We are thoroughly enjoying introducing you to our expert tutors from all around the world! Today we’re speaking to Pain Management tutor, Patricia Schofield, about life as a tutor, online learning, and how students can apply their knowledge of pain management to their daily practice.
A little bit about Patricia…
Patricia has a son and a 3 year old granddaughter, loves sailing, and has an omega dinghy. She also has 3 dogs, one of which is expecting puppies any day! Patricia has a house in France, and was once introduced to the Queen when she opened the hospital and visited Patricia’s ward in 1984.
What was your background prior to becoming a tutor on the Pain Management course? What was it that made you start teaching?
I was one of the first pain specialist nurses in the UK. I set up the acute and chronic pain services. I moved into higher education as I was doing a PhD and the University was willing to support me. I have worked in a number of Universities across the UK, and am currently working part-time in Sheffield.
What’s your favourite part of being a Learna | Diploma MSc tutor?
I love working with students from all over the world and learning about different healthcare settings and different perspectives on pain management. I am learning new things all the time.
What are the differences in being a tutor for an online course as opposed to a traditional course?
I think being an online tutor is challenging as you cannot see your students face to face, so you cannot see the ones who are struggling. You have to be aware if any students who o not engage with the discussion.
Where do you see online learning going in the future?
It’s totally the way forward. I am very interested in technology and ageing. I think COVID-19 has made us all do things differently and we now realise that things can function (sometimes better) without the need to be sat in the office or the classroom all the time.
How can students apply the knowledge gained from the Pain Management course to their daily practice?
The key is to make small manageable changes that can be achieved easily and then you will be motivated rather than disheartened. There will always be people who will not engage with change, you just have to work around them.
Advice to someone considering the Pain Management course?
Plenty of reading around the topics and be prepared to engage in the discussion.
Do you recommend any specific research tools and websites for students?
International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and EFIC have lots of resources. Join your local chapter, we have the British Pain Society.
Interested in studying our Pain Management Postgraduate Diploma or MSc courses? Find more information here.