Simon Otter

My research interest initially centered around the epidemiology of foot complaints in chronic disease (particularly inflammatory arthritis e.g. gout, rheumatoid arthritis and SLE) from the perspective of the patient as well as the clinician and the impact these have on the individual. As we find out more about these complaints this work has started to develop into exploring management options and the role of outcome measurement

I am currently a principal lecturer and teach into a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for health professionals and medical students across the University of Brighton.  Enthusiasm for your subject area coupled with an up to date knowledge base as key aspects for engaging students at all levels. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds including mature students, recent school leavers and workplace learners. Consequently students typically have differing learning styles. However, being engaged in a clinically-based subject, grounding teaching in the clinic arena often works well as students from all levels find they can relate to the examples being used.  This approach does need students to be engaged with the session and be prepared to contribute to the academic debate.  This approach requires a ranges of resources to underpin the teaching – where possible maximising digital innovation, blended learning and online practices. In particular relating the clinical exemplar to current research and evidence based literature is key to ensuring academic teaching reflect current evidence based practice

Simon graduated from the Wessex School of Podiatry in 1991 and worked in the NHS for nine years working in the areas of high risk foot care, nails surgery, musculoskeletal medicine and latterly paediatrics before moving to the University of Brighton to take up a teaching post in 2000.  Having led the MSc Podiatry programme from 2006-12, Simon is currently principal lecturer and Professional Head for the Podiatry Division and continues teach into a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for health professionals and medical students across the University.

My primary interests are around the nature and extent of foot & lower limb pathologies in inflammaotory arthritis (RA, SLE and Gout). My research methodology often employs a mixed methods approach to gain a person-centred and patient facing approach to invesigations. Since joining Brighton I have partnered other institutions, both clinical and academic to support research students.