its clinical significance.
- Single-herb granules versus blended granule formulas for optimal clinical outcomes.
- Latest research in pharmaceutics.
- Making herbal plasters.
